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 Chapter 2: Vapor Compression cycle

2.1 The Carnot Cycle

The Carnot cycle is an ideal thermodynamically reversible cycle, first investigated by Sadi Carnot in 1824
as a measure of the maximum possible conversion of heat energy into mechanical energy. It is an ideal
heat engine cycle for a perfect heat engine. The flow diagram and ts-diagram is shown in Fig. 2.1.

Heat from high

temperature source

2 3

Turbine Work
Work Compressor

1
4
Cool Liquid

Heat rejected to low

(a) temperature sink

2 3
T2=T3
Temperature

T1=T4 4
1

sA SB
(b) Entropy
Figure 0.1: Carnot Heat Engine Cycle (a) Schematic Drawing (b) T-S Diagram

The process which forms the cycle are:

Process 1-2: adiabatic compression

Process 2-3: isothermal addition of heat
Process 3-4: adiabatic expansion
Process 4-1: isothermal rejection of heat

From TS-diagram:

Heat supplied during isothermal expansion (2-3) = T2 (SB - SA)

Heat rejected during isothermal compression (4-1) = T1 (SB – SA)
We know that:
work done = Heat supplied – Heat rejected
= T2 (SB – SA) – T1 (SB – SA)
= (SB – SA)(T2 – T1)
Carnot cycle which is operating as a heat engine will have the efficiency:

From the above equation, we see that the efficiency of Carnot Engine Cycle increases as T2 is increased
and T1 is decreased. In other words, the heart should be taken in, at as high temperature as possible and
rejected at as low a temperature as possible.

It may be noted that 100% efficiency can be achieved only if T1 reaches absolute zero. So, it is impossible
to achieve it in practice. It may be noted that it is impossible to make an engine working in Carnot cycle.
The simple reason for the same is that the isothermal expansion or process 2-3 will have to be carried out
extremely slows to ensure that the surrounding substance is always at temperature T2 or T3. Similarly
process 4-1 i.e. isothermal compression will have to be carried out extremely slow. But adiabatic
compression and expansion should be carried out as quickly as possible in order to approach ideal
adiabatic condition.

We know that sudden changes in the speed of an engine or not possible in actual practice. Moreover, it is
impossible to completely eliminate friction between the various moving parts of the engine and also heat
losses due to conduction, radiation etc. so, it is impossible to construct for an engine in actual practice.
However, such an imaginary engine is used as the ultimate standard of comparison for all heat engines.

2.2 Reversed Carnot Cycle (i.e. Carnot Cycle for Refrigeration Cycle)

The Carnot Cycle in its reversed form i.e. Reversed Carnot Cycle is used a measure of the maximum
performance to be obtained from a refrigerating machine.

We know that the Carnot Heat Engine receives energy at a high level of temperature, converts a portion of
energy into work and distort the remaining amount of heat to a heat sink at a controlled level of
temperature. The reversed Carnot Cycle or the Carnot refrigeration cycle performs the reverse effect of the
heat engine because it transfers energy from a low level of temperature to a high level of temperature. The
refrigerating cycle requires the addition of external work for its operation. The diagram of the equipment
and the temperature-entropy (T-S) diagram of the refrigerating cycle are shown in the Fig. 2.2:

The process which constitute the cycle of process:

1-2: Adiabatic compression

2-3: Isothermal heat rejection
3-4: Adiabatic expansion
4-1: Isothermal addition of heat or isothermal expansion
 Heat to high
temperature source

2 3

Compressor
Work Turbine

1
4
Cool Liquid

Heat from low

(a) temperature sink

3 2
Temperature

Net Work

4 1

(b) Entropy

Figure 0.2: Reversed Carnot Cycle (a) Schematic Drawing (b) T-S Diagram

Heat rejected from the low temperature source in process 4-1 is the refrigeration step or operation and
entire purpose of cycle. All the other process in the cycle, function in a way that the low temperature
energy can be discharged to high temperature heat sink.

