FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

BMM 4853
AIR-CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION

FINAL AIRCOND PROJECT

LECTURER:
DR. MOHD HAZWAN BIN YUSOF

GROUP MEMBER:

HAN HAO TING MA14114

LOUIS NG TIEN JUN MA14118

NURULHAYATI BINTI MOHD RUZLAN MA14128

MUHAMMAD IFWAT BIN HAIDZIR MA14124

MOHAMAD ARIF BIN MOHAMAD ISA MA14135

 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

PROJECT BACKGROUND

As an engineer, we were requested to design a 20 × 4 m multiple layer wall which can

prevent condensation of moisture on the surface of the wall. Inside conditions are DBT = 21°C
and RH = 50%. Outside conditions are DBT = ˗30°C and RH = 50%. The inner and outer surface
heat transfer coefficients of the wall are 8.3 W/m2.K and 34.4 W/m2.K, respectively..

The things we have to consider are:

1.1.1 Temperature Difference

Condensation occurs in the inner layers of construction materials at whatever point

the partial pressure of water vapor diffuses and reaches its saturation pressure. Condensation, also
called sweating, damages materials, reduces thermal resistance, and by increasing the total heat
transfer coefficient, results in unwanted events such as increased heat loss.

1.1.2 Material.

The effect of a material upon heat transfer rates is often expressed in terms of a number
known as the thermal conductivity. Thermal conductivity values are numerical values that are
determined by experiment. The higher that the value is for a particular material, the more rapidly
that heat will be transferred through that material. Materials with relatively high thermal
conductivities are referred to as thermal conductors. Materials with relatively low thermal
conductivity values are referred to as thermal insulators.
1.1.3 Area

Another variable that affects the rate of conductive heat transfer is the area through which
heat is being transferred. For instance, heat transfer through windows of homes is dependent upon
the size of the window. More heat will be lost from a home through a larger window than through
a smaller window of the same composition and thickness. More heat will be lost from a home
through a larger roof than through a smaller roof with the same insulation characteristics. Each
individual particle on the surface of an object is involved in the heat conduction process. An object
with a wider area has more surface particles working to conduct heat. As such, the rate of heat
transfer is directly proportional to the surface area through which the heat is being conducted.

1.1.4 Thickness or Distance

Heat escaping through a Styrofoam cup will escape more rapidly through a thin-walled cup
than through a thick-walled cup. The rate of heat transfer is inversely proportional to the thickness
of the cup. A similar statement can be made for heat being conducted through a layer of cellulose
insulation in the wall of a home. The thicker that the insulation is, the lower the rate of heat transfer.
Those of us who live in colder winter climates know this principle quite well. We are told to dress
in layers before going outside. This increases the thickness of the materials through which heat is
transferred, as well as trapping pockets of air (with high insulation ability) between the individual
layers.

1.1.5 A Mathematical Equation

So far we have learned of four variables that affect the rate of heat transfer between two
locations. The variables are the temperature difference between the two locations, the material
present between the two locations, the area through which the heat will be transferred, and the
distance it must be transferred. As is often the case in physics, the mathematical relationship
between these variables and the rate of heat transfer can be expressed in the form of an equation.
 PROBLEM STATEMENT

To find minimum value of heat transfer coefficient of the wall to prevent condensation of
moisture on the surface.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this project is to study the rate of heat transfer of different materials
and choose which one is the most cost effective and low in prices. In order to study the heat transfer
rate and materials selection, several sub objectives has been identify:

i. Learning about the heat transfer rate

This is to understand how the different types of materials affect the heat transfer rate.

ii. Learning about the material selection

This is to ensure proper understanding is acquire prior in determining the right materials to
be use out of many different materials in the market.

iii. Discuss and calculate the general aspects of heat transfer through the walls

iv. Discuss and calculate the multiple layer wall that is one-dimensional, steady state
heat transfer through homogeneous, a 2.4 × 4 m multiple layer wall.

