Applied Thermodynamics

REFRIGERATION CYCLES
Refrigeration is a term used to denote the process of maintaining a space or a body
at a temperature lower than that of its surroundings. To produce and maintain the low
temperature, it is necessary to transfer heat from the space to be refrigerated or the cold
body to the place where it is not highly objectionable. A refrigerator is a device that is
employed to accomplish refrigeration by the expenditure of external energy in the form of
work or heat or both. For the refrigerator to operate continuously, it must reject heat to an
external sink, usually the atmosphere. The working substance used in the refrigerator, which
absorbs the heat from the refrigerated space and rejects to the sink, is called a refrigerant.

Capacity and Coefficient of performance of a refrigerator: - The heat removed from the
refrigerated space or the cold body is called “refrigeration effect” or “capacity of the
refrigerator”. The refrigeration effect is normally expressed in tons of refrigeration. The term
“ton” is derived from the old British system of units and it means the amount of heat that has
to be removed from 1 ton of water at 00C to convert it into ice at 00C in 24 hours. In SI system
of units this will be equal to 211kJ/min or 3.517kW. Thus,
1 ton of refrigeration = 3.517 kW= 3.52kW.
The performance of a refrigerator is also expressed in terms of power required to produce 1
ton of refrigeration and expressed in kW / ton.
The “coefficient of performance” is another parameter used to measure the effectiveness of
a refrigerator and is defined as the ratio of the heat removed from the refrigerated space or
cooling effect to the required energy input; that is

..(6.1)
Refrigeration Cycles: - The cyclic process executed by the refrigerant to produce the required
refrigeration effect is called the refrigeration cycle / heat pump cycle. Refrigeration cycles are
classified into two types; namely
(i) Gas refrigeration cycles and
(ii) Vapor refrigeration cycles.

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As the name suggests, in the case of gas refrigeration cycle the working substance will
be in gaseous phase throughout out the cycle, where as in vapor refrigeration cycles the
working substance will undergo a change of phase from liquid phase to vapor phase in one
part of the cycle and from vapor phase to liquid phase in another part of the cycle. Vapor
refrigeration cycles are further classified into two types, namely (a) Vapor compression cycle
and (b) vapor absorption cycle.
Gas Refrigeration Cycles

Carnot Gas Refrigeration Cycle (Carnot Refrigerator):- Figure-6.1 shows the schematic
diagram and T – s diagram for a Carnot refrigeration cycle.

Figue-6.1

Process 1-2:- Isentropic compression of the working substance from state 1 to state 2.
During this process work is done on the substance by the surroundings.
Process 2-3:- Reversible isothermal cooling of the working substance in the intercooler.

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During this process (process 2-3), heat is rejected by the working substance to the sink at
temperature TH.
Process 3-4:- Isentropic expansion of the working substance from state 3 to state 4. During
this process work is done by the working substance on the surroundings.
Process 4-1:- Reversible isothermal heating of the working substance from the place to be
refrigerated (cold chamber) maintained at temperature TL.
Expression for Expression for Refrigeration effect and COP

Refrigeration effect per unit mass = Heat removed from the refrigerated space = qR = q 4-1

(6.2)

Eq.6.2 indicates that COP increases as (TH – TL) decreases. For a given cold body temperature,
the lower the temperature at which heat is rejected, greater will be the COP.
Disadvantages of a Carnot Refrigerator: - The Carnot refrigeration cycle is the most efficient
refrigeration cycle operating between the two specific temperature levels. But it
is not a suitable model for refrigeration cycles because of the following reasons. It is difficult
to maintain isothermal conditions during heat absorption and heat rejection processes.

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Further both the expansion process and the compression process must take place very slowly
if the processes have to be quasi-static with the result the time required to complete each
cycle of operation is very large and hence impracticable. Nevertheless, the Carnot refrigerator
is valuable as a standard of comparison, since it represents perfection.

