TITLE: ANALYSIS OF AIR CONDITIONING PROCESS

1. OBJECTIVE

To observe and understand the changes in air properties as it is treated in a
basic air-conditioning unit.

2. INTRODUCTION

Air-conditioning is a process of treating air for the comfort requirements of the
occupants in the conditioned space. The properties of air can be modified by
undergoing certain thermodynamic processes. The most basic of processes involved in
an air-conditioning system are simple heating(raising the temperature), steam
humidification(adding moisture), simple cooling(lowering the temperature) and
dehumidification(removing moisture). But, there are some cases where we need two or
more of the processes in order to make the air is a desired tempereture and humidity
level.

Nowadays, we can see the the usage of the air-conditioning is increasing day by
day wheather is on house or at the office. It shows to us that most people desire a good
surrounding for their comfortable life. For that, air conditioning is a solution for that and it
is important for us to study how it works. Theoretically, analysis of air conditioning
processes is required for maintaining proper temperature and humidity in living space
such as residential, commercial, and industrial facilities.

With air-conditioning we can maintain the temperature and the humidity of the
surrounding to satisfy the human need for comfortable surrounding which is between
20C to 25C. For normal air-condition is only one function which is to cool the
atmosphere or the surrounding. But in some country there are two function where there
can cool the surrounding during the summer and supply heat during winter. This kind of
situation usually happens to countries that have summer and winter such as in Japan.
But our focus is to observe and understand the changes in air properties as it is treated
in basic air-conditioning.






3. THEORY:

Air conditioning processes consists of five processes but we tried to focus only four
types of processes:

1. Simple Heating (raising the temperature)
2. Simple Cooling (lowering the temperature)
3. Humidifying (adding moisture)
4. Dehumidifying (removing moisture)
5. Adiabatic Mixing of Air Streams (increase fresh air circulation)

Air conditioning processes can be modeled as steady flow processes:
Mass conservation:
Dry air : m
a,i
= m
w,e

Water : m
w,i
= m
w,e
or m
aii
= m
a,ee


Energy conservation:
Disregard kinetic and potential energy changes
Steady Flow Energy Balance
E
i
= E
o

Q
i
+ W
i
+ m
i
h
i
= Q
e
+ W
e
+ m
e
h
e


Simple heating and cooling:
1. The amount of moisture for simple heating and cooling remains constant
because no moisture is added or removed into the air stream. Therefore, the specific
humidity at the inlet and the exit remains equal (
i
=
e
).

2. Heating method: the air stream flow inside a duct and passes resistance wires
(heaters). Heat is added to the air stream, so the dry bulb temperature increases (T
e
>
T
i
).


1
Q
2
Heating Element
3. Cooling method: the air stream passes through cooling coil (evaporator tubes of
a refrigeration system). Heat transfer occurs from the hotter air stream to the cooler
refrigerant of chilled water flow , and the dry bulb temperatures decreases ( Te< Ti)

Conservation of mass:
m
a,1
= m
w,2
and (
1
=
2
)
Conservation of energy:
Q = m
a
(h
2
- h
1
)
q = h
2
- h
1



Heating with humidification
1. Simple heating processes produced low relative humidity (air is dry), because
the moisture amount is constant (m
v
and constant) but the maximum moisture
absorption capacity (mg) increases with temperature rise.
2. If the humidifying agent used is steam, this will result in additional heating (T
3
>
T
2
).
3. If water is sprayed, the stream will be partially cooled (T
3
< T
2
)








Mass conservation
Dry air mass balance: m
a1
= m
a2
=m
a3
=m
a


Water mass balance: m
a1

1
= m
a2

2
, (
1
=
2
) (heating section)
m
a2

2
+ m
w
= m
a3

3
( humidifying section)
1
Q
2
Cooling Element
Humidifier
1
Q
2
Heating Element
3
From water tank
m
w
=m
a
(
3
-
2
)

Energy Balance: Q
in
+ m
a
h
1
= m
a
h
2
( heating section)
Q
in
= m
a
(h
2
- h
1
)

Cooling with dehumidification:
1. Dehumidification is process to remove excess water in the dry air by
condensation. It is achieve by altering the cooling process.
2. The air is allowed to cool at a longer period until it reaches its dew point
(saturation state). Further cooling along the saturation state (100% relative humidity 0
will result in condensation of part of the moisture in the air.









