Unit 1

Introduction ot Refrigeration system 1

Learning Outcomes
►Demonstrate understanding of basic vapor-compression refrigeration
systems.
►Develop and analyze thermodynamic models of vapor-compression
systems and their modifications, including
o sketching schematic and accompanying T-s diagrams.
o evaluating property data at principal states of the systems.
o applying mass, energy, entropy, and exergy balances for the basic processes.
o determining refrigeration and heat pump system performance, coefficient of
performance, and capacity.

P.Balamurugan M.Tech., A.P, FPE, K.U 2

Learning Outcomes, cont.
►Explain the effects on vapor-compression system
performance of varying key parameters.

►Demonstrate understanding of the operating

principles of absorption and gas refrigeration systems,
and perform thermodynamic analysis of gas systems.

P.Balamurugan M.Tech., A.P, FPE, K.U 3

Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle
►Most common refrigeration cycle in use today
►There are four principal
control volumes involving
these components:
►Evaporator
►Compressor
►Condenser
►Expansion valve
Two-phase
liquid-vapor mixture

All energy transfers by work and heat are taken as positive in the directions of
the arrows on the schematic and energy balances are written accordingly.

P.Balamurugan M.Tech., A.P, FPE, K.U 4

The Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle
►The processes of this cycle are
Process 4-1: two-phase liquid-vapor
mixture of refrigerant is evaporated
through heat transfer from the
refrigerated space.
Process 1-2: vapor refrigerant is
compressed to a relatively high
temperature and pressure requiring
work input.
Process 2-3: vapor refrigerant
condenses to liquid through heat
Two-phase
transfer to the cooler surroundings. liquid-vapor mixture

Process 3-4: liquid refrigerant

expands to the evaporator pressure.
P.Balamurugan M.Tech., A.P, FPE, K.U 5
Pressure enthalpy chart

P.Balamurugan M.Tech., A.P, FPE, K.U 6

The Ideal VCR Cycle on the P-h Diagram
P
1-2: Isentropic compression
2-3: Isobaric heat rejection
3-4: Isenthalpic expansion
4-1: Isobaric heat addition
qout  Q out / m
 m  h 2  h3 
3 2

4  m  h 2  h1 
1 h3  h 4

qin  Q in / m wc  W c / m

 m  h1  h 4 
h

7 P.Balamurugan M.Tech., A.P, FPE, K.U

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P.Balamurugan M.Tech., A.P, FPE, K.U 11
Theoretical Vapour Compression Cycle with Dry Saturated
Vapour after Compression

P.Balamurugan M.Tech., A.P, FPE, K.U 12

 Theoretical Vapour Compression Cycle with Dry Saturated
Vapour after Compression
Refrigerating effect or the heat absorbed or extracted by the liquid-vapour refrigerant during evaporation
per kg of refrigerant is given by

where hf3 = Sensible heat at temperature T 3 , i.e. enthalpy of liquid refrigerant

leaving the condenser.

Coefficient of performance, C.O.P. = (Refrigerating effect)/( Work done)

P.Balamurugan M.Tech., A.P, FPE, K.U 13

 Effect of Suction Pressure
The suction pressure (or evaporator pressure) decreases due to the frictional resistance of
flow of the refrigerant. Let us consider a theoretical vapour compression cycle 1-2-3-4 when
the suction pressure decreases from Ps to Ps’ as shown on p-h diagram in Figure 1.3.
It may be noted that the decrease in suction pressure :

P.Balamurugan M.Tech., A.P, FPE, K.U 14

 Effect of Discharge Pressure
In actual practice, the discharge
pressure (or condenser pressure)
increases due to frictional resistance of
flow of the refrigerant. Let us consider
a theoretical vapour compression cycle
l-2-3-4 when the discharge pressure
increases from p D to pD‟ as shown on
p-h diagram in Figure resulting in
increased compressor work and
reduced refrigeration effect.

P.Balamurugan M.Tech., A.P, FPE, K.U 15

 Conditions for Highest COP
Consider a simple saturation cycle 1-2-3-4
with Freon 12 as the refrigerant as shown in
Figure for operating conditions of t k = 40°C
and t = – 5°C.
A change in the evaporator pressure
corresponding to a decrease in the
evaporator temperature to – 10°C. The
changed cycle is shown as 1’-2’-3’-4’ in Figure
It is therefore, seen that a drop in evaporator
pressure corresponding to a drop of 5°C in
saturated suction temperature increases the
volume of suction vapour and hence
decreases the capacity of a reciprocating
compressor and increases the power
consumption per unit refrigeration.

P.Balamurugan M.Tech., A.P, FPE, K.U 16

 Conditions for Highest COP
It is observed that a decrease in evaporator temperature results in :

(a) Decrease in refrigerating effect from (h 1 – h 4 ) to (h 1 ‟ – h 4”)

(b) Increase in the specific volume of suction vapour from v 1 to v 1 ‟
(c) Decrease in volumetric efficiency, due to increase in the pressure
ratio, from ƞv to ƞv’
(d) Increase in compressor work from (h2 – h 1 ) to (h 2 ‟ – h 1 “) due
to increase in the pressure ratio as well as change from steeper
isentropic 1-2 to flatter isentropic 1’-2.

P.Balamurugan M.Tech., A.P, FPE, K.U 17

Effect of Condenser Pressure

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Effect of Suction vapour superheat

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Effect of Liquid sub-cooling

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