Ideal Air Refrigeration (Reversed Brayton Cycle or Bell – Coleman Cycle)

Assumptions made in the analysis of the ideal cycle
(i) The working fluid is air
(ii) Air behaves as a perfect gas.
(iii) All processes that the working substance undergoes are reversible.
(iv) There are no pressure losses in the piping connecting the various components and also
in the heat exchanger.
(v) Flow is steady and one dimensional.
(vi) Changes in kinetic and potential energies of the working substance are negligible.
Description of an ideal air refrigeration cycle: Figure 6.2 (a) and 6.2 (b) shows the schematic
and T – s diagram for an air refrigeration cycle.
.

Fig. 6.2 : Schematic and T-s diagrams for air refrigeration cycle
Process 1-2:- Isentropic compression of air from state 1 to state 2. During this process work
is done on air by the surroundings.
Process 2-3:- Constant pressure cooling of air in the intercooler.

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Process 3-4:- Isentropic expansion of air from state 3 to state 4. During this process work is
done by air on the surroundings.
Process 4-1:- Constant pressure heat removal by air in the cold chamber so that it comes
back to original state to complete the cycle
Expressions for Refrigeration effect and COP

Let QR = Refrigeration effect per unit time = Heat removed from the cold chamber per
unit time
Applying steady-state steady- flow energy equation to the cold chamber and noting that
changes in kinetic and potential energies are assumed to be neglected we have
m h4 = QR + m h1, where m is the mass flow rate of refrigerant through the cold chamber.
or QR = m (h1 – h4) = mCp(T1 – T4)
Similarly compressor work input = Wc = m (h2 – h1) = mCp(T2 – T1)
And expansion work = We = m (h3 – h4) = mcp(T3 – T4)
Therefore net work input to the cycle = Wn = Wc − We
Or Wn = mCp(T2 – T1) – mCp(T3 – T4)
Coefficient of performance = COP = QR / W

mcp(T1  T2 ) 1
mcp(T2  T1 )  mcp(T3  T4 ) (T2  T3 )  1
= =

(T1  T4 )

 1
T2 P2
For the process 1-2, which is isentropic ( ) 
T1 P1
 1  1
T3 P3 P
.Similarly ( ) 
( 2) 
T4 P4 P1
 1  1
T2 T3 P3 P
Hence  ( ) 
( 2) 
T1 T4 P4 P1
Therefore by substituting above relations we get

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 Applied Thermodynamics

. It can be seen from above equation that COP for an ideal gas refrigeration cycle depends
only on the compressor pressure ratio. The variation of COP with respect to the pressure ratio
is shown below.

Fig: Variation of COP with pressure ratio for an ideal gas refrigeration cycle

It should be noted that the pressure ratio p2 / p1 have limitations on account of the
operating temperatures, viz.,
(i) T1 as the highest refrigeration temperature and
(ii) T3 as the lowest ambient temperature.
The effect of discharge pressure p2 on the performance of an ideal gas refrigeration cycle
is illustrated on the T-s diagram shown in Fig. 6.4. Point 1 on the diagram is fixed by the
temperature T1 and pressure p1 (p1is generally atmospheric). Point 3 is fixed because of the
limitations of the ambient temperature T3 to which the gas can be cooled in the intercooler.
The discharge pressure can however be varied within wider limits, starting from a minimum
discharge pressure p2,min onwards as shown in the figure. With
the compressor discharge pressure equal to p2,min the refrigeration effect is zero. The air is
alternately compressed and expanded between points 2min and 1. The net work input is also
zero and hence the COP is indeterminate. However as p2 is increased, though the The
comparison between the Carnot cycle and the ideal gas refrigeration cycle is illustrated on
the T-s diagram shown in Fig. 6.6. It can be seen from this diagram, that, for the same

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 Applied Thermodynamics

compressor inlet conditions (state 1) and same ambient conditions (state 3), the ideal air
refrigeration cycle requires an additional work input of  wn and there is a decrease in the
refrigeration effect by an amount  qR, thereby decreasing the COP of the cycle

Comparison between Carnot cycle and Ideal Refrigeration Cycle

Mechanical Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle

Limitations of Carnot Refrigeration Cycle With Vapor as a Refrigerant:- The Carnot
refrigeration cycle can be used as a practical cycle with certain modifications. Though the
isothermal process of heat rejection and heat absorption can be achieved in practice, it is
extremely difficult to achieve isentropic compression (process 1-2) and isentropic expansion
(process 3-4) in practice when the vapor is wet. Therefore in a mechanical vapor compression
refrigeration cycle, the isentropic expansion is replaced by a throttling expansion or by an
expansion through a capillary and the compression of wet vapor is avoided.