Dry air mass balance: m
a1
= m
a2
= m
a

m
a2

2
+ m
w
=m
a3

m
w
=m
a
(
1
-
2
)

Energy Balance: mh
in
= Q
out
+mh
out

Q
out
= m (h
2
- h
1
) - m
w
h
w


Adiabatic mixing of air streams.
1. The mixing process is assuming adiabatic (no heat transfer with the
surrounding).
2. Two stream of air (treated air from air conditioning process ing and fresh outside
air) is merging and exists as one single stream with combined properties.

Dry air mass balance :m
a1
+ m
a2
= m
a3
Water mass balance : m
a1

1
+ m
a2

2
=m
a3

3

Energy balance : m
a1
h
1
+m
a2
h2 = m
a3
h
3


1
Q
2
Heating Element
\
Condesate Removal
Eliminating m
a3
:
1 3
3 2
2 3
2
2
a1
m
h h
h h
m
h
a

4. EQUIPMENTS

Computer Linked Air Conditioning Laboratory Unit ( P.A. Hilton)

Figure 1 : Computer Linked Air Conditioning Laboratory Unit ( P.A. Hilton)


Figure 2 : Control Panel


Figure 3 : System Schematic Diagram
Fan
Stop
Watch




























5. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

The unit is started by having the suction fan running and the screen displayed the
master Menu. Programme 1 showed the process data displayed on a schematic layout
of the system. Meanwhile, programme 2 displayed the properties of the treated air on
the psychrometric chart.

1. No Process the data and psychrometric chart have been printed to read the
initial properties of the air as it enters the air-conditioning unit.

2. Sensible heating 1 kW pre-heater has been switched on and the data
andpsychrometric had been printed. Then, 0.5 kW re-heater has been switched
on and both data and chart are printed as well. For this process the temperature
rise of the air at the exit has been calculated.


3. Steam Humidification All water heaters are switched on to boil the water. When
steam is produced, only 3 kW of heat is switched to maintain the steam. When
the conditions are stabled, the data and chart have printed. Then, the amount of
steam introduced, the change in relative humidity and the corresponding rise of
temperature have been calculated.

4. Cooling and Dehumidification The compressor of the refrigeration system is
switched on. The air is cooled until 18
o
C to 20
o
C (stable temperature), and then
after 5 min the data and the chart is printed. The heat rate and amount of
moisture removed from the air have been calculated. During this experiment, the
rate of condensation from the beginning of the cooling process until the end is
measured and has been compared with analysis.

















Reading
Experiment
Result





















No
process
Sensible heating



1kW 1.5kW
Steam
humidification
Cooling &
dehumidification



T
1
( TAd ) 25.5 27.0 26.9 27.6 28.5 29.2
T
2
( TAw ) 22.6 23.7 23.6 24.0 24.4 24.2
T
3
( TBd ) 25.6 37.6 39.1 33.2 29.0 29.5
T
4
( TBw ) 22.7 26.8 27.1 33.6 24.5 24.4
T
5
( TCd ) 24.5 35.7 38.3 32.5 17.2 17.3
T
6
( TCw ) 22.6 26.2 26.9 32.6 17.0 16.5
T
7
( TDd ) 24.5 34.3 41.7 32.7 17.9 17.5
T
8
( TDw ) 22.7 26.0 27.7 32.0 17.7 17.5
T
9
( T1 ) X X X X 10.0 8.3
T
10
( T2 ) X X X X 63.3 73.4
T
11
( T 3 ) X X X X 44.2 45.4
T
12
( T4 ) X X X X 5.6 6.1
Qp ( W ) X 1026.7 1018.2 X X X
Qr ( W ) X 0.0 541.4 X X X
Qb ( W ) X X X 2745.3 X X
P
evap
( P 1 ) X X X X 204.5 206.8
P
cond
( P 3 ) X X X X 1101.8 1135.7
m
a
(g/s ) 194.6 192.1 189.7 91.5 106.1 196.5
m
r
(g/s ) X X X X 12.3 12.4
Time(s) X X X X 300 455.42
Drain Water ( ml ) X X X X 100 100





