Lab 4- Compressor Lab

10-23-2023
Contents
1. Introduction:...........................................................................................................................3
2. Compressor:........................................................................................................................... 3
3. Electric Motor:........................................................................................................................3
4. Compressor Motor Controller:...............................................................................................3
5. Equipment’s:.......................................................................................................................... 3
6. Procedure:.............................................................................................................................. 4
7. Observation and results:........................................................................................................ 4
8. Sample calculations:...............................................................................................................5
9. Pre-lab Questions:.................................................................................................................. 6
1. Introduction:
We explore the concept of efficiency within a motor-driven compressor system in this
laboratory experiment. Quantifying the effectiveness of these parts, both individually and
collectively, includes the compressor, electric motor, and compressor motor controller.
Although this system may appear simple, it actually hides a complex web of interactions. Our
investigation is centred on efficiency, which provides information on energy use and
conservation. The effects of this experiment go far beyond the lab, resonating with the global
quest for energy efficiency, particularly in sectors dependent on motor-driven compressors,
such as air conditioning and refrigeration as well as industrial processes.

2. Compressor:
For pressurising and transporting a gas—typically a refrigerant in applications like air
conditioning and refrigeration—the compressor is a crucial part of the system. It works by
bringing in gas at low pressure and low temperature and compressing it to high pressure and
high temperature.
In order to facilitate heat exchange, maintain working fluid circulation, and guarantee that the
appropriate temperature or pressure conditions are fulfilled, the compressor is essential.

3. Electric Motor:

The compressor can be driven mechanically thanks to the electric motor. It enables the
compressor to run by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy.
The system's overall efficiency is significantly influenced by the motor's performance, especially
its efficiency. The efficiency of the motor in powering the compressor is affected by variables
like motor speed, power output, and electrical input.

4. Compressor Motor Controller:

The compressor motor controller, which is frequently a mechanical or electrical device, controls
how the electric motor operates. To ensure the compressor operates effectively and efficiently,
it controls the motor's speed, direction, and power output.
Particularly in reaction to changing load and temperature circumstances, the controller's
function is essential to maintaining accurate control over the compressor's performance.

5. Equipment’s:

The following equipment’s used in this experiment:

 Compressor
 Pump
 Heater
  R-134a
 Condenser
 Digital display units

6. Procedure:

A total of three motor speeds depending on controller frequencies of 60, 55, and 50 Hz will
have data collected. After each frequency adjustment, give the system five minutes to regain
steady state. In your lab notebook, sketch and label a diagram of the refrigerant and cooling
water flow channels as the system approaches steady state. Once the system has reached
steady-state, gather the information from the following list and use a wattmeter to calculate
the power used by the motor controller.

7. Observation and results:

The observations of the following data is given below,

1st Observation 2nd observation 3rd observation

Frequency 60 55 50
Voltage 229 212 195
Current 1.5 1.5 1.45
Speed 1784 1636 1487
Torque 1.55 1.5 1.4975
T_out 126 123 120
T_in 63.5 64 64
Pressure_in 36.5 38.5 40.5
Pressure_out 108 101 104
power_input 0.5 0.425 0.3
m_dot 62.5 57.5 55

Here are the results,

1st Observation 2nd observation 3rd observation

W(out) 23.85417 19.65542 17.03625
W_com 213.5485 173.7224 143.3067
W_motor 343.5 318 282.75
W_con 1800 1530 1080
Eff. com 11.17038 11.31426 11.88796
Eff. motor 6.944444 6.180949 6.025199
Eff. Con. 5.240175 4.811321 3.819629
overall 1.012035 0.972211 1.131183

Now few discussion about the results is here as follow,

Did the system perform the way you expected?
No, the observed system efficiency was far lower than we had anticipated, which was an
unexpected result given our initial hypotheses and projections. It emphasizes the significance of
a more thorough research to discover the underlying causes and look into options for
enhancing effectiveness in real-world applications.
Did the results make sense?
The idealised efficiency anticipated for the system is much higher than the efficiency values of
6.944444, 6.180949, and 6.025199, on the other hand.
Efficiency scores of 5.240175, 4.811321, and 3.819629 point to a similar pattern of performance
that is below expectations.
In conclusion, the efficiency numbers obtained, greatly deviating from predictions, offer
important insights into the system's complexity. These findings call for a more thorough
examination into the underlying factors causing these variances in order to enhance the
functionality of the system.
What is the relationship between the overall system efficiency and that of the subsystems?
The system efficiencies—1.012035, 0.972211, and 1.131183—stand in stark contrast to the
subsystem efficiencies, which range from 3.819629 to 11.88796. The efficiency of each
subsystem is significantly higher, reaching 100%, while the system efficiency is close to unity.
This implies that the way system components interact adds complexity that affects the system's
overall effectiveness. Energy losses, interactions that transmit energy between components,
and innate inefficiencies in the system are all likely contributing causes. In order to comprehend
these dynamics and maximize the effectiveness of the system, more thorough analysis is
needed.
Which subsystem was most efficient? Which was the least efficient? Why?
The most efficient is the compressor because of the highest efficiency in all observations and
the least efficient is the controller because of its efficiency.
Did the efficiencies change with motor controller frequency?
The efficiency of the system often increased with higher frequency, peaking within a particular
range. Efficiency dropped after this range was exceeded. Efficiency changes in subsystems were
likewise influenced by frequency variations, but each component responded in a different way.
The correlation between frequency and efficiency highlights the necessity of accurate motor
controller settings to enhance system performance in particular scenarios.
Do you think the efficiency will depend upon the temperature of the evaporator and
condenser? How could you test this?
Evaporator and condenser temperatures have an impact on efficiency, with lower evaporator
and higher condenser temperatures typically resulting in higher efficiency. Controlled studies
with systematically changing evaporator and condenser temperatures and evaluating system
efficiency (COP) should be performed to test this link. Determine the ideal temperature range
for the most efficiency by analysing the data. These tests verify that temperature variations
have a direct effect on system effectiveness, directing optimisation efforts for improved energy
efficiency and performance.

8. Sample calculations:
For the temperature, we use the formula for the interpolations mostly because there is no
value exactly on the table,
The formula for the interpolation is as follow,
X 2 −X 1
Y =Y 1+ ×(X −X 1 )
Y 2 −Y 1
The function of a compressor is to take low pressure, low temperature gas from the evaporator
and to compress it to a high pressure, high temperature gas. The work the compressor does on
the refrigerant is:

Ẇ out ,comp= ṁ ( h2 −h1 )

The work done on the compressor by the motor is defined as:

Ẇ ¿ ,comp =−τω
where τ is the torque [lb*ft] and ω is the angular velocity [rad/s]. but we have torque in Nm but
to convert this into lb.ft we need to multiply by the factor of 1.356. and RPM needs to convert
in rad/sec and for that factor of 0.10472.
Since electricity is powering the motor the equation for the motor power is:

Ẇ ¿ ,motor =−VI
The efficiency formula now as,
−Ẇ out
ε=
Ẇ ¿

9. Pre-lab Questions:

Question no. 1: Which tables will you use from our text to determine the enthalpy of the
refrigerant?
We used table from book table A-11E and A-14E.
Question no. 2: What conversions do you think will need to be done to calculate the
efficiencies based upon the equations and units listed in the procedure?
There are following units need to be converted before calculations;
The mass flow rate needs to be converted lb.m/sec.
RPM needs to be converted into rad/sec.
The torque needs to be converted into lb.ft.