SCOPE OF WORK

This Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Project required a lot of theoretical and practical
skill to complete it. Due to lack in knowledge in practical knowledge of the materials and heat
transfer rate, hence a great amount of research is obtaining for all the knowledge essential for this
project.
 Project scope is the part of project planning that involves determining and documenting a list
of specific project goals, deliverables, tasks, costs and deadlines. The project scope as follows:

i. Developing and analysing the question.

ii. Discussion of the materials selection.

iii. Designing the process flow for the project.

iv. Do research on the cost, heat transfer rate and materials.

v. Make analysis based on the website related to the question studied.

vi. Propose testing methodology

vii. Perform comparison

viii. Analyses the data and do simple calculation.

ix. Obtain the lowest heat transfer rate and price

x. Presentation

Only with these scopes, total effectiveness can take place to satisfyingly completing this Air-

conditioning and Refrigeration project.

SCOPE OF STUDY

This study will investigate the suitable and the best cost effective, materials and lowest
heat transfer rate. Specifically this study aim to:

• To study the suitable materials that can be use in building the wall in general.

• To study the application that can be apply by comparison that being made by the different types
of materials which has different specific heat, density, thermal conductivity and price.

• To determine the best selection after the comparison has been made between the materials
selection.
 ASSUMPTION

Heat transfer through the building is assumed to be steady, if the indoor and outdoor
conditions do not vary with time. The heat transfer is assumed to be one dimensional if the
thickness of the building wall is small compared to the other two dimensions. In general, all
building walls are multi-layered and non-homogeneous and could be non-isotropic. To start with
we consider a single layered, homogeneous wall and then extend the discussion to multi-layered,
non-homogenous walls.

HOMOGENEOUS WALL

Figure 1 (a) shows a homogeneous wall separating the conditioned indoor space from the
outdoors. As shown in the figure, the wall is subjected to radiation and convection heat transfer on
both sides, while heat transfer through the wall is by conduction.

If outside and inside conditions do not vary with time, then the heat transfer through the
wall is steady, and we can construct a heat transfer network considering various heat transfer
resistances as shown in Fig 1 (b)
Figure 1: Steady state heat transfer through a building wall and the resistance network
 FLOW CHART

START

Choose Materials

Select the lowest price and low in

thermal conductivity

Different type of materials Compare with Specific Heat,

Density and Thermal Conductivity
and price.

Collect the Data

No No

Analyse Data & Verification

OK
Yes

Calculation & Compare

END

Figure 1.2. Flowchart of Project

 CHAPTER 2
MATERIAL SELECTION

 Common Bricks
 Benefits
- Economical
- Hard and durable
- Moisture proof and easy work
- Tight construction and high strength

 ‘Cement

Benefits:
- Strong

- Create large structure quickly

- Conform to different shapes

- High thermal mass

  Plywood

Benefits:
- Strength and durability

- Resistant to warping, cracking, and twisting

- Consistent strength across the entire length of the wood

- Less expensive than similar boards made of full wood species

  EPS Board

Benefits:
- Light

- Recyclable

- Low thermal conductivity

 Window
 CHAPTER 3

CALCULATIONS

3.1 Minimum Heat Transfer Coefficient

The minimum value of heat transfer coefficient of the wall is considered in the wall design to
prevent condensation of moisture on the surface.

Properties
Area of wall = 20 x 4 = 80 m2
Area of window = 1.2m x 1.2m = 1.44 m2
𝑇𝑖 = 21℃, ∅𝑖 = 50%, ℎ𝑖 = 8.3 𝑊/𝑚2 ∙ 𝐾
𝑇𝑜 = −30℃, ∅𝑜 = 50%, ℎ𝑜 = 34.4 𝑊/𝑚2 ∙ 𝐾

From Table A-4, 𝑇𝑖 = 21℃,

By interpolation,
𝑃𝑤𝑠 − 2.3392 21 − 20
=
3.1698 − 2.3392 25 − 20
𝑃𝑤𝑠 = 2.50532 𝑘𝑃𝑎