Sample Calculation

a) No Process

In Out
TA
dry
= 25.5C TD
dry
= 25.6C
TA
wet
= 22.6C TD
wet
= 22.7C


b) Sensible Heating

For 1kW pre-heater

State1 State2

TA
dry
= 27.0 C TD
dry
= 34.3C
TA
wet
= 23.7C TD
wet
= 26.0C

Temperature rises at exit

T
dry
= 34.3C - 27.0 C = 7.3C
T
wet
= 26.0C - 23.7C = 2.3C

For 0.5 pre-heater

State1 State2

TA
dry
= 26.9 C TD
dry
= 41.7C
TA
wet
= 23.6C TD
wet
= 27.7C



Temperature rises at exit

T
dry
= 41.7C - 26.9 C = 14.8C
T
wet
= 27.7C - 23.6C = 4.1C








c) Steam Humidification





State 2 state 3
T
dry
= 27.6C T
dry
=33.2C
T
wet
= 24.0C T
wet
= 33.6C

m
a
= 0.0915 kg/s m
a
= 0.0915 kg/s

From the psychometric chart :

2
= 72.5%
3
= 90%

2=

1
= 18.0 x 10
-3
kg
v
/kg
a

3
= 33.00 x 10
-3
kg
v
/kg
a


Amount of steam

m
w
= m
a
(
3
-
2
)
= 0.0915 kg/s (33.00 x 10
-3
- 18.0 x 10
-3
) kg
v
/kg
a

= 1.3725 x 10
-3
kg/s

Change in relative humidity

=
2
-
1

= 0.90 0.725
= 0.175 @ 17.5%

Temperature rises at exit

T
dry
= 33.2C - 27.6C = 5.6C
T
wet
= 33.6C - 24.0C = 9.6C



Humidifier
1
Q
2
Heating Element
3
From water tank

d) Cooling and Dehumidification

State 1 State 2

T
dry
= 29.0C T
dry
= 17.2C
T
wet
= 24.5C T
wet
= 17.0C
m
a1
= 0.1061 kg/s m
a2
= 0.1061 kg/s


From the psychometric chart:



1
= 74%
2
= 96.47%

1
= 17 x 10
-3
kg
v
/kg
a

2
= 11.95 x 10
-3
kg
v
/kg
a

h
1
=

95.0

kJ/kg h
2
= 44.5kJ/kg


Amount of moisture

m
w
= m
a
(
1
-
2
)
= 0.1061kg/s (17 x 10
-3
1 1.95 x 10
-3
) kg
v
/kg
a

= 5.358x 10
-4
kg/s

Amount of heat rate

h
w
= h
f
@ T
2
= 17.2

from table A-4, therefore h
w
= ?

h
w
= 72.193 kJ/kg



Q
out
= m
a
(h
1
h
2
) - m
w
h
w

h
f
(kJ/kG) Temperature(C)
62.982 15
h
w
17.2
83.915 20
= 0.1061 (95.0

44.5) - (5.385x 10
-4
) (72.193)
= 5.319 kJ/s





Rate of condensation:

Rate of condensation = 0.1 liter / 455.43 sec

= 2.1957 10
-4
/s



































7. DISCUSSION


1. Answer all the problems in the experimental and discuss the results
obtained by explaining the factors that contributes to the air property
changes for each process problems.

No process:

Based on the data for the first process, which is no process, we can see that there is no
changes in the temperature because it does not involve with any variable
yet.Eventhough, there is still a value for the first data but the value is just a reading
taken from the surrounding condition. So, at this moment we cannot make any
assumption yet and we still need more data from other variable to see clearly the
relation between all the variables.

Sensible Heating:

During running the sensible heating experiment we discovered that the temperature
reading for both wet bulb and dry increased compare to no process experiment. The
different between these two expeiment is because in sensible heating experiment we
use the pre-heat and re-heat to heat the air while in no process experiment there is
nothing particular changes had been made. Theoretically, the preheat and reheat both
of them is actually increasing the temperature of the air since both of them is provide
heat to the air. Unfortunately, there is still some temperature drop during the air flow to
the outlet. In order to solve this proble the air must be reheat to a certain temperature so
that we can get the temperature that we want.

Steam humidification:

Based on the data we can see that after we switch the water heater to boil the water the
output temperature started to increase for both dry and wet buln temperature. Is obvious
that the cause of the temperature to increase is because of the steam that had been
produced from the water that had bee boiled. It seem that the steam make the wet bulb
temperature to increase more than the other processes. By using these reactions, we
can take advantages from it which is by adding the tha air we can increase the humidity
of the air whereas for the steam we can use it to increase the tempearture of the air.

