Thermalfluid Lab – MEC 554 / LSRC / SCA Rev.

01-2017

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Program : Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) Mechanical

Course : Thermalfluids Lab
Course Code : MEC 554
Lecturer/Tutor Name : Profesor Madya Dr Ramlan Bin Zailani
Group : EMD5M6A1

Lab Report

Experiment’s Tittle

Variation in Refrigeration Coefficient Performance at Various Operating Conditions

Bil Student Name Student ID Signature

1. 2018659802 Hafiz
Muhammad Zulhafiz Bin Md Yusuf
2. 2018297532 Zulhilmi
Muhammad Zulhilmi Bin Chek Azman
3. 2018297774 Faris
Muhammad Zulfaris Bin Abdul Nasir
4. 2018297608 Dayah
Nurul Hidayah Binti Basharudin
5.

Lab Session : 14/12/2020 Approved by:

(Date)

Submission of Report : 21/12/2020 Received by:

(Date)
 Assessment Rubric: Technical Content. 60 marks
Scale 1 2
Criteria Poor
1. Introduction • Unable to generate a
(10 marks) complete theoretical formula
i.e. only writing the final
formula.
• Make many errors in
applications of engineering
principles and concepts.
2. Experimental • Unable to produce and
Procedure appropriate procedure to run
(10 marks) the experiment.
• Having no objective(s).
Would not allow experiment
to achieve any goals.
3. Data / result and • Unable to present
Sample Calculation experimental result using
(20 marks) appropriate tables, charts,
graphs or other presentation
formats.
4. Discussion and • Unable to relate theoretical
Conclusion analysis with experimental
(20 marks) result and their practical
implication.
• Unable to come out a clear
and understandable
conclusion.
3 4
Acceptable
• Adequately generate
theoretical formula with small
errors.
• Make some but tolerable
errors in applications of
engineering principles and
concepts.
• Adequately produce an
appropriate procedure to run
the experiment i.e. missing
steps in procedure.
• Having objective(s). Would
allow experiment to achieve
most goals.
• Adequately present
experimental result using
appropriate tables, charts,
graphs or other presentation
formats.
• Adequately relate theoretical
analysis with experimental
result and their practical
implication.
• Conclusion is not clear, but
yet, understandable in such
manner.
5
Excellent
• Student capable to generate a
complete theoretical formula
from the beginning.
• All relevant engineering
principles and concepts are
accurately and comprehensively
demonstrated and applied.
• Student capable to produce a
detailed procedure to run the
experiment.
• Objective clearly defined.
Would allow experiments to
achieve goals.
• Students capable to articulate
experimental result using
appropriate tables, charts,
graphs or other presentation
formats.
• Students capable to relate
theoretical analysis with
experimental result and their
practical implication.
• Student capable to express a
clear and concise conclusion.
 Assessment Rubric: Writing Performance Level. 20 marks
Scale 1 2
Criteria Poor
1. Structure • Paragraphs are poorly
(5marks) organized; use of sections is
illogical and hinders
document navigation.
2. Graphics, figures, • Figures, tables and equations
tables and equations. are not clearly or logically
(5marks) identified and fail to support
the text.
3. Mechanics • Sentences are poorly written;
(5marks) numerous incorrect word
choices and errors in
grammar, punctuation and
spelling.
4. Formatting and • Report is formatted poorly
references and lacks a quality cover
(5marks) page and index.
• Fails to correctly report any
sources or to utilize
appropriate citation forms.
3 4
Acceptable
• Paragraphs are usually well
organized; use of sections is
logical and generally allows
easy document navigation.
• Some figures, tables and
equations are logically
identified and adequately
support the text.
• Sentences are generally well
written; a few incorrect word
choices and errors in grammar,
punctuation and spelling.
• Formatting of the report is
genarally consistent and
adequate,includes a quality
cover page and index.
• Most sources are correctly
reported; appropriate citation
forms are genarally utilized.
5
Excellent
• All paragraphs are well
organized; use of sections is
logical and allows easy
navigation through the
document.
• All figures, tables and equations
are clearly and logically
identified and strongly support
the text.
• Sentences are well written; there
are no incorrect word choices
and the text is free of errors in
grammar, punctuation and
spelling.
• Formatting of the report is
professional and includes a
professional cover page and
index.
• All sources are correctly
reported; appropriate citation
forms are utilized thoughout.
 FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
40450 SHAH ALAM
SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN
Tel: 03-55435190 Fax: 03-55435160