Carnot Refrigeration cycle consists of reversible process which makes its efficiency higher than could be
achieved in an actual cycle. A reasonable question to ask is as to why discuss the Carnot Cycle if it is an
unattainable ideal? There are two reasons for studying the Carnot Cycle: one reason is that its serves as a
standard of comparison, the other is that it provides a convenient guide to the temperatures that should be
maintained to achieve maximum effectiveness. The term Co-efficient of Performance has been devised to
measure the effectiveness of refrigerating machine.

2.3 Coefficient of Performance (COP)

It is defined as the ratio of the heat absorbed in the refrigerant space to the heat energy equivalent of the
energy supplied to the compressor

COP

If cooling effect and work done or work input are actually measured during a test there ratio i.e. COP will
be the actual COP. Theoretical values of cooling effect and work done may be obtained by applying the
laws of thermodynamics to the refrigerating cycle. The value of COP thus obtained is known as the
theoretical Co-efficient of Performance.

The ratio between the actual and theoretical co-efficient of Performance is known as Relative Co-
efficient of Performance.

Relative COP
Now, Referring to Fig. 2.2b, shows that the refrigeration produced in the reverse Carnot cycle is: T1 ( S1 –
S4).

The net work supplied = Heat supplied – Heat rejected

= T1 (S1 – S4) – T2 (S2 – S3)
= (T1 – T2) (S1 – S4) = Area of rectangle
Thus, the COP

=> COP

The two terms which make up the Co-efficient of Performance must be in the same units so that the Co-
efficient of Performance is therefore dimensionless.

Note: the Carnot Cycle when operating in one direction or the other may be used for three purposes:

 First for converting heat energy into mechanical energy (When used as heat engine)
 Second for using mechanical energy to absorb heat at some undesirable location and to reject it at
some unobjectionable one (When used as a refrigerating machine)
 Third for using mechanical energy to absorb heat at some in-effective location and to discharge it
at a desirable one (When used a heat pump)

The second and third applications are based upon the reversed Carnot Cycle and differs only the result
desired.

2.4 Conditions for Highest Co-efficient of Performance

A co-efficient of performance is desirable because it indicates that a given amount of refrigeration requires
only a small amount of work.

We can express the COP of the Carnot cycle in terms of the temperature that exists in the cycle. The heat
transferred in a reversible process is: qrev = ∫T.ds; Areas beneath reversible processes on the temperatures-
entropy diagram therefore represent transfer of heat.
 3 2

Temperature
Net Work

4 1

Refrigeration

Entropy (S)
KJ / Kg.K
Figure 0.3: Useful refrigeration and net work of the Carnot Cycle shown by areas on the TS-diagram.

Areas shown in Fig. 2.3 can represent the amount of useful refrigeration and the net work. The useful
refrigeration is the heat transferred in process 4-1, or the area beneath the line 4-1. The area underline 2-3
represents the heat rejected from the cycle. The difference between the heat rejected from the cycle and
the heat added to the cycle is the net heat which for a cyclic process equals the net work. The area
enclosed in rectangle 1-2-3-4 represents the net work. An expression for the co-efficient of performance of
the Carnot refrigeration cycle is therefore:

COP

The co-efficient of performance of the Carnot Cycle is entirely a function of the temperature limits and
can vary from zero to infinity.

A low value of T2 will make the co-efficient of Performance high. A high value of T1 increased the
numerator and decreases the denominator, both of which increase the co-efficient of performance. To
summarize, it may be noted that to obtain maximum possible co-efficient of performance in any
application, e.g., cooling or heating:

 The cold body temperature T1 should be as high as possible

 The hot body temperature T2 should be as low as possible (compressor will workless). The net
work area 1-2-3-4 will become narrow.

2.5 Temperature Limitations

So, we know that for obtaining maximum possible co-efficient of performance for any application

1. Operate with T1 high (low temperature source should be high)

2. Operate with T2 low (high temperature sink should be low)

At the same time, it may be remembered that the lower is the refrigeration temperature and higher the
temperature of surroundings, the larger will be the mechanical or electrical power consumption of
refrigerating machine. However, in practice it may not be possible to adopt both of above alternatives as
all refrigeration works against certain temperature limitations.