Cooling and dehumidification:

For the last experiment which is cooling and dehumidification, we switch on the
compressor of the refrigeration system. From the data obtained we can see that the
reading temperature for both dry and wet bulb are the lowest from the previous
experiment. This explain the idea where from the refrigeration system it will lower the
temperature because there is cooling process occur at that time. At the same time the
refrigeartion system will produce the water vapour which we have to remove it by using
the dehumifidier. So that is why the temperature drop drasticall because the process of
cooling and dehumidification happens at the same time at the same place

2. Find the schematic of a modern air-conditioning system with advanced air
treatment processes and explain the function of the main devices.



FIGURE 1: Schematic diagram of a modern air-conditioning system

The function of main device

The three main parts of an air conditioner unit are the compressor, the condenser and
the evaporator. The compressor and condenser are located on the outside of the air
conditioner and the evaporator is located on the inside.The basic functioning of the air
conditioner is based on the principle of successive heating and cooling of a highly
volatile liquid, such as a Freon. The liquid first will enters the compressor, where
itsfunction is to compress into a gas. This reaction will releases heat and makes the
liquid cooler. After that, the dissipated heat is radiated outwards with the help of a fan.
The liquid then enters the condenser, where itsfunction is to absorb heat from the
surroundings to reconvert into a gas. Hence, the surroundings temperature will become
cool. The entire process continues and eventually causes of the cooling of the room.

Besides the three main air conditioner parts, an air conditioner also has a hot coil on the
outside to dissipate heat, a cool coil on the inside to absorb heat, two fans (one outside
and one inside) and a control circuit to modify the temperature. This is done by
changing the rotation speeds of the fans using a potentiometer.

3. Explain with the suitable diagrams the operation and arrangements in an
automotive air-conditioning unit.



FIGURE 2:Schematic diagram for automotive air-conditioning system

Components of Automotive Air Conditioning

In automotive air conditioning we have several main parts that have to be focuses which
are a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, refrigeration lines and a couple of
sensors. We will go through it part by part.

Compressor: Compressor is like the heart of your a/c system where it takes the
refrigerant (the gas) and pressurizes it so it will cool the air surrounding. It's run
by an engine belt. The compressor also has an electrically operated clutch that
turns the compressor on and off as you demands more cool air.

Condenser: The condenser is like a miniature radiator, usually mounted at the
front of the car right next to the big radiator. Sometimes the condenser will have
its own electric cooling fan, too. The hot, compressed air passes through the
condenser and gets lots cooler. As it cools, it becomes a liquid.


Evaporator: The evaporator is another little radiator that does just the opposite
task as the condenser. When the super-cool liquid is passed through its tubes,
air is forced through and gets really cold, right before it hits your face. As it
warms up again, the refrigerant starts turning back into a gas.

Thermal Expansion Valve: In order to prevent our toes from freeze off, we can
control it with thermal expansion valve so that we can control the flow of super
cool refrigerant to the evaporator. With this we can regulate how cold the air
blowing on us. Even though, there are a few types of valves in use these days,
but they all do the same thing.
Drier or Accumulator: The drier or accumulator, also known as the receiver-
drier, is sort of the safety catch for our system. The compressor is only supposed
to compress the gas form of our refrigerant. But, there's always a chance that
some liquid could make it back that far. The drier catches this liquid before it can
damage your compressor. Since even the tiniest leak or careless installation can
introduce water moisture to the system, the drier absorbs this chemically, using
what's called a dessicant. The drier also has a filter that catches any gunk that
might be in there.


10. CONCLUSION

Throughout of the experiment, we can conclude that the experiment is success since
we manage to achieved our goal which is to observe and understand the changes in air
properties as it is treated in a basic air-conditioning. We knew that the air properties is
changes based on what types of process that we running it. Each types of process
which is the simple heating, steam humudification, simple cooling and dehudification
have their own result and reason why it is occur like that. With that data and result we
can study throughout about the air-conditioning. But still an error must be avoided in
order to get the precise data.




5. DISCUSSION

a) Answer all the problems in the experimental, and discuss the results
obtained by explaining the factors that contributes to the air property
changes for each process problems.

1) No Process
In this process, there is no different change of temperature in this system that recorde
the average temperature is 23.76C. It is due to no have any process happen. There is
no factor contributes to change the air property changes in this process. We, conclude
that all the value readings recorded at temperature in and out are all in the room
temperature.

2) Sensible Heating
In this process, the temperature rise of the air exit for temperature dry is 7.3C
andtemperature wet is 2.3C when 1 KW pre heated was applied. The temperature rise
of the air exit for temperature dry is 14.8C andtemperature wet is 4.1C when 1.5 KW
pre heated applied. The temperature increased when the air is heated. During the
Sensible Heating process, the heat exchanged by thermodynamics system that has
effect the change of temperature air. Besides that, the temperature change is highest on
temperature dry compare with temperature wet due to density of air. The moist air is
less than dry air.