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 Applied Thermodynamics

General flow diagram for Carnot cycle Carnot vapor refrigeration cycle

Analysis of an Ideal Mechanical Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle

Assumptions:-
(i) The compression process in the compressor is isentropic
(ii) The refrigerant enters the compressor as a dry saturated vapor.
(iii)There are no pressure losses in the piping connecting the various components as well as
in the heat exchangers, viz., the condenser and the evaporator.
(iv)The flow of the refrigerant is steady and one dimensional.
(v)Changes in kinetic and potential energies of the refrigerant, as it flows through the various
components, are negligible.
A schematic diagram of a mechanical vapor compression refrigeration cycle is shown below
with the corresponding T – s and p – h diagrams.

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Process 1-2: Isentropic compression of the refrigerant from state-1 to state-2. During this
process work is done on the refrigerant by the surroundings. At the end of the process the
refrigerant will be in superheated vapor state.
Process 2-3: Constant pressure condensation of the refrigerant in the condenser till it
becomes a saturated liquid.
Process 3-4: Throttling expansion of the refrigerant from condenser pressure to the
evaporator pressure.
Process 4-1: Constant pressure vaporization of the refrigerant in the evaporator till it becomes
a dry saturated vapor. During this process heat is absorbed by the refrigerant from the place
to be refrigerated.
Applying steady flow steady state energy equation to the evaporator and neglecting the
changes in kinetic and potential energies we have
Refrigeration effect = QR = m (h1 – h4)
Since process 3-4 is a throttling process, h4 = h3.
..
Hence QR = m (h1 – h3)

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 Applied Thermodynamics

Similarly, by applying steady flow, steady state energy equation to compressor we get
Compressor work input = Wc = m (h2 – h1)

Factors effecting Vapor compression refrigeration system

(i) Sub-cooling the refrigerant: - The process of cooling below the condensing temperature
for a given pressure is known as sub cooling. The effect of sub cooling the refrigerant before
it enters the expansion valve on the performance of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle
is shown on T-s diagram below.

31

 In above diagram 1-2-3-4-1 represents the ideal cycle without sub-cooling, while 1-2-3’-
4’-1 is the cycle with sub-cooling.

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 It can be seen form the T-s diagram that by sub-cooling the refrigerant say up to 3’, the
refrigeration effect per unit mass has increased from (h1 – h4) to (h1 – h4’)

 There is no change in work input or compressor work.

 Thus sub cooling results in increase in COP of the refrigeration system.

 Therefore, it is desirable to sub-cool the refrigerant before it enters the throttle valve.

(ii) Effect of evaporator pressure: - Let the suction or evaporator pressure is reduced from P0
to Po1 as shown in the figure below.

21

11
41

 In above diagram 1-2-3-4-1 represents the ideal vapor compression refrigeration cycle
with evaporator pressure P0, while 11-21-3-4’-11 is the cycle with reduced evaporator
pressure P01.

 Reduction in the evaporator pressure decreases the refrigeration effect from (h1-h4) to
(h11-h41).

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 The work of compression increases from (h2-h1) to (h21-h11). Since (h2-h1) > (h21-h11), the
COP of the system decreases with decreases in evaporator pressure.

 When pressure in the evaporator decreases the refrigerant vapor specific volume
increases from v1 to v11. This will increase the size of the compressor.

 Volumetric efficiency decreases due to increase in pressure ratio since P 0> P01.

(ii) Effect of condenser: - Let the condenser pressure is reduced from Pc to Pc1 with saturated
liquid refrigerant entering into the throttle valve as shown in the figure. It results in the
following observations;

21
T

31

41

(i) Decrease in refrigeration effect and increase in compressor work for the given condition
of the refrigerant entering the compressor and saturated liquid entering the throttle
valve. .

(ii) The refrigeration effect decreases from (h4-h1) to (h41-h1) and compressor work increases
from (h2-h1) to (h21-h1). Thus the COP of refrigeration decreases.