𝑃𝑤
∅=
𝑃𝑤𝑠
𝑃𝑤 = 0.5(2.50532)
= 1.25266 𝑘𝑃𝑎

From Table A-5, 𝑃𝑤 = 1.25266 𝑘𝑃𝑎,

𝑇𝑑𝑝 − 6.97 1.25266 − 1
=
13.02 − 6.97 1.5 − 1
𝑇𝑑𝑝 = 10.03 ℃
Calculating minimum heat transfer,
𝑞𝑖𝑛 = ℎ𝑖 (𝑇𝑤,𝑖 − 𝑇𝑖 )
= 8.3(10.03 − 21)
= −91.051 𝑊/𝑚2
Negative sign indicates heat is loss through the wall.

Calculating minimum Heat transfer coefficient,

𝑞𝑖𝑛 = 𝑈(𝑇𝑜 − 𝑇𝑖 )
−91.051 = 𝑈(−30 − 21)
𝑼𝒎𝒊𝒏 = 𝟏. 𝟕𝟖𝟓𝟑 𝑾/𝒎𝟐 ∙ 𝑲

3.2 Heat Transfer Coefficient (U) & Heat Transfer Rate (Q)

Material Thickness (m) Thermal Conductivity, k

Common Bricks 0.096 0.77
Cement 0.012 8.65
Plywood 0.035 0.1
EPS 0.020 0.037

Formula
1 1 ∆𝑥 1
= + + [𝑊/𝑚 ∙ 𝑘]
𝑈 ℎ𝑖 𝑘𝑤 ℎ𝑜
𝑄 = 𝑈𝐴(𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) [𝑊]
3.2.1 Wall Design A
Wall A = 4 layers of Brick + Cement Plaster + Plywood

Heat Transfer Coefficient for Wall A,

1 1 ∆𝑥 1
= +∑ +
𝑈𝐴 ℎ𝑖 𝑘𝑤 ℎ𝑜
1 1 4(0.096) 0.012 0.035 1
= + + + +
𝑈𝐴 8.3 0.77 8.65 0.1 34.4
1
= 0.9996
𝑈𝐴
𝑼𝑨 = 𝟏. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟒 𝑾/𝒎 ∙ 𝒌

Thickness of window = 0.4 m

Heat Transfer Coefficient for glass window,

1 1 ∆𝑥 1
= + +
𝑈𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑤 ℎ𝑖 𝑘𝑤 ℎ𝑜
1 1 0.4 1
= + +
𝑈𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑤 8.3 0.78 34.4
1
= 0.6624
𝑈𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑤
𝑼𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒘 = 𝟏. 𝟓𝟎𝟗𝟕 𝑾/𝒎 ∙ 𝒌

(𝐴𝑈)𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝐴 + (𝐴𝑈)𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑤
𝑈𝑜,𝐴 =
𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 + 𝐴𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑤
(78.56)(1.0004) + (1.44)(1.5097)
𝑈𝑜,𝐴 =
78.56 + 1.44
𝑼𝒐,𝑨 = 𝟏. 𝟎𝟎𝟗𝟔 < 𝑼𝒎𝒊𝒏

Heat Transfer rate through Wall A,

𝑄𝐴 = 𝑈𝑜,𝐴 𝐴𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 )
𝑄𝐴 = 1.0096(80)(21 + 30)
𝑸𝑨 = 𝟒𝟏𝟏𝟗. 𝟏𝟔𝟖 𝑾
3.2.2 Wall Design B
Wall B = 4 layers of Brick Wall + Cement Plaster + Plywood + EPS

Heat Transfer Coefficient for Wall B,

1 1 ∆𝑥 1
= +∑ +
𝑈𝐵 ℎ𝑖 𝑘𝑤 ℎ𝑜
1 1 0.384 0.012 0.035 0.020 1
= + + + + +
𝑈𝐵 8.3 0.77 8.65 0.1 0.037 34.4
1
= 1.5402
𝑈𝐵
𝑼𝑩 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟒𝟗𝟑 𝑾/𝒎 ∙ 𝒌 < 𝑈𝑚𝑖𝑛