_________________________________________________________________________________
___

REPORT ASSESSMENT FORM

Experiment’s Title:

Variation in Refrigeration Coefficient Performance at Various Operating Conditions

Prepared by:

Bil Name Matrix No Signature

1 Muhammad Zulhafiz Bin Md Yusuf 2018659802 Hafiz
2 Muhammad Zulhilmi Bin Chek Azman 2018297532 Zulhilmi
3 Muhammad Zulfaris Bin Abdul Nasir 2018297774 Faris
4 Nurul Hidayah Binti Basharudin 2018297608 Dayah

Course Outcome Assessment

No Technical Report
Full Mark Given Mark
1 Introduction CO2 10
Experimental
2 C02 10
Procedures
Data/result/sample of
3 CO2 20
calculation
Discussion and
4 CO2 20
Conclusion
TOTAL 60 /60
Course Outcome Assessment
No Writing Performance
Full Mark Given Mark
1 Structure CO3 5
2 Graphics/Figures/Tables C03 5
3 Mechanics CO3 5
Formatting and
4 CO3 5
references
TOTAL 20 /20
TOTAL MARKS 80 /80
Table of Contents
Lab Report ........................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Apparatus ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Procedure ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Results and Data Analysis ...................................................................................................................... 9
Discussion ............................................................................................................................................. 13
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................ 18
References ............................................................................................................................................ 19
Appendices ....................................................................................................................................... 20
Introduction
Refrigeration is used widely in various applications from industrial to domestic situations,
mainly for the storage and transport of perishable foodstuff and chemical substances. It has
the prime functions to remove heat from a low temperature region, and it can also be
applied as a heat pump for supplying heat to a region of high temperature.
 Apparatus

Evaporator Condenser

Expansion Valve Figure 5: Vapour Compression Cycle Compressor

Figure 6: Computer Linked Refrigeration unit

Procedure

5a) Condenser-water and evaporator-air

1. Air was selected as a heat source by opening valves AVS-3 and AVS-5. “Start” button was
clicked.
2. Water flow rate at condenser was adjusted to 5 L/m and air flow of the evaporator was
adjusted until 50% of the maximal flow (evaporator load).
3. Then click “COMPRESSOR”.
4. When the system is stabilized, the data was recorded by click “START SAVING”
5. Sampling rate was set up at 180 second per sample.
6. The data for 15 minute was recorded (5 samples @ 900 second) “STOP SAVING”
7. The evaporator load was increased to 100% and step (3) to step (6) was repeated.

5b) Condenser-air and evaporator-air

1. Air was selected as a heat source by opening valves AVS-3 and AVS-5. “Start” button was
clicked.
2. Air flow of the condenser was adjusted to maximum flow (100%) and 50% of the maximal flow
at the evaporator (evaporator load).
3. Then click “COMPRESSOR”.
4. When the system is stabilized, the data was recorded by click “START SAVING”.
5. Sampling rate was set up at 180 second per sample.
6. The data for 15 minute was recorded (5 samples @ 900 second) “STOP SAVING”.
7. Evaporator load was increased to 100% and step (30) to step (6) was repeated.
Results and Data Analysis

