ENGN 2610: Thermo Fluids I

Experimental Lab 3
Due: Two weeks from lab completion date
School of Sustainable Design Engineering Instructor: Sundeep Singh
Fall 2022

The Refrigeration / Heat Pump Cycle

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The purpose of this experimental lab is to demonstrate and investigate the vapour compression or
heat pump cycle. The following experimental procedure focuses on theory presented in the
classroom; specifically, the variation in temperature and pressure of a fluid flowing through the
compressor-condenser-expansion-evaporator, and the resulting heat transfer with the
surroundings. A graphic labeling part components is provided on the final page.
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You will work in the assigned groups for this exercise, with four groups attending lab at a time.
The activity will be done as a large group and each group must submit their own formal written
report.

School of Sustainable Design Engineering
ENGN 2610: Thermo Fluids I
Experimental Lab 3
Due: Two weeks from lab completion date
Instructor: Sundeep Singh
Fall 2022

Procedure

• Open the ball valves as indicated for normal operation. Do not turn on the unit or water
supply.

• Note all system temperatures and pressures.

o Temperatures are read via the digital indicator
o Pressures are measured using the manual dial indicators
• How do the temperature and pressure vary before starting?
• Turn on the water supplies SLOWLY.
o Adjust control valves on the evaporator water flowmeter and condenser water
flowmeter to 10-12 g/s and 20-30 g/s, respectively
o Open the expansion valve on the refrigerant flow meter to an indicated flow of
approximately 0.9-1.5 g/s.
o Note: Turning the supplies on too quickly can lead to water hammer, a
disconnection of the water pipe, and a large mess.
• Turn on the main switch to start the compressor. Two internal lamps should light up.
Once the apparatus reaches steady state (5-10 minutes) record all temperatures and
pressures.

1. Describe what is happening inside the condenser and evaporator.

2. Sketch the refrigeration cycle on a P-h diagram for the refrigerant fluid. Label all
the processes occurring during the cycle. Identify where heat is entering the
system from the coolant water and where it is being rejected.
3. For the coolant water loop, calculate rate of heat transfer in the condenser and
evaporator.

School of Sustainable Design Engineering
ENGN 2610: Thermo Fluids I
Experimental Lab 3
Due: Two weeks from lab completion date
Instructor: Sundeep Singh
Fall 2022

4. For the refrigerant loop, state the equations needed to calculate the rate of heat
transfer in and out of the fluid in the evaporator and the condenser.
5. What would be the theoretical maximum efficiency of any cycle (Carnot) given the
observed temperatures before and after the compression of the fluid?
6. What happens to the temperature of the lab while this apparatus is running?
Why? What effect does the flow of cooling water through the device and into the
drain have on this answer?

Reports are due two (2) weeks from the lab completion date.

School of Sustainable Design Engineering
ENGN 2610: Thermo Fluids I
Experimental Lab 3
Due: Two weeks from lab completion date
Instructor: Sundeep Singh
Fall 2022