(iii) The volumetric efficiency of the compressor will decreases because of increases in
delivery pressure.

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(iv) This type of situation happens when we take the refrigerator from a cold region to a hotter
region where the ambient temperature is higher.

Thus, the discharge pressure should be kept as low as possible so as to have higher COP
which mainly depends on the cooling medium available for heat rejection.

Effect of Super heating the vapor: - Superheating the vapor at the inlet to the compressor is
preferred because it ensures the complete vaporization of the liquid in the evaporator. For
refrigerant like Freon -12 maximum COP is obtained with superheating of suction vapor. The
result is as follows;

21

11

 Increase in specific volume of the suction vapor from v1 to v11.

 The increase in refrigeration effect from (h1-h4) to (h11-h4)

 Increase in specific work from (h2-h1) (h21-h1) to (h41-h1) (h21-h1) > (h2-h1),

Refrigerants: - A refrigerant is the primary working fluid used for absorbing and transporting
the heat in a refrigeration system. it is the heat transporting agent from the evaporator to the
condenser. Refrigerant absorb heat at a low temperature and pressure from the space to be

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 Applied Thermodynamics

cooled and releases the heat at a higher temperature and pressure in the condenser. Most
refrigerant undergo phase changes during heat absorption process and heat releasing during
condensation.
The refrigerants may be classified into two main groups depending upon how they absorb
heat as (i) primary refrigerants (ii) Secondary refrigerants.
Primary refrigerants include those refrigerants, which cool the substance directly by
absorption of heat of evaporation and transport it to the condenser. Such refrigerants like
NH3, CO2, SO2, Methyl chloride, CFC and HFC and aqua ammonia. All these refrigerants are
employed in standard compression refrigeration system except aqua ammonia which is used
in absorption system. Secondary refrigerants are those substances which cool the required
space by absorbing sensible heat only. It forms a link between the substance to be cooled and
the primary refrigerant. Air, water, calcium chloride and brine solution are the secondary
refrigerants.
Desirable properties of refrigerants; - The desirable properties of refrigerants are
1. The saturation pressure at the evaporator temperature should be slightly above
atmospheric pressure to ensure that no air leaks into the system.

2. The pressure difference between the evaporator and the condenser should be moderate.
If the difference is more work of compression increases and probability of leakage will
increases.

3. The triple point and the critical point for the refrigerants should be far from range of
operation of the refrigeration system.

4. Specific volume of the refrigerants should be small to reduce the size of the compressor
and to avoid the high flow velocities. The specific volume of the suction vapor required
per ton of refrigeration is an indication of the size of the compressor. Reciprocating
compressor are used for refrigerants with high pressure and small suction volumes.

5. High enthalpy of evaporation is required which reduces the refrigerant flow rate.

6. The freezing temperature should be sufficiently below the operating temperature to avoid
any blocking of the refrigerants.

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7. The refrigerants should be acceptably safe for humans and manufacturing processes with
little or no toxicity and it should not be flammable and explosive.

8. The refrigerants should have reasonable solubility with water. The presence of the
moisture is very critical in refrigeration system working below 00C. If more water is
present than can be dissolved by the refrigerants then there is a danger of ice formation.
And subsequent choking of valves or capillary tubes.

9. The refrigerants should have high thermal conductivity, low viscosity, low specific heats
and easily available.

10. Refrigerants should have low ozone depletion potential.

Some common refrigerants:- No single refrigerant available will satisfies all the ideal
properties required for refrigeration purposes. Some refrigerants are well suited for particular
application but completely unsuitable for other applications. Recent environmental issues are
causing a shift from traditional and very stable refrigerants such as R11 and R12 to others
with less environmental impacts. Now R12 and 134a are replacing R11 and R12.
(1) Ammonia: - This is one of the oldest refrigerants, still widely used in industrial application,
is an excellent from thermodynamic point of view. High latent heat of vaporization hence
compressor size required is small. It has excellent heat transfer characteristics and relatively
cheap. In the presence of water, it strongly attacks copper and cuprous alloy hence ferrous
alloys are used. It is non-miscible with mineral lubricating oils. The main negative point is
irritating odor and mildly toxic.
(2) Carbon Dioxide: - It is used as dry ice or solid carbon dioxide only in transport vehicles.
(3) Water: - High freezing temperature of water limits its use in vapor compression systems.
Water is used as the refrigerant in some absorption system and in systems with steam jet
compression.
Halocarbon Refrigerants: - Although there are many refrigerants in this category only few are
important.
(1) Tricloromonofluoromethane (R-ll): - It is non-corrosive, non-toxic and noninflammable. Its
normal boiling point is 23.7°C. Since it is a low-pressure refrigerant (with high specific
volume), a centrifugal compressor is generally required. It is generally used in large central air
conditioning systems.