Ex Time Vref V2 mref h3 h4 Qevap COP =

p (s) (x10 )(m3/s)
-6 (x10-4)(m3/kg) (x10-3)(kg/s) (kJ/kg) (kJ/kg) (kW) Qevap
/ (SW-
= Vref/v2 = mref
1/1000)
(h4 - h3)
180 5.528 8.421 6.565 104.5 252.77 0.973 2.34
1 0
360 4.122 8.366 4.927 95.47 251.61 0.769 1.92
1
540 4.292 8.366 5.130 101.6 245.72 0.739 1.88
A 1 2
720 4.044 8.421 4.803 104.5 244.51 0.672 1.73
1 9
900 3.697 8.478 4.361 107.3 244.51 0.598 1.56
2 1
Average COP 1.891
180 3.708 8.478 4.374 107.3 245.72 0.605 1.58
2 9
360 3.614 8.421 4.292 107.3 244.51 0.589 1.55
2 7
540 3.617 8.478 4.266 107.3 246.91 0.595 1.58
2 1
720 3.622 8.421 4.301 107.3 244.51 0.590 1.57
2 6
900 3.494 8.421 4.150 107.3 245.72 0.574 1.54
2 1
Average COP 1.569
180 2.792 8.161 3.420 85.26 260.53 0.560 1.54
8 7
360 3.222 8.113 3.972 85.26 261.59 0.700 1.80
1
B 540 3.303 8.113 4.071 85.26 261.59 0.718 1.84
7
720 2.933 8.210 3.573 85.26 252.77 0.600 1.54
8
900 3.347 8.161 4.101 85.26 257.27 0.705 1.79
8
Average COP 1.708
180 3.58 8.161 4.387 85.26 259.46 0.764 1.93
4
360 3.48 8.113 4.294 85.26 261.59 0.757 1.91
5
540 3.49 8.113 4.307 85.26 261.59 0.759 1.92
9
720 3.756 8.066 4.656 85.26 262.64 0.826 2.08
7
900 3.581 8.210 4.361 85.26 253.91 0.736 1.87
6
Average COP 1.948
Table 1: Data and Results
Refrigerant mass flow rate, Vref:

When SC-1 = 19.9 L/h

1 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟 1𝑚3
𝑉𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 19.9 × ×
3600𝑠 1000𝐿

𝑉𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 5.528 × 10−6 𝑚3 /𝑠

V2 was taken from table of properties.

Table A-11 (vf at temperature, t2 = 30°C: Saturated liquid)

V2 = 8.421 x 10-4m3 /kg

Thus,

𝑣𝑟𝑒𝑓
𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 =
𝑣2

5.528 × 10−6
𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 =
8.421 × 10−4

𝑚𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 6.565 × 10−3 𝑘𝑔/𝑠

Evaporator cooling load, Qevap:

h3 was taken from table of properties

(hf at the pressure p1 as the p1 = p2 (isobaric): saturated liquid, h2 = h3)

h3 = 104.51 kJ/kg

h4 was taken from table of properties

(hg at temperature t4: Saturated Vapor)

h4 = 252.77 kJ/kg

Qevap = mref (h4-h3)

Qevap = 6.545 x 10-3 (252.77 – 104.51)

Qevap = 0.973 kW
Coefficient of Performance, COPref:

SW-1 = 414.14 W

𝑄𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑝
𝐶𝑂𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑓 =
𝑆𝑊 − 1/1000

0.97
𝐶𝑂𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑓 =
414.14

𝐶𝑂𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑓 = 2.34

Average COPref:

2.34 + 1.921 + 1.882 + 1.739 + 1.561

𝐶𝑂𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑓,𝑎𝑣𝑒 =
5

𝐶𝑂𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑓,𝑎𝑣𝑒 = 1.89
Discussion
MUHAMMAD ZULHILMI BIN CHEK AZMAN 2018297532

From the experiment conducted, we are able to determine the refrigerator COP of a vapor
compression system under different cooling load. As the cooling load increased, the refrigerator COP
increased. It is because, in the refrigeration, the refrigerator COP is defined as the amount of heat
removed from the surrounding or cold reservoir divided by the amount of work needed to remove
the heat. Therefore, as the amount of heat removed from the surrounding is increased by the
increase in the cooling load, it will increase the value of refrigerator COP as well as the efficiency of
the system.

Different type of cooling medium also affects the average refrigerator COP. From the
experiment we can distinguish the different in refrigerator COP by using different cooling medium
during the condensation process. For water as the cooling medium, the average refrigerator COP
improve by at least 2-4% for each °c of heat absorbed during vaporisation process in comparison
with air as the cooling medium. This is because the water has better thermal conductivity 0.6 W/mK
and air 0.026 W/mK. Thus, during the condensation process the refrigerant can cool down to lower
temperature by using water cooling medium and hence it can absorb more heat during the
vaporisation process.