E.g. if the refrigeration must maintain a cold room at -20 oC or 253 K and can reject heat to the
atmosphere at 30 oC or 303 K; these two temperatures are limitations within which the cycle must abide.
The two temperatures are shown as dashed lines in Fig. 2.4, expressed in Kelvin. During the heat rejection
process, the refrigerant temperature must be higher than 303 K. During the refrigeration process, the
refrigerant temperature must be lower than 253 K; in order to transfer heat from the cold room to the
refrigerant. The cycle should not be called a Carnot refrigeration cycle because all processes in the Carnot
engine cycle are reversible. And transfer of heat with a difference in temperature is irreversible process.
The cycle is now merely a rectangular cycle on the temperature-entropy diagram.

T Δt
3 2
303.15 K Atmosphere

253.15 K Cold Room

4 1
Δt

S
Figure 0.4: Temperature requirements imposed upon a refrigeration cycle.

Temperature T2 should be kept low, but it cannot be reduced below 303K. Temperature T1 should be kept
high, but it cannot be increased higher than 253K. So do we have the control over the temperature? The
answer is that we can concentrate on keeping the Δt as small as possible. Reduction of Δt can be
accomplished by increasing A or U in the heat exchange equation:

Q = UA Δt
Where q = Transferred heat, W

U = Overall heat transfer coefficient, W/m2 K

A = heat transfer area, m2
Δt = temperature change, K
In order to decrease Δt to zero, either U or A would have to be infinite. Since infinite values of U
and A would also require an infinite cost, the actual selection of equipment always stops short of
reducing Δt to zero.

2.6 Carnot Heat Pump

A heat pump uses the same equipment as a refrigeration system, but operates for the purpose of delivering
heat at a high level of temperature. Even though the equipment used in a refrigeration cycle and in a heat
pump may be identical, but the objectives are different. The purpose of a refrigeration cycle is to absorb
heat at a low temperature and that of a heat pump to reject heat at a high temperature. The plant can be
constructed to operate alternatively as a heat pump and a refrigeration system. Units of this type are
available for air-conditioning application of cooling a building during summer and heating during winter.

The performance of a heat pump is expressed by the performance factor of co-efficient of performance.

Performance Factor or COP

The area under the line 2-3 in Fig. 2.5 represents the heat rejected from the cycle and the area enclosed in
rectangle 1-2-3-4 represents the net work. The COP is therefore:

T
3 2

Net Work

4 1 Heat Rejected

S
Figure 0.5:Carnot heat pump cycle

Performance Factor

The refrigeration cycle with the same temperatures as in Fig. 2.5 would have a COP of T1/(T2 - T1).
Therefore:

Performance Factor

The performance factor can therefore vary from 1 to ∞.

In a heat pump the important thing is the amount of heat delivered at high temperature i.e. line 2-3 which
is isothermal compression. Whereas in a refrigeration unit, the important thing is the amount of heat
removed from low temperature source i.e. line 4-1 which is isothermal expansion.

2.7 Carnot Refrigeration Cycle for Vapor as Refrigerant

Because the Carnot refrigerant cycle is the most efficient cycle, every attempt should be made to
reproduce it with actual equipment. Certainly, the reversible processes cannot be duplicated, but at least,
the rectangular shape of the cycle on the TS-diagram should be maintained. By doing so, all the heat can
be received at one temperature level and rejected at another.

If a gas such as air is used as the refrigerant, a cycle would appear like that in figure, rather than the
familiar rectangle of the Carnot cycle. The isentropic compression and expansion are processes 1-2 and 3-
4 respectively. Processes 2-3 and 4-1 are constant pressure cooling and heating processes respectively.
 x

T 3 2 Atmosphere

Cold Room
1
4 y

S
Figure 0.6: Refrigeration Cycle when a gas is the refrigerant

This cycle differs from the Carnot cycle which operates between the same two temperature by the addition
of areas x and y. At point 4, the temperature must be lower than the cold temperature so that as the gas
receives heat in the constant pressure, it rises to a temperature no higher than that of the cold room. For
similar reasons T2 must be above the atmospheric temperature. The effect of area x is to increase the work
required, which decreases the co-efficient of performance. The effect of area y is to increase the work
required and in addition reduce the amount of refrigeration. Both these effects of area x and y reduce the
coefficient of performance.