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(2) Dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12): - It is a clear, odorless liquid with normal boiling point of
-29.80C, thus allowing positive evaporating pressure for wide range of applications. This
refrigerant has low latent heat of vaporization, highly inert and stable. It has high ozone
depletion potential and green house potential therefore; environmental concern will severely
restrict its use in future.
(3) Mono cloro difluoro methane(R-22): - Used in unitary air-conditioners and heat pumps,
chillers, commercial and industrial applications. Its normal boiling point (NBP) is -40.8° higher
than R-12, greater enthalpy of evaporation and vapor is denser It has low ozone depletion
potential than R-12 and hence lower global warming potential, hence slightly environmentally
friendly.
(4) Refrigerant 134a (R-134a): - Very similar to R-12 with NBP is -26°C, no chlorine atoms and
hence ozone depletion potential is zero and very less (5%) global warming effect than R-12.

Absorption Refrigeration system: - The absorption system is a heat operated unit which uses
a refrigerant that alternatively absorbed and released from the absorbent. In the basic
absorption system, the compressor in the vapor compression cycle is replaced by an absorber
- generator assembly involving less mechanical work. The most popular aqua ammonia vapor
absorption refrigeration system is as shown.
The ammonia vapor is vigorously absorbed in water. So when low pressure vapor from the
evaporator comes in contact in the absorber with weak solution water coming from the
generator, it is readily absorbed, releasing the latent heat of condensation. Thus the
temperature of the solution tends to rise, while the absorber is cooled by the circulating
water, absorbing heat of solution (Qa) and maintaining a constant temperature. Strong
solution rich in ammonia is pumped to the generator, where heat Qg is supplied from the
external source. Since the boiling point of ammonia is less than that of water, ammonia vapor
is given off from the ammonia solution at high pressure, and the weak .solution returns to the
absorber through the pressure reducing valve. A heat exchanger preheats the strong solution
and pre-cools the weak solution, reducing both Qg and Qa. The ammonia vapor coming out
of the generator then condenses in the condenser and then throttled by the expansion valve.
The refrigerant then enters the evaporator and absorbs heat from the surrounding or from
the brine solution in the form of latent heat of evaporation. The evaporated refrigerant enters
the absorber and the cycle repeats.
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 Applied Thermodynamics

Actual vapor absorption system: - In driving the ammonia vapor out of the solution in the
generator, it is impossible to avoid some of the water vapor. This water vapor going to the
condenser along with the ammonia vapor after condensation may get frozen to ice and block
the expansion valve. So an analyzer rectifier combination is used to eliminate water vapor
from the ammonia vapor going into the condenser.
Analyzer: - It is a direct contact heat exchanger consisting of a series of trays mounted above
the generator. The strong solution from the absorber flows downward over the trays to cool
the outgoing vapors. Since the saturation temperature of water is higher than that of
ammonia it is the water vapor which condenses first. As the vapor passes upward through the
analyzer it is cooled and enriched by ammonia and the liquid is heated.
Rectifier: - The function of the rectifier is to further cool the vapor leaving the analyzer so that
the almost all water vapor is condensed and only dehydrated ammonia gas is allowed to pass
to the condenser. This is a closed type of vapor cooler and is generally water-cooled and may
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 Applied Thermodynamics