In refrigeration, the term load can be defined as the amount of heat need to be removed
from a cold place or surrounding. For example, in the domestic fridge freezer the cooling load is
higher compared to normal refrigerator due to high amount of heat need to be removed from it in
order to maintain the low temperature below the freezing point. Besides, for air conditioning in
room, the cooling load is less, as there is less amount of heat needed to be removed in order to
maintain the temperature at comfort zone. Last but not least for industrial or factory application
depends on the purpose of the refrigerator. It can be varying either low temperature application
such as cooling for server room or for storing meats or comfort temperature application such as air
conditioning. Apparently, any low temperature application will involve in high amount of heat
removed and the refrigerator COP is increased when the refrigerator system manages to use less
work to remove the heat from the surrounding
MUHAMMAD ZULHAFIZ BIN MD YUSUF 2018659802
A. What is the effect on the COPref as the load is increased ? Why ? As we know , by
following the heat load was increased , the evaporator also rises . Then again, as the
warmth load diminishes , the evaporator superheat falls . The COPref increase if the
distinction of temperatures decline where temperature in evaporator rise or
temperature in condenser falls . Since , when the warmth load is higher than
ostensible , the fluid refrigerant in the evaporator loop begins to bubble sooner . So ,
when under ostensible burden the last piece of dissipation happens at the loop source
, however under high burden conditions this last piece of vanishing happens upstream
from the curl source . That is the reason the estimations of COPref not increment nor
decline since burden and COPref are straightforwardly corresponding .

B. What is the effect of cooling medium on the average refrigeration COP ?

Why ?
A refrigerant in gas structure is commonly the cooling medium specialist utilized in
present day fridges . It utilized Chloro-Fluoro-Carbon (CFC) , yet it was discovered to
be hurtful to the climate . At the point when it compacted , it warms up . It goes
through the warm curls outwardly of the cooler and passes its warmth into the air in
the room however a cycle known as thermodynamics . Thermodynamics is the point
at which a hot and cold substance is in nearness to each other ; the cooler substance
will get hotter , and the hot substance will get cooler . As it cools under tension , the
gas turns into a fluid . The refrigerant has cleared its path through the curls and
funneling in the cooler , it warms and ultimately makes it back to the evaporator
loops where it is by and by packed and cooled through thermodynamics and
development to start the cycle once more . The cold air made in the condenser zone
is coursed all through the cooler to help in cooling . The fans blow air from the
cooler into vents that permit a portion of the cold air . The temperature of the air
and the plan of the apparatus permit the temperature to stay underneath freezing in
the cooler while staying in the reach in the fridge zone .

C. What do you understand by the term load ? Give examples of actual loads in
refrigeration practice in a domestic fridge , in a room and in a factory . The rate at
which warmth must be eliminated from a refrigerated space to keep up an ideal
temperature is known as refrigeration load . It is subject to a few elements , including
 the volume of the space being cooled and the amount and base temperature of things
inside . This number may likewise be alluded to as cooling load or heating load. A
heating load is an estimation of how much warmth is required every hour to warm a
given space, and to keep up an ideal temperature. Various components go into the
count of this estimation, and there are a few programming programs which permit
individuals to include factors for the product to go through a figuring which will decide
heating load. Individuals can likewise crunch the numbers by hand, an ability which is
frequently educated to individuals who introduce warming frameworks, temporary
workers, specialists, and individuals in comparable ventures.

The cooling load is a count deciding the measure of warmth that should be taken out
from a structure to keep the temperature inside steady. It is something considered
during the plan stage for a structure or a warming and cooling framework, alongside
the heating load, an assurance of how much warmth energy should be added to
keep the temperature stable. The objective is to construct a structure with most
extreme proficiency to eliminate the costs related with warming and cooling.