(𝐴𝑈)𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝐵 + (𝐴𝑈)𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑤
𝑈𝑜,𝐵 =
𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝐵 + 𝐴𝑤𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑤
(78.56)(0.6493) + (1.44)(1.5097)
𝑈𝑜,𝐵 =
78.56 + 1.44
𝑈𝑜,𝐵 = 0.6645 < 𝑈𝑚𝑖𝑛

Heat Transfer rate through Wall B,

𝑄𝐵 = 𝑈𝑜,𝐴 𝐴𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 )
𝑄𝐵 = 0.6645(80)(21 + 30)
𝑸𝑩 = 𝟐𝟕𝟏𝟏. 𝟏𝟔 𝑾

3.3 Material Cost

3.3.1 Common Brick

Thickness of Plaster Cement = 0.012m

Assuming cement is being plastered on every surface of the brick with thickness of 0.006m.
Volume of Wall, V
V = (Area of wall – Area of window) x (Thickness of brick + plaster cement) x 4
= [(20m x 4m) – (1.2m x 1.2m)] x (0.096m + 0.012m) x 4
= 33.93792 m3

Volume of One Common Brick, V1

V1 = 0.220m x 0.096m x 0.068m = 1.43616x10-3 m3

Volume of One Common Brick with applied Plaster Cement, V2

V2 = 0.232m x 0.108m x 0.080m = 2.00448x10-3 m3

Number of Common Bricks for Design Wall (Plastered with cement), N1

N1 = (V / V2)
= (33.93792 m3 / 2.00448x10-3 m3)
= 16931.0345
≈ 16932 bricks

Common Brick Cost, C1

C1 = N1 x Cost of one common brick
= 16932 x RM 0.42
= RM 7111.44

3.3.2 Cement
1 Bag = 50kg
Density of Plaster Cement = 1885kg/ m3

Volume covered by 16932 number of Common Bricks, V3

V3 = N1 x V1
 = 16932 x 1.43616x10-3 m3
= 24.31706112 m3

Volume of Plaster Cement, V4

V4 = V – V3
= 33.93792 m3 - 24.31706112 m3
= 9.62085888 m3

This is wet volume that means we need this much volume of cement mortar after mixing water,
So for dry volume, we have to add 30-35% as bulkage of sand, we are using 35% and wastage as
20%. In this project, only cement part is considered without sand part for simplification.

Dry Volume of Plaster Cement, V5

V5 = 1.54 x V4
= 1.54 x 9.62085888 m3
= 14.81612268 m3

Number of Plaster Cement bags required, N2.

N2 = (V5 x Density of Plaster Cement) / 50
= 14.81612268 m3 x 1885kg/ m3) / 50
= 558.5678
≈ 559 bags

Cement Cost, C2
C2 = N2 x Cost of one plaster cement bag
= 559 x RM 15.37
= RM 8591.83
3.3.3 Plywood
Thickness of Plywood = 0.035m

Volume of Plywood required, V6

V6 = (Area of wall – Area of window) x Thickness of Plywood
= [(20m x 4m) – (1.2m x 1.2m)] x (0.035m)
= 2.7496 m3

Plywood Cost, C3
C3 = V6 x Cost of Plywood per Cubic meter
= 2.7496 x ($350 x RM3.95)
= RM 3801.32

3.3.4 EPS
Thickness of EPS = 0.02m

Required Area of EPS

A = (Area of wall – Area of window)
= [(20m x 4m) – (1.2m x 1.2m)]
= 78.56 m2

EPS Cost, C4
C4 = Required Area x Cost of EPS per Square meter
= 78.56 m2 x ($26 x RM 3.95) / m2
= RM 8068.11