be of double pipe shell and coil or shell and tube type. The condensed aqua is drained back
to the analyzer and generator.
Aqua heat exchangers: - There are two heat exchangers, one between the generator and
absorber and second one between receiver and evaporator. The heat exchanger located
between the absorber and generator serves to cool the weak aqua and heat the strong aqua
solutions. The heat exchanger located between the receiver and evaporator has two
purposes.
Some common refrigerant – absorbent systems: - Some of the desirable characteristics of a
refrigerant absorbent pair for an absorption system are, low viscosity to minimize the pump
work, low freezing point and good chemical and thermal stability. In addition to this two main
thermodynamic requirement are
(1) Solubility requirement: - The refrigerant should have good solubility so that the strong
solution highly rich in refrigerant is obtained in the absorber by the absorption of refrigerant
vapor.
(2) Boiling requirement: -There should be large difference in the normal boiling point of the
two substances; it should be at least 2000C, so that the absorbent exerts negligible vapor
pressure at the generator temperature. Thus, almost absorbent free refrigerant is boiled off
from the generator and absorbent alone returns to the absorber.
The two commonly used refrigerant absorbent pairs are
(1) Ammonia- water – Aqua ammonia: - Ammonia is the refrigerant and act as absorbent. It
satisfies the solubility criterion but boiling point difference is only 138 0C.

(2) Lithium bromide and water: - Lithium bromide as absorbent and water as refrigerant. It
satisfies both the solubility and boiling point requirements but the solution is highly
corrosive. This system can be used in applications where low refrigeration temperatures
are not required such as air-conditioning where evaporator temperature need not be
below 00C. Since lithium bromide solution has extremely low vapor pressure it has got
great affinity for water vapor. When the two are place side by side in a closed evacuated
system water boils and evaporates.

Comparisons between vapor compression and vapor absorption systems

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Vapor compression system
1. Energy supplied is mechanical or
electrical, which is high-grade energy.
2. More wear and tear due to large
number of moving parts in the
compressor.
3. COP decreases with decrease in
evaporator pressure.
4. The part load performance is low.
5. The presence of water in the suction line
damages the compressor.
6. Larger space requirement for unit
capacity.
7. Difficult to control the capacity
automatically.
8. This system can be used when the
electricity is available with low cost.
9. Charging is simple
Problems on Refrigeration
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Applied Thermodynamics
Vapor absorption system
1. Energy supplied is mainly heat, which
is low-grade energy.
2. Less wear, tear and noise, as the
number of moving parts in the pumps
is less.
3. This system works with lower
evaporator pressure without decrease
in COP.
4. The part load performance is better.
5. The presence of water droplet in the
suction line constitutes no danger
6. Smaller capacity per unit capacity.
7. Automatic control of capacity is easy.
8. This is a good option where electricity
is costly and fuel is available at low
cost.
9. Charging the system is very difficult
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 Applied Thermodynamics

AIR REFRIGERATION
1. An open air refrigeration system operating between pressures of 16 bar and 1 bar,
required to produce 33.5 kW of refrigeration. The temperature of air leaving the
refrigerated room is -50C and that leaving the air cooler is 300C. Assuming no losses and
clearances, calculate for the theoretical cycle

(a) Weight rate of air circulated per minute

(b) Piston displacement of the compressor and expender
(c) Net work
(d) COP
2. A dense air machine operates between 17 bar and 3.4 bar. The temperature of air after
the cooler is 150C and after the refrigerating coil is 60. Determine the (Air circulation per
minute (b) work of the compressor and the expander/TR (c) Theoretical COP and hp/TR
3. An air refrigerating machine working on Bell-Coleman cycle takes in air into the compressor
at 1 bar and -50C. It is compressed in the compressor to 5 bar and is cooled to 250C at
constant pressure. In the expander it is expanded to 1bar. The isentropic efficiency of the
compressor and the expander are 85% and 90% respectively. Calculate
(a) Refrigerating capacity of the system if the mass flow rate is 30kg/m ( (b) Power
required to run the compressor
(c) COP
𝑻′𝟐 −𝑻𝟏
Hint : ηc = =T2 =460.12K
𝑻𝟐 −𝑻𝟏