3) Steam Humidification
In this process, the amount of steam is 1.3725 x 10
-3
kg/s. Thechange in relative
humidity is 0.175 @ 17.5%. The temperature rises at the exit is 5.6C for temperature
dry and 9.6C for temperature wet. The air property changes due to steam produces
give a pressure on this system and also changing the amount of moisture. Steam is the
humidifying agent used in this experiment that increased the average air temperature to
32.2C.

4) Cooling and Dehumidification
The amount of moisture is 5.358x 10
-4
kg/s, amount of heat rate is5.319 kJ/s and the
rate of condensation is2.1957 10
-4
/s. Dehumidification is process to remove excess
water in the dry air by condensation process. It is achieve by altering the cooling
process. The factor that contributes to the air changes are relative humidity, specific
humidity, heat transfer between the surrounding.






b) Find the schematic of a modem air-conditioning system with advanced air
treatment processes and explain the function of the main devices.

Figure above is shown a schematic of air conditioning system.
1)Oil separator.
The system uses a ccentrifugal type oil separator. The function of oil separator is to
ensure that there is adequate lubrication for the compressor during part load operation.
Also to improve the heat exchange coefficient in the condenser and evaporators.

2) Outdoor Fan Motor Control.
This system uses outdoor fan motor control as a main devices for input power saving of
motor itself and to ensure the mass flow through the system.

3) Accumulator.
Accumulator also function as a safety devise to prevent liquid back to the compressor.In
this system.

4) Receiver.
Receiver mainly function to maintain adequate subcooling on the liquid line, it
compensate the difference of required refrigerant amount between cooling and heating.


5) Hot gas by pass valve.
Next main device is Hot gas by pass valve. This device mainly function to prevent
sudden drops in suction pressure and as a safety reason.It also to prevent the
compressor from being stopped on low pressure cutout.


6) Liquid Bypass Valve
Liquid Bypass Valve is function to maintain an optimum discharge temperature .It also
ensure the discharge temperature in optimum limit.

7) Indoor Electronic Expansion Valve
Indoor Electronic Expansion Valve is function to distribute the appropriate amount of
refrigerant to each evaporator to satisfy the room demand.

8) Pressure control
Pressure control is function to modulated compressor to adjust the thermal load
automatically.

9) Condenser.
The Condenser is used liquefy the high pressure vapour discharged from the
compressor.

10) Evaporator
Last main device is Evaporator. This device operated and designed to release large
quantities of heat.


























c) Explain with suitable diagrams the operation and arrangements in an
automotive air-conditioning unit.


The automotive air conditioners basically a mobile refrigeration system. It includes an
air delivery system and temperature control system. This system, its connected with
wiring, hoses and tubing. The compressor in the automotive air conditioner is power by
the engine. In a vehicle with factory installed air conditioner, the heater and air
conditioner are integrated into heater air conditioner. The unit may be controlled by
manual or automatically controlled.


Conclusion

It can be concluded that the air properties changing depends on the relative humidity,
specific humidity, temperature, heat transfer, air motion and so on. Each factor
contributes different results in terms of temperature and the structure of air properties.
The changes have been observed during the experiment.












