A. Introduction

The vapour compression refrigeration cycle is used in many industrial, medical and domestic situations throughout the world. Air conditioning, food and medicine preservation and transport all rely on the use of refrigeration plant. It is essential, therefore that student engineers intending to design or utilize such plant are fully aware of the parameters affecting the performance of the vapour compression refrigeration cycle. 

This has been designed to allow students to fully investigate the performance of a vapour compression cycle under various conditions of evaporator load and condenser pressure. All of the relevant parameters are instrumented and the unit is completely safe for operation by students. 

B. Experimental capabilities

A.  Production of a vapour compression cycle diagram under various conditions

B.  Production of an energy balance for the refrigerator

C.  Investigation of the variation in refrigerator “duty” or cooling ability for various

     condensing temperatures

D.  Investigation of the variation in refrigerator Coefficient of Performance for various

     condensing temperature

E.  Investigation of the variation in Coefficient of Performance based on electrical,

      shaft and indicated power

F.  Determination of the overall heat transfer coefficient for the condenser cooling coil

G.  Investigation of the performance of the thermostatic expansion valve

H.  Investigation of the heat delivered to the cooling water with variation in

     condensing temperature

I.   Investigation of the Coefficient of Performance as a Heat Pump for various 

     condensing temperatures

F.  Investigation of Power Input based on electrical, shaft and indicated power.