Instead of using a gas, a refrigerant may be used that condenses during the heat rejection process and boils
during the heat addition or refrigeration process. During phase change, the temperature remains constant.
Such a refrigerant could therefore operate between liquid and vapor states. With the refrigerant, the Carnot
cycle can fit between the saturated liquid and saturated vapor lines as shown in Fig. 2.7. Processes 2-3 and
4-1 take place at constant temperatures, since the constant pressure processes in the mixture region occur
at constant temperature. Process 2-3 is a condensation process and the vessel in which it occurs is a
condenser. Process 4-1 is a boiling process and it takes place in the evaporator.

T
3 2 Atmosphere

Cold Room
4 1
Saturated Vapor
Saturated Liquid

S
Figure 0.7: Carnot Refrigeration Cycle when a condensing an evaporating fluid is the refrigerant.
2.8 Revision of the Carnot Cycle

The Carnot refrigeration cycle shown in Fig. 2.7 offers a high co-efficient of performance, practical
consideration requires certain revision. These changes are in the compression process, 1-2 and in the
expansion process, 3-4.

2.8.1 Wet Compression versus Dry Compression

The Compression process 1-2 in Fig. 2.7 is called wet compression, because the entire process occurs in
the mixture region with droplets of liquid present.

With a reciprocating compressor, the wet compressor is not suitable due to the following reasons:

1. Because liquid refrigerant may be trapped in the head of the cylinder by the rising piston and may
damage the compression valves and the cylinder itself. Even though the point at the end of the
compression as point 2 is theoretically dry saturated vapor and this indicates no liquid, such is not the
actual case. It is normal to expect some liquid droplets to remain suspended in the gas. During
compression, the droplets of liquid are vaporized by an internal heat transfer process, which requires a
certain amount of time. High speed compressors are especially vulnerable to damage by liquid because
of the short time available for heat transfer.

E.g. in a modern high speed compressor say has 1800 rpm of rotation speed, the compression takes
place in 1/60 seconds.

2. Another possible danger of wet compression is that the droplets of liquid may wash the lubricating oil
from the valve of the cylinder thus increasing wear.

Because of the disadvantages mentioned, the dry compression is preferable to wet compression. Dry
compression takes place with no droplets of liquid present. If the refrigerant entering the compressor is
saturated vapor as shown in Fig. 2.8 as point 1, the compression from point 1-2 is called dry compression.

2
T Super Heated Horn
3

4 1

S
Figure 0.8: Revision of Carnot refrigeration cycle by using dry compression.
With dry compression the cycle loses the rectangular shape of the Carnot cycle. Compression of a dry
vapor results in a temperature at point 2 which is higher than the condensing temperature. The refrigerant
therefore leaves the compressor super heated. The area of that part of the cycle which is above the
condensing temperature is called the super heated horn. The area of the super heated horn on the TS
diagram represents additional work required by dry compression.

2.8.2 Expansion Process

Another revision made on the Carnot Cycle is to alter the expansion process. The Carnot cycle demands
that the expansion 3-4 takes place isentropically and that the resulting work be used to help dry the
compressor. The expansion engine is not found suitable due to the following reasons:

1. The possible work that can be derived from the expansion engine is a small fraction of that which
must be supplied to the compressor.

2. Practical difficulties such as lubrication intrude when a fluid of two phases drives the engine.

3. Finally, the economics of the power recovery has not justified the cost of the expansion process. The
possibility of using an expansion engine should continue to be studied, however, as the cost of energy
increases.

The necessity remains of reducing the pressure of the liquid in Process 3-4. A throttling device such as a
valve or other restrictions is almost universally used for this purpose. As there is no change in potential
and kinetic energy and with no transfer of heat, we have constant enthalpy process i.e. h3 = h4 i.e. the
process is isenthalpic. The constant enthalpy throttling process is irreversible and during the process
entropy increases. The throttling process takes place from 3-4 in Fig. 2.9.

