Thermalfluid Lab – MEK 450 / LSRC / SCA Rev.

01-2017

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Program : Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) Mechanical

Course : Thermalfluids Lab
Course Code : MEK 450
Lecturer/Tutor Name :
Group : 2

Lab Report

Experiment’s Tittle
VARIATION IN REFRIGERENT COEFFICENT OF PERFORMANCE AT VARIOUS OPERATING
CONDITIONS

Bil Student Name Student ID Signature

MUHAMMAD NUR
1.
EZZUDDEAN BIN MISWAN 2022971071 EZZUDEAN
HANIS

MUHAMMAD NABIL FAHMI BIN

2. MOHD FAUZI 2022798357 NABIL

MUHAMMAD IRFAN BIN

3. MOHD FAISHALL 2022970895 IRFAN

4. MUHAMMAD IKHMAL 2022798531 IKHMAL

DANIEL BIN ZAWAWI

5. MUHAMMAD NAJWAN BIN 2022977733 NAJWAN

AZMAN HISHAM

Lab Session : 4/1/2023 Approved by:

(Date)

Submission of Report: 20/1/2023 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 REFRIGERENT COEFFICENT OF PERFORMANCE AT VARIOUS OPERATING
CONDITIONS
_________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Prepared by:

Bil Name Matrix No Signature

MUHAMMAD NUR EZZUDDEAN BIN EZZUDEAN
2022971071
MISWAN HANIS
MUHAMMAD NABIL FAHMI BIN MOHD FAUZI NABIL
2022798357
MUHAMMAD IRFAN BIN MOHD FAISHALL IRFAN
2022970895

MUHAMMAD IKHMAL DANIEL BIN 2022798531 IKHMAL

ZAWAWI

MUHAMMAD NAJWAN BIN AZMAN 2022977733 NAJWAN

HISHAM

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
1.0 Introduction 1

2.0 Experimental Procedure 2

3.0 Data 3

4.0 Discussion 5
Name: MUHAMMAD NUR EZZUDDEAN BIN MISWAN HANIS 5
Student’s ID: 2022971071 5
Name: MUHAMMAD IKHMAL DANIEL BIN ZAWAWI 6
Student’s ID: 2022798531 6
NAME: MUHAMMAD IRFAN BIN MOHD FAISHALL 7
STUDENT ID: 2022970895 7
NAME: MUHAMMAD NABIL FAHMI BIN MOHD FAUZI 8
STUDENT ID: 2022798357 8
NAMA : MUHAMMAD NAJWAN BIN AZMAN HISHAM 9
STUDENT ID : 2022977733 9

5.0 Conclusion 10
Name: MUHAMMAD NUR EZZUDDEAN BIN MISWAN HANIS 10
Student’s ID: 2022971071 10
Name: MUHAMMAD IKHMAL DANIEL BIN ZAWAWI 10
NAME: MUHAMMAD IRFAN BIN MOHD FAISHALL 10
STUDENT ID: 2022970895 10
NAME: MUHAMMAD NABIL FAHMI BIN MOHD FAUZI 11
STUDENT ID: 2022798357 11
NAMA : MUHAMMAD NAJWAN BIN AZMAN HISHAM 11
STUDENT ID : 2022977733 11

6.0 References 12
1.0 Introduction

Without any artificial means, heat will move from warmer to cooler areas. According to
the second rule of thermodynamics, energy cannot be transformed from a low- to a high-
temperature state without some kind of active effort. This is accomplished with the help of a device
known as the refrigerator that is powered by the refrigeration process. The transfer of heat (energy)
from a low-heat domain to a high-heat domain occurs in a cyclical fashion throughout the
refrigeration process. Refrigerators are cyclical devices that remove heat from a certain area
utilising a vapour-compression cycle in order to keep its interior at a constant low temperature.
Compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator are the four parts of the refrigeration
cycle. The compressor boosts pressure, the condenser dumps heat, the expansion valve releases
pressure, and the evaporator soaks up the leftover warmth. The refrigerant is a working fluid that
must be present for this operation to take place. A fluid or gaseous material, a refrigerant is used
to isothermally transfer heat from a low-temperature source to a high-temperature sink.

1
2.0 Experimental Procedure

1. Start the experiments at condenser saturation temperature of 20 °C.

2. Enter programme 1 and increase the evaporator load to approximately 10%.
3. Return to the main menu and enter
-out” and
the disp
prog
these three parameters, 5.Considering temperature, 2. Refrigerant flow rate and 14. Cooling
water flow rate.
4. By small adjustment of cooling water flow rate the condensing temperature 20 °C may be
maintained.
5. When the system is stabilised, return to the main menu and select programme 1 with print
out option.
6. Then increase evaporator load (by 15%) and print out the result. Repeat until the evaporator
load is at 60%.