𝑻𝟐𝟑 −𝑻𝟒
ηT = =T4 =205.5K
𝑻𝟑 −𝑻𝟒′

refrigeration effect = mcp(T1-T4)= 60.8kJ/s

power input to the compressor = mcp(T2-T1) =100.178kJ/s
𝑹𝑬
COP = 𝑾𝒏𝒆𝒕 =0.607

VAPOR COMPRESSION SYSTEM

1. A vapor compression refrigerator circulates 4.5kg of ammonia per hour. Condensation
takes place at 300C and evaporation at -150C. There is no undercooling of refrigerant. The
temperature after isentropic compression is 750C and the specific heat of the superheated
vapor is 2.82kJ/kgK. Determine

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(i) COP

(ii) Ice produced in kg/ hr in the evaporator from water at 20 0C and ice at 00C. The
enthalpy of fusion of ice is 336kJ/kg and the specific heat of water 4.187 kJ/kg K

(iii) The effective swept volume of the compressor in m3/min.

2. An ammonia plant having a capacity of 15 tons is working at an evaporator temperature

of -50C and a condenser temperature of 300C. The refrigerant is superheated to 50C before
entering the compressor. A two cylinder single acting compressor is used which runs at
900rpm. Determine (i) COP (ii) Mass of ammonia (iii) Bore and stroke of the cylinder
assuming that L= 1.5xD and neglect the clearance.

3. An ideal vapor compression refrigeration system operates on Freon- 12 between the

temperature limits of 300C and -50C without undercooling. Vapor leaving the compressor
is dry saturated. Estimate the power input to the compressor if the refrigerating capacity
of the unit is 1.5tons

4. Refrigeration is desired at -100C. Cooling water having a mean temperature of 300C is

available. Assume that a 50C difference is required for heat flow both in condenser and
the evaporator. The refrigerant is Fr-12. The compressor has an isentropic efficiency of
75%, volumetric efficiency of 80% and the piston displacement is 6m3/min. Neglecting the
other losses determine the (i) Tonnage of refrigeration (ii) Shaft power (iii) COP.

5. An ideal vapor compression system with Freon -12 as the working fluid operates with an
evaporator temperature of -280C and a condenser pressure of 10 bar. The fluid leaves the
condenser sub-cooled by 12.90C. The compression is adiabatic with an efficiency of 75%.
Calculate the COP of the machine.

6. A food storage plant requires a refrigeration capacity of 50 kW. It works between a

condenser temperature of 34°C and an evaporator temperature of -10°C. refrigerant is
ammonia. It is subccoled by 4°C before entering the expansion valve. Assuming single
acting single cylinder compressor operating at 1000 rpm with stroke =1.2 times bore ,
clearance =5% determine the power required and also cylinder dimensions

𝑻
Hint : S2-S2’ = 𝑪𝒑𝒗 𝒍𝒏 𝑻𝟐′ =T2 = 372.8 K
𝟐

Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, MIT, Manipal 21

 Applied Thermodynamics

𝒉𝟑 − 𝒉′𝟑 = 𝒄𝒑𝒘 (𝑻𝟑 − 𝑻′𝟑 ) =h3 = 324 kJ/kg.

𝑷𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒅 = 𝒎(𝑻𝟐 − 𝑻′𝟐 ) = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟑 𝒌𝑾
Dimensions of the cylinder diameter= 0.11 m
Length =0.133 m
7. A food storage required a refrigeration system of 12 tons of capacity at an evaporator
temperature of -100C and condenser temperature of 250C. The refrigerant ammonia is
sub-cooled by 50C before passing through the throttle valve. The vapor leaving the coil is
0.97 dry. Find the power required to drive the compressor if the actual COP is 60% of
theoretical COP. Take CpL= 6.7 kJ/kg K, CpV = 2.8 kJ/KgK.

8. In a simple vapor compression cycle the following properties of the refrigerant R-12 at
various points;

Compressor inlet = h1 = 183.2kJ/kgK & v1 = 0.0767 m3/kg.

Compressor outlet= h2 = 222.6 kJ/kgK & v2 = 0.0164m3/kg..
Condenser exit = h3=84.9kJ/kgK & v1 = 0.00083 m3/kg.
The piston displacement volume for the compressor is 1.5L/stroke and its volumetric
efficiency is 80%. The compressor speed is 1600rpm. Find the
(i) Power rating of the compressor in kW
(ii) Refrigeration effect in kW.

Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, MIT, Manipal 22