Example of actual loads practice:

In a domestic fridge Fish, drinking water and vegetables

In a room Human, laptop and lamp

In a factory Machines and worker

MUHAMMAD ZULFARIS BIN ABDUL NASIR 2018297774
a. When the load rises, the impact on 𝐶𝑂𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑓 is that the COP becomes lower for A which is
water, while the COP for B which is air becomes greater. Theoretically, the COP can also
increase as the load increases, but it will have its peak point and then they will begin to fall
back. When the load rises due to the factor of their properties, the load of different
mediums shows distinct effects. This is because if the removed heat increases and the work
is minimal, the COP will be higher but it will be lower if the heat extracted is reduced and the
work required is greater.

b. The different cooling medium has an unstable value because A was higher than B, which is
1.891 compared to 1.569 at 50% load, but then the COP value of A which is 1.708 was lower
than B which is 1.948 at 100% load. This is due to the past aspect of A hitting its highest COP
point when the load was 100% while B was still slowly rising in COP. One way to improve the
thermal efficiency of a water-cooling system as in A is to place coils within the cooling
channel so that a turbulent flow can be caused by the cooling fluid.

c. Load is the quantity of heat energy to be extracted from cool chambers such as refrigerators
per unit of time to retain a certain temperature. There are also cases of actual loading in the
cooling system. The cooling load used in the freezer cycle in the domestic refrigerator may
have changed in temperature when hotter foods were mounted. Other than that, there are
several cooling loads in the actual space that need to be applied to the account. For
instance, the number of people in the room, the heat leakage that could occur through the
walls and floors, and the room temperature. This is to ensure that the size of the cooling
capacity of the refrigeration is effective for the room, factors needs to be determined.
Finally, the factory must take into account the number of people and the heat leakage from
the method of machining and manufacturing devices, which would be the key factor.

d. The experiment was about to find out the efficiency coefficient of the cooling system. Using
the vapor compression cycle was the most effective cycle to use for cooling system. The
cycle with compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator were the most
compatible as it can effectively transfer heat from the cold chamber to keep it cool at all
times. By determining the changing factor of the cooling medium and the volume of its load,
this experiment was carried out. The cooling medium used was water and air that were
respectively called A and B. For both cooling media, the volume of load being used was 50%
and 100%. The results produced comply with the thermodynamics principle as the equation
is supposed to achieve the average COP as in the summary table of the outcome. However,
there are a few errors that might occur while conducting the experiment such as:

• Environmental factors
The experiment was conducted in an open room that where the temperature could
change from time to time.

• Human factors
The most common error of human factor is parallax error. To avoid it the eye must
be perpendicular to the scale of instrument to get accurate result.
NURUL HIDAYAH BINTI BASHARUDIN 2018297608
1. What is the effect on the COPref as the load is increased? Why?

The Coefficient of Performance depends on load. When load increases, Coefficient of

Performance will increase. It is due to load which is higher thus, effect the temperature
become increase that is need to transfer into cooling and heating process. Observe from
result of total energy during heating and cooling process through refrigerant by Coefficient
of Performance. The amount of heat that is being added and removed during heating and
cooling process is known as load. If the heat different is higher during heating and cooling
process, the load that will be transfer in refrigerant also higher. Thus, the Coefficient of
Performance higher.

2. What is the effect of cooling medium on the average refrigeration COP? Why?

The COP value greater when using water as the cooling medium compared to air. The higher
COP, the lower the operating cost. This indicate that water cooling work better as a cooling
medium. Air is not an excellent thermal conductor due to its thermal conductivity of 0.026
W/mK. Besides, the specific heat of water is 4.187kJ/kg/°C which is higher than any other
common substance and because air is having its specific heat at 1.005kJ/kg/°C which is lower
than water, hence the heat carrying capacity by water is more than air which leads to lower
condenser temperature in water cooled condenser than that of air cooled condenser.

3. What do you understand by the term load? Give examples of actual loads in refrigeration
practice in a domestic fridge, in a room, and in a factory.

Load is rate of heat that will be removed from refrigerated space to maintain desired
temperature. Refrigeration system is function to remove heat from place and then it will
be transfer to the place that can diffused into air and water.