2
3.0 Data

Load Evaporator Condenser exit q4 − 1 W1 − 2 q2 − 3 COP𝑟𝑒𝑓

temp(℃) temp (℃)

0 28.74 23.18 150.92 -33.47 -184.39 0

15 29.70 23.16 368.07 -35.29 30.38 1.70

30 28.18 23.36 521.59 -34.42 184.39 1.41

45 29.80 24.13 613.89 -34.02 278.23 1.33

60 30.99 24.34 922.17 -34.01 587 1.20

3.3 Calculation

3.3.1 Specific Refrigeration Duty, q4 − 1

● q4 − 1 = ℎ1 - ℎ4 + W
● In expansion valve, we assumed the process is adiabatic which we can
said that, ℎ3 = ℎ4 from Table A -12 and 3-4 is expansion valve so the

𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑟 − 𝑃1 ℎ3 − ℎ𝑓1
○ =
𝑃2 − 𝑃1 ℎ𝑓2 − ℎ𝑓1

3.3.2 Specific Compressor Work, W1 − 2

● W1 − 2 =ℎ1 - ℎ2
● Since ℎ1 is enthalpy at evaporator so we can use the pressure to interpolate
below using value from table Table A -12.
𝑃𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 − 𝑃1 ℎ1 − ℎ𝑔1
○ =
𝑃2 − 𝑃1 ℎ𝑔2 − ℎ𝑔1
● The value of ℎ2 is at superheated so the entropy is equal with process at 1
(𝑠1 = 𝑠2 ) . By interpolating the values from table Table A -12.
𝑃𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 − 𝑃1 𝑠 − 𝑠𝑔1
○ =
𝑃2 − 𝑃1 𝑠𝑔2 − 𝑠𝑔1
● From the answer above we can get the ℎ2 from interpolation between
entropy and enthalpy from table superheated Table A-13.
𝑠1=2 − 𝑠1 ℎ − ℎ1
○ =
𝑠2 − 𝑠1 ℎ2 − ℎ2

3.3.3 Specific Heat Rejected From Condenser, q2 − 3

● q2 − 3 = ℎ3 - ℎ2 + W

3
 ● The value of ℎ3 is a condenser so we can use the pressure to interpolate
below using value from table Table A -12.
𝑃𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑟 − 𝑃1 ℎ3 − ℎ𝑓1
○ =
𝑃2 − 𝑃1 ℎ𝑓2 − ℎ𝑓1
● The value of ℎ2 can be interpolated between entropy and enthalpy from
table superheated Table A-13.
𝑠1=2 − 𝑠1 ℎ − ℎ1
○ =
𝑠2 − 𝑠1 ℎ2 − ℎ2

3.3.4 Coefficient Of Performance, COP𝑟𝑒𝑓

𝑞4−1
● COP𝑟𝑒𝑓 =
𝑤

4
4.0 Discussion

Name: MUHAMMAD NUR EZZUDDEAN BIN MISWAN HANIS

6WXGHQW¶V,'
2022971071

3 Qc 2
=

C
Wc =
P1

4 1

Qe
=
For Load =15
Value of 𝑄′𝑐 = mass flow rate x (ℎ3 − ℎ2 ) = 85.71 x (84.32 - 270.81) = 15.984 kW
Value of 𝑄′𝑒 = mass flow rate x (ℎ1 − ℎ4 ) = 85.71 x (235.52 - 84.32) = 12.959 kW
Value of 𝑊′𝑐 = 𝑃1 = - 35.29 W

The amount that a certain temperature can hold at once is called a load. The cooling load
and the heating load are the two different sorts of loads. The average rate at which heat is removed
from the cold space by refrigeration equipment is known as the cooling load. The rate of heat must
be provided to the air-conditioned room to maintain its temperature is known as the heating load.
Domestic refrigerators are the devices used for storing food. Wet and dry food items like meat,
fish, or fruits are examples of loads used in refrigeration techniques. In addition, electrical
appliances like a computer, radio, or television that emit some heat constitute the majority of the
room's load. Next, the real burden on manufacturing workers, each of whose bodies will radiate
heat into the environment. Therefore the amount of heat that each person will be considered as
load that applied in this experiment.
Based on the theory, coefficient of performance (COP) and load is directly proportional.
Thus, when the value of load increases the COP will decrease. Thermal efficiency for refrigeration
refers to how well work-added energy is converted to net heat output. Economically speaking, the

5
optimal refrigeration cycle is one that uses the least amount of mechanical work or electric energy
while removing the most heat from the inside of the refrigerator (cold reservoir). The relevant ratio
is therefore, and the better the refrigerator, the larger this ratio. The coefficient of performance, or
COP, is the name we give to this ratio. In general, operating circumstances, particularly the
absolute and relative temperatures between the heat sink and the system, have a significant impact
on COP. Condenser temperature and load is directly proportional. So, when the value of load
increases the temperature of the condenser will also increase. This is because, condenser is used
to change the properties of the refrigerant from the gas to liquid. So that it can flow in the
evaporator.