2.9 Simple/Standard Vapor Compression System

The standard vapor compression is shown on the TS-diagram. The processes constituting the standard
vapor-compression cycle are:

2
T
3

1
4

S
Figure 0.9: Standard vapor compression system

1-2: reversible and adiabatic compression from saturated vapor to the condenser pressure.
2-3: reversible rejection of heat at constant pressure, de-superheating and condensation.
3-4: Irreversible expansion at constant enthalpy from saturated liquid to the evaporator pressure.
4-1: reversible addition of heat at constant pressure in evaporation to saturated vapor.
A flow diagram of a simple vapor compression system is also shown in Fig. 2.10. The principle parts of
the system are:

7
1

2 4

6
3

Figure 0.10: Flow diagram of a simple vapor compression system

1- Evaporator: its function is to produce a heat transfer surface through which heat can pass from the
refrigerant space into the vaporizing refrigerant. Since the capacity of a refrigerant to absorb heat energy is
greatest when changing state from liquid to vapor, the heat exchanger (Evaporator) within the conditioned
space is continuously supplied with liquid refrigerant, which vaporizes in order to absorb heat energy from
the conditioned space.

2- Suction Line: it carries the low pressure vapor from the evaporator to the suction inlet of the
compressor.

3- Compressor: the function of the compressor is to draw refrigerant vapor from the evaporator and then
it rises its temperature and pressure to such a point so that it may be easily condensed with normally
available condensing media. If the system is to reject this heat energy to outdoor air during peak summer
conditions where the air temperature may be as high as 30 °C, the Saturation Temperature of the
refrigerant must be raised from 5 °C to a higher temperature than 30 °C, say 40 °C. This is achieved by
raising the pressure of the Saturated Vapor leaving the Evaporator by passing the vapor through a
Compressor.

4- Discharge Line or Hot Gas Line: Discharge lines which delivers the high temperature, high pressure
vapor from the discharge of the compressor to the condenser.

5- Condenser: the function of the condenser is to provide a heat transfer surface through which heat passes
from the hot refrigerant vapor to the condensing medium, which is either air or water. The energy that
must be rejected by the Condenser comprises the heat energy removed by each kilogram of refrigerant
passing through the Evaporator and the heat energy added to each kilogram of refrigerant passing through
the Compressor. The total heat that must be rejected therefore equals and is termed the Total Heat of
Rejection (THR). The Condenser coil is therefore normally larger than the Evaporator coil.
6- Receiver Tank: it acts as a reservoir which stores the liquid refrigerant coming from the condenser and
supplies it to the evaporator according to the requirement.

7- Liquid Line: it carries the liquid refrigerant from the receiver tank to the refrigerant flow control valve.

8- Refrigerant Flow Control or Expansion Valve: its function is to supply a proper amount of
refrigerant to the evaporator after reducing its pressure considerably so that the refrigerant may take
sufficient amount of heat from the refrigerant space during evaporation.

2.10 Introduction to PH-Charts:

The properties of the refrigerants can be listed in tables or they can be shown on a graph. There are
number of arrangements of property diagrams. The one that is most useful and commonly used in
refrigeration work is called the pressure enthalpy (P-h) or Mollier diagram. It is called the P-h diagram
because the properties of pressure and enthalpy are shown on the vertical and horizontal axis, respectively.

The condition of the refrigerant in any thermodynamic state can be represented as a point in the P-h chart
that represents the condition of the refrigerant in any one particular thermodynamic state. This point can
be located if any two properties of the refrigerant at that state are known. Once the state point has been
located on the chart, the other properties of the refrigerant for that state can be determined directly from
the chart. As shown in Fig. 2.11 the chart is divided into three areas that are separated from each other by
the saturated liquid and saturated vapor line. The area on the chart to the left of the saturated liquid line is
called the sub-cooled region. At any point in the sub-cooled region, the refrigerant is in the liquid phase
and its temperature is below the saturation temperature; corresponding to its pressure. The area to the right
of the saturated vapor line is the superheated region and the refrigerant is in the form of superheated
vapor. The section of the chart between the saturated liquid and saturated vapor is the mixture region and
represents the change in phase of the refrigerant between the liquid and vapor phases. At any point
between the two saturation lines the refrigerant is in the form of liquid-vapor mixture. On the chart the
change in phase from the liquid to vapor phase occurs from left to right, whereas the change in phase from
vapor to liquid phase occurs from right to left. The distance between lines among any constant pressure
line can be read on the enthalpy scale.