The examples of actual loads in refrigeration practice in a domestic fridge is that the
refrigerant is compressed by the compressor to condenser. It is an enclosed system which
means the freezer space maintains its low temperature. Meanwhile in a room, ventilator or
fan circulates the air around the cooling space to maintain a balanced distribution of cold air
and to reduce temperature changes in the room. Lastly in a factory, the compressor
compressed the refrigerant to condenser and the freezer space maintains its low
temperature. However, the power consumption is higher, hence the coefficient of
performance is higher.
Conclusion
MUHAMMAD ZULHILMI BIN CHEK AZMAN 2018297532

U Therefore, we can conclude that this experiment expose us more detail of refrigeration
system, where we can know on how COP effect if the pressure are increases. Besides that we can learn
and know the effect of cooling medium on the average refrigerant COP. Lastly we exactly know what
type of load are present in this system.

From the refrigeration laboratory, the pressure, enthalpy, and temperature were calculated
at the four state points of the vapour compression refrigeration cycle (VCRC). With the state point
properties and the power drawn by the compressor the COP can be determined. However the COP
can be determined from the work input to the compressor, or as the work applied to the working fluid.

In comparison with the ideal VCRC, data obtained and calculated from the laboratory (actual
results) differed from those of the ideal cycle. The differences are a result of the assumptions made
when working with the ideal cycle to simplify the calculations. The assumption that the compressor
is isentropic shows the greatest impact on the variation of the ideal and the actual cycle.

A relevant source of error involves the accuracy of the measuring equipment and of the
methods used in obtaining the measured values. The actual cycle would greatly approximate that of
the ideal cycle if the assumptions could be reached, such as constant pressure heat transfer across
heat exchangers, and the reduction of heat transfer to and from the environment due to insinuated
devices.

MUHAMMAD ZULHAFIZ BIN MD YUSUF 2018659802

From the analysis that have been done, we got the estimations of evaporator temperature,
condenser leave temperature, stream pace of cooling water and refrigerant. From that we have
figure the refrigeration obligation, compressor work, heat dismissed from condenser, coefficient
of performance utilizing the equation that have been given. The total outcome we can allude
through the table in result and test of estimation area above. However, we imagine that there
have something that not right or we can say mistake since we got the estimations of enthalpy
are same. So it impact to our that kept up same yet as per the hypothesis it must expanded as
the heap is expanded. Other than that, there are no issue about our test.
MUHAMMAD ZULFARIS BIN ABDUL NASIR 2018297774

In conclusion, we can conclude that the target of the experiment has been accomplished
successfully and that all the parameters needed to be solved have been determined
accordingly at the same time. Finally, all the experiments were finally carried out
according to the protocols given properly.

NURUL HIDAYAH BINTI BASHARUDIN 2018297608

To conclude, based on the experiment, Coefficient of Performance is affected when cooling load is
increase. As the load increase, Coefficient of Performance will increase although on account of some
errors present in this experiment, the values that are being calculated is erratic. Lastly, the
refrigeration cycle improved when the value of Coefficient of Performance is higher.

References
• Syahirzabidi. (2017). Refrigeration Lab Complete. Retrieve from
https://kupdf.net/download/refrigeration-lab-complete_59f71ffae2b6f5b25f9c485b_pdf

• Aliefakmar. (2016). Variation in Refrigeration Coefficient of Performance at Various

Operating Condition. Retrieve from
https://www.coursehero.com/file/35760383/LS2-Variation-In-Refrigeration-
Coefficient-Of-Performance-At-Various-Operating-Conditionsdoc/

• Emma. G. (2020). What is Refrigeration Load? Retrieve from

https://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-refrigeration-load.htm
• Borgnakke, C., & Sonntag, R. (2013). The Second Law of Thermodynamics. In
Fundamentals of Thermodynamics

• K.Mani and V. Selladura (2008),“ Experimental analysis of a new refrigerant

mixture as drop-in replacement”. Proceedings of the International Journal of
Thermal Sciences
• S.C. Arora and S.Domakundwar, a course in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning,
DhanpatRai and sons.
Appendices