DISCUSSION

a) Answer all the problems in the experimental, and discuss the results obtained by
explaining the factors that contributes to the air property changes for each process
problems.
No Process
Based on the observation of the temperature for dry air and wet air, the range
of the temperature is around room temperature whereas the wet air has lower
temperature than dry air. Therefore, we believe that the usage of any components that
could change the temperature which can be the main factor affecting the change of air
property is not occurred during no process.
Sensible Heating
As the 1 kW pre-heater switched on for 5 minutes, we can observe that the
amount of moisture for simple heating and cooling remains constant. This is because at
this stage, there is no moisture is added or removed into the air stream, hence, the
specific humidity at the inlet and the exit remains equal.
After we switched on the 0.5 kW re-heater for 5 minutes, there only the air
steam flow inside a duct and passes heaters. At this stage, heat is added to the air
stream so we can observe that the temperature at the exit is higher than the
temperature at the inlet and this is because of the heat is added
Steam Humidification
During steam humidification, the air that passed through the section of water
boiling to produce steam will caused an increase in temperature because the steam is
has the ability to hold maximum moisture of air. Therefore, the relative humidity is
increased from state 2 to 3. Moreover, the increasing of moisture capacity will respond
with the temperature rise. That is the reason for the temperature at state 2 increases as
compared to state 1.
After the steam is produced, 3kw of heat switched on to maintain the steam.
This is because, the factor that contributes to the change of air property for this process
is the present of heat at higher value to ensure that the level of steam is maintained
and at the same time, the property of air is change into the form of steam.
Cooling and Dehumidification
Dehumidification principally is the process of cooling, adsorption or
absorption. It is a process to remove excess water in the dry air by condensation. As the
air is passing through the evaporator the relative humidity increases while the
temperature of the air will decrease. The specific humidity of air remains constant during
a simple cooling, but its relative humidity increases due to lower amount of maximum
moisture that can be absorbed as the air temperature decreases. This cooling process
will results the condensation of moisture in air.
The increasing of relative humidity is due to the water vapour that condensed is
remove through separate channel while the air remain at it saturation condition..
Furthermore, the cool saturated air is routed to adjust the temperature at a preferable
condition. Therefore the air is allowed to cool at a longer period until it reaches its
saturation state. Finally, the continuation of cooling caused the condensation part of the
moisture in air.

b) Find the schematic of a modem air-conditioning system with advanced air
treatment processes and explain the function of the main devices.


























The main device of this component is the compressor. It keeps the refrigerant
flowing through the system at specific rates of flow, and at specific pressures. It takes
refrigerant vapour in from the low pressure side of the circuit, and discharges it at a
much higher pressure into the high side of the circuit. The rate of flow through the
system will depend on the size of the unit.



The operating pressures will depend on the refrigerant being used and the
desired evaporator temperature. The component at #2 in this air conditioning circuit and
cycle diagram is the condenser. The red dots inside the piping represent discharge
vapour. The solid red colour represents high pressure liquid refrigerant. Most air cooled
air conditioning and refrigeration systems are designed so that the refrigerant will
condense at a temperature about 25 to 30 degrees above outside ambient air
temperature.


When the hot refrigerant vapor discharged from the compressor travels
through the condenser, the cool air flowing through the condenser coil absorbs enough
heat from the vapor to cause it to condense. If the outside air temperature is 80
degrees, the system is designed so that the temperature of the refrigerant, right at the
point where it first condenses, will be about 105 to 115 degrees.


c) Explain with suitable diagrams the operation and arrangements in an automotive
air-conditioning unit.


The method of operating an air conditioning unit for a vehicle having a cabin including:
- A duct for inducting air and discharging the inducted air into said cabin;
- A source of heated fluid,
- A heater exchanger through which said heated fluid circulates, said heat exchanger
being arranged to heat the air in said duct;
- A sensor for sensing blower control parameters and outputting a signal indicative
thereof;
- A blower associated with said duct and energizeable to induce air to flow through said
duct;
- A first sensor associated with said duct for sensing the temperature of the air in said
duct and outputting a first signal indicative of said duct air temperature.
- A second sensor for sensing the temperature of said fluid and outputting a second
signal indicative of said fluid temperature.







CONCLUSION

As a conclusion, we can say that the experiment is a success because, at the end
of the experiment, we are able to observe and understand the changes in air properties
as it is treated in a basic air-conditioning unit. We are now understand that the air
properties varies depends on the relative humidity, specific humidity, temperature, heat
transfer, and air motion whereas it changes causes a different results.




























DISCUSSION

a) No process

The initial temperature at this process was 25.5 C. At this moment there are no
process involve or changes of air properties because it does not required the
usage of components. Therefore, the temperature supposedly be constant either
temperature of dry bulb or wet bulb at range of room temperature.


Sensible heating

For 1kW pre-heater the temperature inlet for dry bulb is TA
dry
= 27.0 C and for wet bulb
is TA
wet
= 23.7C. The temperature outlet for dry bulb is TD
dryt
=34.3C. The temperature
is increasing about 7.3C. While the temperature outlet for wet bulb is TD
wet
=26C. The
outlet temperature is increasing about 2.3C. For 0.5kW pre-heater the temperature for
dry bulb is increase from 26.9C to 41.7C while the temperature for wet bulb is
increase from 23.6C to 27.7C. Basically, the factor that contribute to the increasing of
temperature is the heat from pre-heater. From there, we can conclude that more higher
the temperature value of pre-heater, the smaller the increasing of temperature value.

