Refragiration

Optimization of Refrigeration System
INTRODUCTION
For walk-in applications, the vapor-compression cycle is typically the refrigeration system of
choice because to its instant cooling at peak load and improved coefficient of performance.
Understanding the system cycle is essential to comprehending the behavior of the system's
different components and selecting the best points of operation for the refrigeration system
design. A walk-in cooler box was built, and a walk-in refrigeration unit was attached to it. The
examination of the impact of various parameters on system performance uses the test unit.
Condenser airflow, superheat setting, and refrigerant charge were the variables examined.
These parameters were altered, their effects were examined, and suggestions for the ideal
conditions were provided.
SYSTEM DETAILS
The refrigeration system was created and developed at RIT Indore, and it was installed with
thermocouples and pressure transducers inserted in the locations indicated in figure 1. To
compare system performance, the energy metre was also used to record the electrical power
consumption. For performance testing, the test unit was installed in a prefabricated measuring
(4 X 4 X 4 m). A typical test room was used to evaluate airflow while employing the nozzle
coefficient and differential air pressure. Both the suction pressure and the discharge pressure
were measured in terms of pressure. Discharge, suction, condenser outlet, as well as evaporator
input and evaporator outlet temperatures, were all measured. These readings are essential for
supplying the thermodynamic characteristics at each stage of the vapor-compression cycle.
Figure 2; show the completed test unit before any instrumentation was installed for
performance comparison.
figer1:diagrame showing thermocouple and pitot tube
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
1-Air Flow Effect
Since it can affect the quantity of heat rejection, the condenser airflow was chosen as one of the
variables that affect the refrigerant system design. In this test, the room temperature was
adjusted to give a hint as to how the airflow effect would change under various operating
circumstances. Through the use of a voltage regulator to regulate the fan motors' speed, the
airflow was changed. A pivot tube that was attached to the intake and outflow of the nozzle was
used to measure the difference pressure. By multiplying the flow coefficient by the observed
pressure difference, the airflow was calculated..
Figure 3 shows the relation between power consumption and airflow. At a lower airflow, we can
see the trends that the power consumed was higher compare to the higher airflow values.
Therefore, using a low airflow rate in the design is not recommended. After the airflow
surpassed 672 CFM, the power usage appears to have stabilized. This suggests that 685 CFM
should be the target airflow for optimum performance. Watch the patterns to see how the
power consumption increased as the airflow parameters increased. Therefore, using a low
airflow rate in the design is not recommended. After the airflow surpassed 672 CFM, the power
usage appears to have stabilized. This indicates that the ideal airflow setting should be around
685 CFM.
Based on figure 4, we noticed that the capacity of the system was highest at an ambient
temperature of 80 °F. This can be used as main design point, however in actual field operations
the ambient temperature ranges from 80°F to100°F. Typically, this type of application is place
near the roof of the building and the ambient temperature is closely related to the environment
it operates on. Therefore, we recommended using an ambient temperature of 80°F as design
point for indoor walk in refrigeration system

Figer3:airflow and cooling capacity
Air Flow Effect
Since it can affect the quantity of heat rejection, the condenser airflow was chosen as one of the
variables that affect the refrigerant system design. In this test, the room temperature was
adjusted to give a hint as to how the airflow effect would change under various operating
circumstances. Through the use of a voltage regulator to regulate the fan motors' speed, the
airflow was changed. With the entrance and outlet attached to a pitot tube, the differential
pressure was monitored.
Refrigerant Charge Effect
To avoid undercharging systems, which can result in poorer capacity and efficiency, the
refrigerant charge effect is being studied. The experiments for the refrigerant charge inquiry
were conducted with various charges while maintaining a constant ambient temperature of
80°F. The superheat setting was adjusted from 48.5 to 57.4 degrees Fahrenheit. The
temperature in the cooler compartment was kept at 33.9°F. Figure 4 shows that a single point at
0.775 kg is where the two distinct superheat settings converge. We can infer that a 0.775kg
refrigerant charge should be used while designing the operating point.
figer4: amount of refrigerant and power consumption
CONCLUSION
The suggestions for a walk-in refrigeration system's optimal design are outlined in the
following :
1. Design the condenser air flow rate to be 685 CFM
2. Design for an ambient temperature of 95°F for indoor application
3. Design the refrigeration system with a superheat temperature setting of 51°F
4. Design using the refrigerant charge of 0.765 kilograms for system with capacity between 2.60
to2.80 k.watt.

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Optimization of Refrigeration System

conditions were provided.

thermocouples and pressure transducers inserted in the locations indicated in figure 1. To

supplying the thermodynamic characteristics at each stage of the vapor-compression cycle.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1-Air Flow Effect

pressure difference, the airflow was calculated..

it operates on. Therefore, we recommended using an ambient temperature of 80°F as design

point for indoor walk in refrigeration system

Air Flow Effect

pressure was monitored.

Refrigerant Charge Effect

refrigerant charge should be used while designing the operating point.

figer4: amount of refrigerant and power consumption

1. Design the condenser air flow rate to be 685 CFM

2. Design for an ambient temperature of 95°F for indoor application

3. Design the refrigeration system with a superheat temperature setting of 51°F

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