P
1 2 3
Saturated Liquid
Curve

Saturated Vapor
Curve

h
Figure 0.11: Three areas of PH-diagram

2.10.1 Property Lines on the Pressure – Enthalpy Diagram:

At the bottom of the chart of Fig. 2.12 is the latent heat of vaporization of the refrigerant at that pressure.
The saturated liquid and saturated vapor lines are not exactly parallel to each other because the latent heat
of vaporization of the refrigerant varies with the pressure at which the change in phase occurs.

The lines of constant quality extended from top to bottom through the center section of chart and
approximately parallel to the saturated liquid and vapor lines. Quality line indicates the percentage of
vapor by mass in a liquid-vapor mixture in increments of 10 %. E.g. at any point on the constant quality
line close to the saturated liquid the quality of the quality of the liquid-vapor mixture is 10 %; which
means that 10 % of the mass of the mixture is vapor. Similarly the indicated quality of mixture at any
point along the constant quality line close to the saturated vapor line is 90 %; which means that the
amount of vapor in the liquid-vapor mixture is 90 %.

Saturated Liquid Curve

P
Iso-Enthalpy Line Saturated Vapor Curve

Iso-Entropy Line

Iso-Pressure Line

Iso-Specific
Iso-Thermal Line
Volume Line

Iso-Quality Line

Figure 0.12: The pressure enthalpy diagram of a refrigerant.

At any point on the saturated liquid line, the refrigerant is a saturated liquid and at any point along the
saturated vapor line; the refrigerant is a saturated vapor. The horizontal lines extending across the chart are
lines of constant pressure and the vertical lines are lines of constant enthalpy. The lines of constant
temperature in the sub cooled are almost vertical on the chart and parallel to the lines of constant enthalpy.
In the center-section, since the refrigerant changes state or phases at constant pressure and temperature,
the lines of constant temperature are parallel to and coincident with lines of constant pressure. At the
saturated vapor line, the lines of constant temperature change direction again and in the superheated vapor
region fall sharply towards the bottom of the charts.

The state lines which extend almost vertically across the superheated vapor region are lines of constant
entropy. The curves near the horizontal lines crossing the super heated vapor region are lines of constant
volume.

The values of any of the various properties of the refrigerant which are of important in the refrigerating
cycle may be read directly from the p-h chart, at any point where the value of that particular property is
significant and the process is occurring at that point.

To simplify the chart, the number of lines on the chart is kept to a minimum. For this reason the values of
these properties of the refrigerant which have no real significance at some points in the cycle, are omitted
from the chart at these points. E.g. in the liquid region and in the region of phase change or center section,
the values of the entropy and volume are all of no particular interest and are therefore omitted from chart
in these sections.

Since the ph-chart is based on (one lb or one kg) mass of the refrigerant; the volume given is the specific
volume in m3/kg or ft3/lb; the enthalpy is in BTU/hr or KJ/kg and the entropy is in BTU/lb K or KJ/kg K.
Enthalpy values are found on the horizontal scale at the bottom of the chart and the values of entropy and
specific volume are given adjacent to the entropy and volume lines; respectively. The magnitude of the
pressure in bars or psi; is on the vertical scale at the left side of the chart. The temperature values in oF or
o
C adjacent to the constant temperature line in the sub cooled and superheated regions of the chart and on
both the saturated liquid and saturated vapor line. Constant temperature line in the sub cooled and
superheated regions of the chart and on both the saturated liquid and saturated vapor line.