Steam and humidification

The temperature is increasing about 5.6C for dry bulb and 9.6C for wet bulb. The
temperature is increased is due to the resulting heat when the steam is introduced in
the humidifier
From the result data we can see the relative humidity is increase about 17.5%. This
happen because of the steam which the ability of air to hold maximum mixture is
increase.

Cooling and dehumidification

The air is passed to evaporator. This make the temperature is decrease from 29.0C to
17.2C for dry bulb and 24.5C to 17.0C for wet bulb, while the relative humidity is
increase from 74% to 96.47%. The condensation of moisture cooling air is the end
process of result. The water vapor that condensed is remove through separate channel
while the air remain at it saturation condition. This is why the increasing of relative
humidity is close to 100%.


b)


Figure 1: Schematic diagram of a modern air-conditioning system

Condenser:
The condenser acts as a heat exchanger radiating heat from refrigerant to the
outside air. Refrigerant enters the top of the condenser as a hot compressed gas and is
cooled within. As the refrigerant cools it condenses and changes from a high-pressure
gas into a high-pressure liquid and exits the condenser through the bottom. The
condenser is on the high side of the air conditioning system. This is the area in which
heat dissipation occurs.
As hot compressed gasses are introduced into the top of the condenser, they are
cooled off. As the gas cools, it condenses and exits the bottom of the condenser as a
high pressure liquid.





Compressor:
Act as the heart of the system, the compressor is a piston or vane type pump
responsible for compressing refrigerant gas and transferring it through the air
conditioning system. The compressor is a belt driven pump that is fastened to the
engine. It is responsible for compressing and transferring refrigerant gas.
The A/C system is split into two sides, a high pressure side and a low pressure
side; defined as discharge and suction. Since the compressor is basically a pump, it
must have an intake side and a discharge side. The intake, or suction side, draws in
refrigerant gas from the outlet of the evaporator. In some cases it does this via the
accumulator. Once the refrigerant is drawn into the suction side, it is compressed and
sent to the condenser, where it can then transfer the heat that is absorbed from the
inside of the vehicle.

Humidifiers
Function to reduce the humidity of the air processed by the system. The relatively cold
(below the dew point) evaporator coil condenses water vapor from the processed air,
sending the water to a drain and removing water vapor from the cooled space and
lowering the relative humidity. Since humans perspire to provide natural cooling by the
evaporation of perspiration from the skin, drier air (up to a point) improves the comfort
provided. The comfort air conditioner is designed to create a 40% to 60% relative
humidity in the occupied space. In food retailing establishments large open chiller
cabinets act as highly effective air dehumidifying units.

Fan
The function of the fan in an air conditioning unit is to ensure that all the unwanted
heat is rejected from the system into the atmosphere. At the same time, it ensures the
cooling rate is maintained at its level.

Evaporator:
An air conditioning evaporator is a refrigeration coil mounted within cooling fins.
The continuous flow of warm air over the coils causes the refrigerant flowing inside to
boil and absorb large amounts of heat. The boiling refrigerant leaves the evaporator
onto the condenser where it is dissipated into the atmosphere. The evaporator also acts
as a dehumidifier and air purifier at the same time.



Heater:
Realized through several physical effects, but they are classified depending on
their applications (driving energy, source and sink of heat, or a heat pump which is
basically a refrigeration machine). Refrigerators, air conditioners, and some heating
systems are all common applications of heat pumps.








c)



Figure 2: Arrangements in an automotive air-conditioning unit.


Operation 1
The condenser is powered by a drive belt connected to the engine's crankshaft. When
the A/C system is turned on, the compressor pumps out refrigerant vapor under high
pressure and high heat to the condenser.


Operation 2
During this time the fluid passes through a compressor which increases the fluid's
pressure and temperature up to superheated levels.

Operation 3 & 4
Here the fluid passes through an evaporator (B), which transfers heat to the ambient
and condenses the fluid to liquid.


Operation 5
This operation is the state after the fluid passes through an expansion valve or metering
device (C), which lowers the pressure of the fluid. This cools the fluid and subsequently
turns the liquid into a liquid/vapor mixture.



CONCLUSION
As conclusion, we know that the air conditioning consists of heating process,
cooling process, humidifying and dehumidifying process. All of the processes are
important to bring the air to desired temperature and humidity level as needed because
the comfort of human body depends on relative humidity, the dry bulb temperature and
air motion. Therefore, objective of this experiment is achieved.






































DISCUSSION

a) Answer all the problems in the experimental, and discuss the results
obtained by explaining the factors that contributes to the air property
changes for each process problems.