Name: MUHAMMAD IKHMAL DANIEL BIN ZAWAWI

6WXGHQW¶V,'
2022798531

The performance of a refrigerant is specified by its coefficient of performance (COPref).

Furthermore, COP is also known as the performance ratio. A circle representing a Carnot cycle
operating between those temperatures will provide the highest COP. A refrigerator's primary
function is to dissipate heat inside the area it cools.
According to the results of this experiment with refrigerant carried out in the laboratory,
the quantity of refrigerant that boils off in response to an increase in the heat load in the cold
storage facility also tends to grow. If the compressor is unable to move this, then the pressure on
the suction side of the compressor will grow, and as a result, the evaporating temperature will
increase as well. This will have the effect of lowering the evaporation rate and putting a stop to
the problem.The result, however, is an increase in temperature in the cold region, necessitating
more powerful compressors to counteract the impact. The amount of vapour produced by a single
kilogramme of refrigerant is proportional to the evaporation pressure and, by extension, the
temperature at which it boils. Since the velocity of circulation of the refrigerant is mostly
responsible for the cooling effect, a drop in pressure will result in a rise in this volume. For this
reason, a compressor's capacity decreases if it must operate from a lower suction pressure, and
increases in the opposite situation. Because of the dramatic rise in the volume of refrigerant being
cycled per unit of time at high suction pressures, the driving motors may get overwhelmed.Last
but not least, the amount of energy needed to cool a tonne of food is significantly impacted by
variations in condenser pressure and a drop in suction pressure. Therefore, it is crucial for a plant's

6
bottom line to maintain a high suction pressure, as long as doing so is consistent with the product's
needs.

NAME: MUHAMMAD IRFAN BIN MOHD FAISHALL

STUDENT ID: 2022970895

A. What is the effect on the COPref as the load is increased? Why?

The temperature difference between the ambient air inlet temperature and the refrigeration
temperature will grow as the load on the condenser increases. This is done to enhance the
amount of heat rejection while maintaining a constant surface area.

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

Because water has a higher heat carrying capacity than air, using it as the cooling
medium instead of air may increase the coefficient of performance (COP). During this
experiment, an air-cooled condenser from a refrigerator was swapped out for a water-
cooled condenser.

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 term "load" refers to the quantity of heat that must be delivered from the cold
chamber per unit of time, which is also known as refrigeration capacity. When the air
around a container is warmer than the container's inside temperature, sensible and latent
heat enters via its doors. Knowing the position, size, and number of door openings, as
well as the temperature to which they are exposed, will make calculating the heat load of
the leaking air much easier.

A refrigeration system, regardless of its size or sophistication, serves only one purpose.
This function entails transferring heat from an undesirable location or substance to a
location where it can be distributed into air or water. It is critical to be precise.

7
NAME: MUHAMMAD NABIL FAHMI BIN MOHD FAUZI
STUDENT ID: 2022798357

3 Qc 2
=

C
Wc =
P1

4 1

Qe
=
For Load =15
Value of 𝑄′𝑐 = mass flow rate x (ℎ3 − ℎ2 ) = 85.71 x (84.32 - 270.81) = 15.984 kW
Value of 𝑄′𝑒 = mass flow rate x (ℎ1 − ℎ4 ) = 85.71 x (235.52 - 84.32) = 12.959 kW
Value of 𝑊′𝑐 = 𝑃1 = 637.53 W

Heat will naturally move from a hotter zone to one that is cooler. However, heat must be
transmitted from the enclosed space to the outside, which is sometimes hotter than the enclosed
region, in order to cool an enclosed room. Refrigerators are needed for this procedure, which is
regarded as reverse. The refrigeration cycle consisted of four steps. Evaporator, compressor,
condenser, and expansion valve make up the parts.
The area with the highest temperature starts at the compressor, condenser, and expansion
valve inlet. The area with the lowest temperature starts at the expansion valve's outlet and moves
toward the evaporator before ending at the compressor's inlet. The condenser and evaporator both
transmit heat. Heat is delivered to the refrigerant at the evaporator when it travels through the
evaporator fins from the space to be refrigerated. In addition, heat transfer takes place at the
condenser. Heat from the chilled compartment is released to the surroundings at the condenser,
which serves as a reservoir.
However, it should be emphasised that there are differences between the theoretical and
experimental results. Remembering that not all of the components employed are 100% efficient is
the fundamental reason behind this. P-H diagrams and COP are affected by this. Other than that,

8
there were a few mistakes and poor experimentation techniques used during the trial. The first step
is to wait for the unit to stabilise. But because of time restrictions, we had to complete the
experiment quickly and did not allow enough time for the unit to stabilise. A few of the figures
were recorded while the reading varied. Second, there could occasionally be parallax inaccuracies,
for instance when obtaining measurements from gauges.