2.11 Performance of standard vapor compression cycle

Fig. 2.13a shows the processes on PH-diagram which constitute the cycle, and Fig. 2.13b is a schematic
diagram of the equipment. With the help of pressure-enthalpy diagram, significant quantities of the vapor
compression cycle will be determined. These quantities are the work of compression, the heat rejection
rate, the refrigeration effect, the coefficient of performance, the volume flow rate per KW of refrigeration.

P
(kPa) 3 Condensation
2
Expansion

Evaporation
4 1

h, kJ/kg
(a)

3 2
Condenser

Expansion Compressor
Valve

Evaporator
1
(b)
Figure 0.13: (a) The standard vapor-compression cycle on the pressure-enthalpy diagram; (b) Flow diagram

First of all the work of compression in KJ/kg is equal to the change in enthalpy in process 1-2 (see Fig.
2.13a) or h1-h2. This relation is derived from the steady flow energy equation:

h1+q = h2 + W
where changes in kinetic and potential energy are negligible. As the process 1-2 is adiabatic, hence in the
adiabatic compression the heat transfer q is zero. The work w than equals to:
W = h1 - h2
where changes in kinetic and potential energy are negligible. Because in the adiabatic compression the
heat transfer q is zero, the work w equals h1 – h2. The difference in enthalpy is a negative quantity,
indicating that the work is done on the system. Knowledge of the work of compression is important
because this term may be one of the largest operating costs of the system.

The heat rejection in KJ/kg is the heat transferred from refrigerant in process 2-3, which is h3 - h2. The
relation also comes from the steady flow energy equation in which the kinetic energy, potential energy,
and work terms are drop out. The value of h3 - h2 is –ve, indicating that heat is transferred from the
refrigerant. The value of this heat rejection is used in sizing the condenser and calculating the required
flow quantities of the condenser cooling fluid.

The refrigerating effect in KJ/kg is the heat transferred in process 4-1; or h1 - h4. Knowledge of the
magnitude of this term is necessary because performing this process is the ultimate purpose of the entire
system.

The coefficient of performance of the standard vapor compression cycle is the ratio of refrigerating effect
and work of compression. Therefore, coefficient of performance:

The volume flow rate per kW is usually expressed in cubic meter per second per kW (m3/sec.kW). The
volume flow rate is computed at the compressor inlet or state point 1. The volume flow rate is rough
indication of the physical size of the compressor. The greater the value of the term, the greater must be the
displacement of the compressor in m3/sec.

The power per kW, like the COP is an indicator of the performance. The power per kW is the inverse of
the coefficient of performance. An efficient refrigeration system has a low value of power per kW, but a
high coefficient of performance.

Example 2.1:

A standard vapor-compression cycle developing 50 kW of refrigeration using refrigerant 22 operates with

a condensing temperature of 35 oC and an evaporating temperature of -10 oC. Calculate

(a) the refrigerating effect in Kj/kg,

(b) the circulation rate of refrigerant in kg/s,
(c) the power required by the compressor in kW,
(d) the COP,
(e) the volume flow rate measured at the compressor suction,
(f) the power per kW of refrigeration
(g) the compressor discharge temperature.

Solution:
First of all we will calculate the enthalpies at points 1, 2, 3, 4.
The value of h1 is the enthalpy of saturated vapor at -10oC, which is given by from table (A-6) as:
h1 = hg = 401.6 KJ/Kg;
To find h2 move at constant entropy from point 1 (i.e. at -10 oC) until reaching the condensation pressure
corresponding to 35 oC. This condensing temperature is 1354 kPa, and the value of h2 = 43
5.2 KJ/kg (Fig. A-4)
sg = s1 = s2 = 1.77 KJ/kg.K and at T3 = 35 oC, P2 = 1354 kP (From Table A-6)
a. The refrigerant effect is: h1-h4 = 401.6 – 243.1 = 158.5 KJ/kg
b. The circulation rate of refrigerant can be calculated by dividing the refrigerating capacity by the
refrigerating effect:
Flow rate = 50 KW / 158.5 KJ/kg = 0.315 kg/sec
c. The power required by the compressor is the work of compression per kg multiplied by the refrigerant
flow rate:
Compressor power= (0.315 kg/sec) (h2 – h1) = (0.315)(435.2 – 401.6) = 10.6 KW
d. COP = Refrigeration capacity / compressor Power = 50/ 10.6 = 4.72
e. The volume flow rate of flow at the compressor inlet (i.e. at point 1) requires knowledge of the specific
volume of the refrigerant at point 1.
From table A-6, for temp = -10 oC; vg = 65.3399 lit/kg = 0.06534 m3/kg
So volume flow rate = m.vg = (0.315) ( 0.06534) = 0.0206 m3/sec
f. The compressor power per kilowatt of refrigeration which is the reciprocal of the COP is;
Power of refrigeration = Compressor power / refrigeration rate = 10.6 / 50 = 0.212 KW/KW
g. The compressor discharge temp is the temp of the superheated vapor at point 2, i.e. corresponding to
pressure 1354 kPa and entropy 1.77 kJ/kg.K