In the first part experiment of the No Process, there is no significant change of
temperature of the system. This is a controlled process whereby, it is to determined that
the whole system is functioning correctly and there is no fault within the system.

In the second part, Sensible Heating, we can see that the outlet temperature increases
as it comes out of the duct. There is a larger increase of temperature as the heating
load is increased. The 1 kW pre-heater produces 7.3
0
C rise for the dry bulb and 2.3
0
C

rise for the wet bulb. The 1.5 kW pre-heater produces 14.8
0
C rise of the dry bulb and
4.1
0
C

for the wet bulb. The temperature rise is consistent with the fact that the pre-
heater merely raises the temperature of the air without adding moisture into the system.

In the 3
rd
part, Steam Humidification, there is a change in the humidity of the system.
The temperature rise of the dry bulb is 5.6
0
C

while the wet bulb is increased by 9.6
0
C.
The increase of temperature of the wet bulb is much larger than the ones in sensible
heating shows that this is due to the increase of moisture content of the system. This is
different than the sensible heating process where the dry bulb temperature increase is
larger than the wet bulb. In steam humidification, the moisture content causes the wet
bulb temperature to increase significantly. This is because the more moisture is trapped
and is not being able to be released into the atmosphere, thus less heat is evaporated
from the wet bulb thermometer. This is also evident that the moisture of the system is
increased by 17.5%.

In the fourth part, Cooling and Dehumidification, the current rate of condensation is
clocked at 2.1957 10
-4
kg/s. The amount of heat removed from the system was 5.319
kW. The amount of moisture removed from the system was calculated at 5.358x 10
-
4
kg/s which is different than the condensation rate. This could be due to nature of how
the sample of collected. The timing begins when the first drop makes it into the beaker.
This should not be the way but instead it is proper to wait for a steady stream of water to
drip down, only then the time should be taken and measured which would reflect
appropriately with the calculated moisture removed.

b) Find the schematic of a modem air-conditioning system with advanced air
treatment processes and explain the function of the main devices.



The diagram above shows typical modern air-conditioning system. It consists of two
units, the indoor and the outdoor unit. The indoor unit is the evaporating unit where the
gas is evaporated upon entering the evaporator. This is where the gas absorbs the heat
in the room and cools the room to a lower temperature. It then exits the system and
enters the compressor where it is compressed into liquid. The compressor and the
condenser make up the outdoor unit. Upon being cooled to a lower temperature, it goes
back into the indoor unit to repeat the cycle. This system consists of temperature
sensors to monitor the system. These sensors allow the operation to be set and
manipulated to the desire. One of it is the soft-dry operation whereby moisture is
removed from the air. This is to achieve the cooling effect and to provide more comfort
for the user without lowering the temperature. This is to reduce the work load of the
system and to achieve the cooling effect without lowering the temperature of the room.

c) Explain with suitable diagrams the operation and arrangements in an
automotive air-conditioning unit.



The diagram above shows the operation diagram of a car air-conditioning system. The
cycle begins with the compressor. The compressor is located at the engine where it is
driven by the engine via a belting system. Its pulley is connected to the pump via
solenoid actuated clutch. This serves as a purpose to on and off the compressor as
required without affecting the engine. The compressed fluid is discharged into the
condenser where it is located in front of the car. It is placed either next to or in front of
the radiator coolant. Once it is cooled, it goes through a filter to remove moisture and
particles. It is then expanded into gas and enters the evaporating coil. The air from
outside is cooled into the engine where it is then cooled to a lower temperature via a
ducting system. Once it is cooled by the evaporator, it is then pushed into the car by a
blower.

CONCLUSION

Heat and moisture plays a role in the air-conditioning system. Several property changes
were observed throughout the experiment. When air is heated without increase in
moisture content, the temperature rise of the dry bulb is significantly with little effect on
the wet bulb thermometer. Humidification raises both temperature of both wet and dry
thermometer significantly showing its impact on the system temperature wise. When it is
cooled and dehumidify, the temperature drop is also significant. This shows that
moisture and temperature of the system is important and must be taken into account in
heating ventilation and air-conditioning system.




































11. REFERENCE

1. http://www.globalspec.com/reference/64950/203279/chapter-3-air-conditioning-
processes
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_conditioning
3. Thermodynamics an Engineering Approach 3
rd
Edition.
4. Thermal Engineering MEC551
5. Third Edition Heat And Mass Transfer (A Practical Approach)By Yunus A. Cengel