MEC653

HVAC SYSTEM

CHAPTER 9
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 1

 KJM 381

Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle

The processes in the vapor compression refrigeration

cycle are as per following:

Process Process Description

1-2 Isentropic compression
2-3 Constant pressure heat rejection
3-4 Throttling process
4-1 Constant pressure heat absorption

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 2

 KJM 381

Refrigeration cycle is based on the modification of reversed

Carnot cycle

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 3

 KJM 381

The P-h diagram is another convenient diagram often used

to illustrate the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle.

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 4

 KJM 381

Components Description

COMPRESSOR: Provide the driving force for the entire

system by drawing low pressure refrigerant in and adding
pressure such that it exits at a higher temperature.

CONDENSER: Exhaust heat from the system by virtue of

heat transfer across a temperature gradient. The
refrigerant in the condenser is at a higher temperature than
the ambient temperature.

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 5

 KJM 381

EXPANSION VALVE: Allow the refrigerant to expand

dramatically in a controlled process such that it exits the
valve at a low quality liquid-vapor mixture.

EVAPORATOR: Absorb heat from the cold space by virtue of

a temperature gradient, similar to the condenser.

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 6

 KJM 381

Performance of Refrigeration System

Results of First Law

Component First Law Result

Compressor . .
W in  m(h2  h1 )
. .
Condenser Q H  m(h2  h3 )

Expansion h3  h4
valve
. .
Evaporator
Q L  m(h1  h4 )

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 7

 KJM 381

Results of Second Law

Cycle Second Law Result

.
QL h1  h4
Refrigerator COPR  
.
W in h2  h1
.
QH h2  h3
Heat pump COPHP  
W in
.
h2  h1

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 8

 KJM 381

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 9

 KJM 381

Chiller COP vs Chiller Efficiency

.
QL h1  h4
COPR  
.
W in h2  h1

.
W in in kW
Efficiency  .
Q L in RT

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 10

 KJM 381

Centrifugal compressor
Screw compressor

Reciprocating compressor
Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 11
 KJM 381

Integrated Part Load Value

Typical figures of chiller efficiency (kW/RT) at part load:

% Load Centrifugal Screw Reciprocating

A 100 0.68 0.81 0.85

B 75 0.70 0.72 0.95
C 50 0.73 0.67 1.10
D 25 0.98 0.69 1.42

*100 RT chiller operating 12 hours per day, 300 days per year???
Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 12
 KJM 381

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 13

 KJM 381

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 14

 KJM 381

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 15

 KJM 381

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 16

 KJM 381

Chiller Plant COP vs Chiller Plant Efficiency

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 17

 KJM 381

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 18

 KJM 381

Refrigerants
Type of refrigerants:

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 19

 KJM 381

Refrigerant Selection

Two important parameters: the temperatures of the refrigerated

space and the environment with which the refrigerant
exchanges heat.

R-134a (replaced R-12, which damages ozone layer) is used

in domestic refrigerators and freezers, as well as automotive
air conditioners.

R-502 (a blend of R-115 and R-22) is the dominant refrigerant

used in commercial refrigeration systems such as those in
supermarkets.
Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 20
 KJM 381

COP comparison between different refrigerants under the

same operating conditions.

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 21

 Absorption Refrigeration Systems

The most widely used absorption refrigeration system is the

ammonia-water system, where ammonia serves as the
refrigerant and water as the transport medium.

The work input to the pump is usually very small, and the
COP of absorption refrigeration systems is defined as:

Desired output Cooling effect QL QL

COPR    
Required input Work input Qgen  Wpump ,in Qgen

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 22

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 23
 KJM 381

Cooling water flows

Cooling tower

Make-up
water tank
3 Condenser 2

Expansion valve Compressor

Refrigerant Make-up
R-22 flows water flows
Evaporator
4 1

From building

To building
Chilled water flows

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 24

 KJM 381

Water-cooled chiller
Split unit

Air-cooled chiller

Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 25

 KJM 381

Air-cooled packaged
Water-cooled packaged

VRV System
Global Aspiration …… A World Class University 26