NAMA : MUHAMMAD NAJWAN BIN AZMAN HISHAM

STUDENT ID : 2022977733

From the results of the experiment that has been carried out, I found that the more load that
is applied, the higher the temperature of the evaporator and condenser exit. This happens because
both components have to work hard to get an idle temperature. This causes the enthalpy in the
system to also change. However, we can solve this problem by making a comparison with table A
12. Therefore, the coefficient of performance also changes according to the added load in this
system. I can conclude that the more load is added, the less performance is produced in a system.
This is because I found that these two machines, the evaporator and the condenser, had to work
hard to reach the optimum temperature. Next, after doing all the calculations for this system, I have
obtained the appropriate value for Qc which is 15.984 kw, while for Qe it is 12.959 kW and for
Wc it is 637.53 Kw.

9
5.0 Conclusion

Name: MUHAMMAD NUR EZZUDDEAN BIN MISWAN HANIS

6WXGHQW¶V,'
2022971071

From this experiment, we can conclude that there is variation in COP of a vapour
compression refrigeration system at various evaporator loads. When the value of load changes, the
COP and the temperature of the condenser will also change. Lastly, the value of COP showed how
much energy can be saved while the performance of the refrigerator by manipulating the value of
load.

Name: MUHAMMAD IKHMAL DANIEL BIN ZAWAWI

6WXGHQW¶V,'
2022798531

Results show that the aims of the experiment were successfully achieved. All parts of the
refrigeration cycle may have been affected by the load increase. At each of the four phases of the
refrigeration cycle, the pressure, enthalpy, and temperature were recorded and analysed. The COP
and efficiency of the refrigeration cycle may now be calculated. As was said before, certain errors
impacted the reliability of our findings.

NAME: MUHAMMAD IRFAN BIN MOHD FAISHALL

STUDENT ID: 2022970895

According to the results of the experiment, our primary goal of detecting the variation in
the Coefficient of Performance (COPref) of a vapour compression refrigeration system was met.
This requires investigating how the COPref changes as the load increases. In this experiment, the
effect of COPref was that it increased as the value of load grew; even so, due to an experiment-
related variable, it declined and then increased again. Apart from this experiment, we can conclude
that the refrigeration cycle is superior as COPref increases. Furthermore, it is recommended that
we carefully conduct this experiment and implement all of the instructions in order to avoid errors.
It is also recommended that the refrigerant flow rate and cooling capacity be increased.

10
NAME: MUHAMMAD NABIL FAHMI BIN MOHD FAUZI
STUDENT ID: 2022798357

The experiment's goals were met, and they are listed as so in the outcomes section. It may
be said that the increase in load had an impact on every part of the refrigeration cycle. The four
states of the refrigeration cycle's parameters, including pressure, enthalpy, and temperature, were
identified and calculated. This enables us to figure out the refrigeration cycle's COP and efficiency.
There were mistakes, as was mentioned in the previous part, which put our findings in jeopardy.

NAMA : MUHAMMAD NAJWAN BIN AZMAN HISHAM

STUDENT ID : 2022977733

In conclusion, I can say that the COP ref increase factor depends on several things, namely
the increase in load in terms of temperature produced by the evaporator and condenser. This shows
that the more the load increases, the higher the temperature and pressure, when the pressure and
temperature increase, the energy change also changes. Finally, we can apply this experiment to
everyday life so that we know all the processes that occur in a system, especially in systems that
have energy changes.

11
6.0 References

1. Hundy, G. F., Trott, A. R., & Welch, T. C. (2016). Condensers and Cooling Towers.

Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps, 99–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-

0-08-100647-4.00006-1

2. Setyawan, A., Sutandi, T., Faldian, & Margana, A. S. (2018). Simulation of the effect of
the condensing temperature on the performance of a split AC with R-410a under constant
cooling capacity. AIP Conference Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5049965
3. Power Gained by Fluid from Pump or Fan. (2023). Engineeringtoolbox.com.

https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/pump-fan-power-d_632.html

4. Super Radiator Coils. (2021, February 19). The 4 Main Refrigeration Cycle Components

| The Super Blog. Superradiatorcoils.com; Super Radiator Coils.

https://www.superradiatorcoils.com/blog/4-main-refrigeration-cycle-components

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