3.3.5 Window
Area of window = 1.2m x 1.2m = 1.44 m2

Window Cost, C5
C5 = Area of Window x Cost of window glass per Square meter
= 1.44 m2 x ($150 x RM3.95)/ m2
= RM 853.20

3.3.6 Total Cost

Wall A = C1+C2+C3+C5
 = RM 7111.44+ RM 8591.83+ RM 3801.32+ RM853.20
= RM 20,357.79

Wall B = C1+C2+C3+C4+C5
= RM 7111.44+ RM 8591.83+ RM 3801.32+ RM8068.11+RM853.20
= RM 28,425.90

3.4 Comparison

WALL DESIGN A DESIGN B

Materials 4 Brick layers, Cement 4 Brick layers, Cement
Plaster, Plywood, Glass Plaster, Plywood, Glass
Window Window, EPS
Thickness 0.431m 0.451m
Total Cost RM 20,357.79 RM 28,425.90
Overall Heat Transfer 1.0096 W/m∙k 0.6645 W/m∙k
Coefficient, Uo
Heat Transfer Rate 4119.168 W 2711.16 W
Through The Wall, Q

Table 3.1: Comparison of thickness, cost, heat transfer coefficient and heat transfer rate through
wall

Comparing multiple walls with (Design A) and without adding insulating material (Design B) such
as EPS, indeed, Wall B can prevent heat loss more efficiently since it have lower heat transfer rate
of 2711.16 W than Wall A of 4119.168W. In addition, wall B which consist of EPS layer cost
higher as compared to Wall A. Therefore, it is concluded that the wall with insulator has lower
heat transfer rate through the wall, but with high cost.
Furthermore, as thickness of wall increases, the heat transfer rate can be varied and there is no
specific increasing or decreasing trend. This is owing to different materials with different thermal
conductivity are added. However, under similar materials, it is seen that Wall B with greater
thickness has lower heat transfer coefficient than that of Wall A. Thus, the thicker the wall, the
lower the heat transfer rate through the wall.

3.5 Conclusion

Based on the given information, the calculation was performed in order to find the
minimum value of heat transfer coefficient. Then, the result is set to be benchmarking for designing
multilayer of wall which can prevent condensation of moisture on the surface of the wall. Types
of material which are selected are common brick, cement, plywood, glass window and EPS. By
using those selected material, different combination of material to build the wall were design and
heat transfer coefficient calculated to make sure it meet minimum requirement. There are 2 types
of wall design to be developed which are design A (Brick + Cement Plaster + Plywood + Window)
and design B (Brick + Cement Plaster + Plywood + Window + EPS).

In order to fulfill the minimum heat transfer coefficient of the wall to prevent condensation of
moisture on the wall surface, the heat transfer coefficient through the window(𝑼𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒘 ) and wall
(𝑼𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒍 ) are less than 1.6275𝑊/𝑚2 ∙ 𝐾, contributing to lower overall heat transfer coefficient.

𝑈𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 1.6275 𝑊/𝑚2 ∙ 𝐾

Wall with design B is selected because of its lower heat transfer rate through the wall, even though
it costs more on raw materials. Heat transfer coefficient is such important criteria to be considered
since the main purpose of the project to keep the room temperature in the rate as low as possible
from heat loss, especially in winter and summer season. Thus, combination of brick, cement
plaster, plywood and glass window by adding insulating material like EPS is the most suitable
design in term of highest effectiveness on keeping warm inside house in winter.
 REFERENCES

1. https://www.ewarehouse.atkc.com.my/
2. https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Fiberglass-FRP-EPS-Sandwich-Board-
Partition_456769507.html?spm=a2700.7724838.2017115.22.3ab6270553PGna&s=p
3. https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/12mm-19mm-pp-plastic-water-
proof_60738804755.html?spm=a2700.7724838.2017115.33.48601a4cM6cdvn&s=p
4. https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/6063-T5-powder-coated-White-
80mm_1944804392.html?spm=a2700.7724838.2017115.13.10d879baHCLz0X&s=p