2.12 Heat Exchangers

Some actual refrigeration systems require a liquid to suction heat exchanger. This heat exchanger sub
cools the liquid from the condenser with suction vapor coming from the evaporator. The arrangement is
shown in Fig. 2.14a and the corresponding Ph-diagram in Fig. 2.14b.
 3 2
Condenser

1
Compressor
Heat
Exchanger

4
5
Evaporator
6
(a)

P Sub Cooling

4 3 Condensation
2

Expansion

Evaporation
5 5/ 6 1
Super Heating

h
(b)
Figure 0.14: (a) Refrigeration system with a heat exchanger to subcool the liquid from the condenser. (b) PH-
diagram of the system using a heat exchanger shown in (a).

Saturated liquid at point 3 coming from the condenser is cooled to point 4 by means of vapor at point 6
being heated to point 1. From a heat balance:

h3 - h4= h1 – h6
The refrigeration effect is either h6 - h5 or h1 - h3. (h3 = h5/)

Compared with standard vapor compression cycle, the system using the heat exchanger may seem to have
obvious advantages because of the increased refrigeration effect. Both the capacity and coefficient of
performance may seem to be improved. This is not necessarily true. Even though the refrigeration effect is
improved/increased, the compression is pushed further out into the super heat region, where the work of
compression in KJ/kg is greater than, it is closed to the saturated vapor line. From the stand point of
capacity, point 1 has a higher specific volume than point 6, so that a compressor which is able to pump a
certain volume delivers less mass flow if the intake is at point 1. The potential improvements in
performance are thus counter balanced, and the heat exchanger probably produces negligible
thermodynamic advantages.

The heat exchanger is definitely justified in situations where the vapor entering the compressor must be
super heated to ensure that no liquid enters the compressor. Another practical reason for using the heat
exchanger is to subcool the liquid from the condenser to prevent bubbles of vapor from impeding the flow
of refrigerant through the expansion valve.
 2.13 Actual Vapor Compression Cycle

The actual vapor compression cycle suffers some inefficiencies compared with the standard cycle. Some
comparisons can be drawn by superimposing the actual cycle on the Ph-diagram of the standard cycle as
in Fig. 2.15.

P Sub Cooling Pressure Drop Actual Cycle

2
3

Standard Cycle

4
1
Pressure Drop Super Heating

The essential differences between the actual and the standard cycle appear:

 In the pressure drops in the condenser and evaporator

 In the sub cooling of the liquid leaving the condenser
 And in the superheating of the vapor leaving the evaporator

The standard cycle assumes no drops in the pressure in the condenser and evaporator. Because of friction,
however, the pressure of the refrigerant drops in the actual cycle. The result of these drops in the pressure
is that the compression process between 1 and 2 requires more work than in the standard cycle.

Sub cooling of the liquid in the condenser is a normal occurrence and serves the desirable function of
ensuring 100 percent liquid entering the expansion valve.

Super heating of the vapor usually occurs in the evaporator and is recommended as a precaution against
droplets of liquid being carried over into the compressor.

The final difference of the actual cycle is that the compression is no longer isentropic and there are
inefficiencies due to friction and other losses.

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