Refrigeration Cycle Demonstration Unit | PolarX – 516
The Refrigeration Cycle Demonstration Unit PolarX – 516 consists of a hermetic compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion element, with finned tube heat exchangers used for both the condenser and evaporator. Three capillary tubes of different lengths and a thermostatic expansion valve allow direct comparison of expansion methods. A refrigerant receiver enables study of overfilling and underfilling effects, while sensors track temperature, pressure, and compressor electrical usage. This refrigeration cycle demonstration unit uses R134a refrigerant and supports optional data acquisition via USB with p-h diagram visualization.
The Refrigeration Cycle Demonstration Unit PolarX – 516 consists of a hermetic compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion element built for investigating refrigeration circuit behavior. This refrigeration cycle demonstration unit uses finned tube heat exchangers for both the evaporator and condenser. Three capillary tubes of different lengths and a thermostatic expansion valve allow direct comparison of expansion elements.
Product Overview
A refrigerant receiver is included with the unit. Refrigerant can be added to or removed from the refrigeration circuit through the receiver, making it possible to study the impacts of overfilling or underfilling the system.
A flow meter measures the refrigerant’s flow rate. Sensors track the temperature, pressure, and electrical usage of the compressor within the refrigeration circuit. Digital displays allow direct reading of the measured values. Using data capture software, measured values can be sent straight to a PC via USB at the same time (optional). A p-h diagram in the software allows users to dynamically view parameter changes in the circuit (optional).
This refrigeration cycle demonstration unit allows investigation of a refrigeration system with different expansion elements, comparing an expansion valve against capillary tubes of different lengths.
Refrigeration Cycle Demonstration Unit PolarX – 516, Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| System Configuration | Investigation of a refrigeration system with different expansion elements |
| Refrigeration Circuit | Hermetic compressor, condenser, evaporator and expansion element |
| Heat Exchangers | Finned tube heat exchangers as condenser and evaporator, phase transitions observed via sight glass |
| Expansion Elements | Expansion valve and capillary tubes of different lengths |
Technical Data
Compressor
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 250 W at 7.2°C/32°C |
| Refrigeration Capacity | 400 W at 7.2°C/32°C |
Condenser
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Fan cool, continuous tubing and external finned |
| Refrigerant Receiver | For under filling/overfilling the system with refrigerant |
| Sensors | Record pressure and temperature |
| Pressure Switches | Compressor equipped with two pressure switches |
| Data Acquisition Software | Via USB under Windows XP or higher (Optional) |
| Refrigerant | R134a, CFC-free |
Delivery Side (High Pressure Gauge)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pressure | -1 to 25 bar |
Temperature Sensor
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Range | -40°C to 400°C |
| Type | K |
| Total | 7 |
Evaporator
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Forced air heat absorbed, continuous by tubing and external finned |
Suction Side (Low Pressure Gauge)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pressure | -1 to 16 bar |
Digital Multifunctional Power Meter
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Range of AC Volt | 0 to 500 volts |
| Range of AC Ampere | 0 to 40 Ampere |
Condenser and Evaporator with Fan
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max. Air Flow Condenser | 300 m³/h |
| Max. Air Flow Evaporator | 180 m³/h |
Capillary Tubes
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Lengths | 2 m, 4 m, 6 m |
Receiver for Refrigerant
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1.3 L |
Filter Drier
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Working Pressure | 450 psig |
Liquid Receiver
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Working Pressure | 450 psig |
| Capacity | 1.2 L |
Pressure Safety Switch
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Suction Side and Delivery Side |
Refrigerant Flow Rate
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Range | Up to 100 LPH |
Electric Power Consumption
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Range | Up to 1000 W |
Key Features
- Circuit Components: Hermetic compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion element
- Heat Exchangers: Finned tube design, evaporator and condenser
- Expansion Elements: Capillary tubes (2m, 4m, 6m) and thermostatic expansion valve
- Refrigerant Receiver: Enables overfilling/underfilling studies, 1.3 L capacity
- Flow Measurement: Refrigerant flow rate up to 100 LPH
- Sensors: Track temperature, pressure, and compressor electrical usage
- Digital Displays: Direct reading of measured values
- Data Capture Software: Sends measured values to PC via USB (optional)
- P-h Diagram View: Dynamic parameter visualization in software (optional)
- Refrigerant: R134a, CFC-free
- Sight Glass: Observes phase transitions of the refrigerant
- Trainer Design: Refrigeration cycle demonstration unit suited for instructional and lab use
Experiments
- Under filling or over filling with refrigerant
- Cycle of thermodynamics in the p-h diagram
- Function and operational behaviour of the refrigeration circuit components
- Operation of an expansion valve or different-length capillary tubes
- Calculate the refrigeration capacity from the p-h diagram and compare with:
- The measured values
- Calculate the coefficient of performance
- Calculate the efficiency of the compressor
Construction and Design
The Refrigeration Cycle Demonstration Unit PolarX – 516 is built around a refrigeration circuit consisting of a hermetic compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion element. Finned tube heat exchangers form the condenser and evaporator. The condenser uses fan-cooled, continuous tubing with external fins. The evaporator uses forced air, with heat absorbed continuously by tubing and external fins. A sight glass on the heat exchangers allows observation of the refrigerant’s phase transitions. Three capillary tubes of different lengths, 2m, 4m, and 6m, along with a thermostatic expansion valve, serve as the expansion elements. A refrigerant receiver of 1.3 L capacity allows refrigerant to be added or removed from the circuit. A separate liquid receiver with 1.2 L capacity and a filter drier are also included, each rated for a maximum working pressure of 450 psig. The compressor is equipped with two pressure switches, on the suction side and delivery side. This refrigeration cycle demonstration unit uses R134a, a CFC-free refrigerant.
Software
Software PolarX – 516 (optional)
DAQ software designed in National Instruments™ LabVIEW™ environment to measure and calculate the results of the apparatus. The software is optional. When the software is used, a set of electronic sensors is included. The software can be run on any Windows™ environment.
Scope of Delivery
- 1 experimental module
- 1 instruction manual
Optional Accessories
- Software PolarX – 516 (DAQ software, National Instruments™ LabVIEW™ environment, requires electronic sensor set)
- Data acquisition via USB under Windows XP or higher
- P-h diagram dynamic parameter view (software feature)
Q: What does the Refrigeration Cycle Demonstration Unit PolarX – 516 consist of?
A: A hermetic compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion element, with finned tube heat exchangers for the condenser and evaporator.
Q: What expansion elements can be compared on this unit?
A: Three capillary tubes of different lengths (2m, 4m, 6m) and a thermostatic expansion valve.
Q: What refrigerant does the unit use?
A: R134a, a CFC-free refrigerant.
Q: Can the system be studied under overfilled or underfilled refrigerant conditions?
A: Yes, the refrigerant receiver allows refrigerant to be added or removed from the circuit to study these effects.
Q: Is the PolarX – 516 software required to operate the unit?
A: No, the software is optional. A set of electronic sensors is included when the software is used.
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