The Mechanical Heat Pump PolarX - 540 is an educational apparatus that demonstrates how heat transfers from a colder to a hotter object, a core refrigeration principle. This Mechanical Heat Pump uses a hermetic compressor, water-cooled plate heat exchanger, thermostatic expansion valve, and air-heated evaporator, all fixed on a stable, stand-alone platform. Control instrumentation includes 6 Type-k temperature sensors, a water flowmeter (up to 7LPM), a digital multifunctional power meter, and pressure gauges rated -1~25bar (delivery) and -1~16bar (suction). Optional LABVIEW-based DAQ software is available for automated data measurement and calculation.

Mechanical Heat Pump PolarX - 540, Technical Specifications
| Component | Type / Medium |
|---|---|
| Compressor | Hermetic |
| Refrigerant | R-134a |
| Condenser | Plate Heat Exchanger |
| Condenser Medium | Water |
| Evaporator | Fan Cooled Continuous Tubing and External Finned |
| Expansion Valve | Thermostatic |
Technical Data
Liquid Receiver
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Working Pressure | 450psig |
| Capacity | 1.2L |
Filter Drier
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Working Pressure | 450psig |
Temperature Sensor
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Range | -40~400°C |
| Type | Type-k |
| Total | 6 |
Digital Multifunctional Power Meter
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Range of AC Volt | 0~500 volts |
| Range of AC Ampere | 0~40 Ampere |
Energy Meter
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Digital Type | Power analyzer |
Water Flowmeter
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Range | up to 7LPM |
Pressure Safety Switch
| Side | Value |
|---|---|
| Delivery side (high pressure gauge) | -1~25bar |
| Suction side (low pressure gauge) | -1~16bar |
Key Features
Experiments
Construction and Design
The Mechanical Heat Pump PolarX - 540 is built around four core components: a thermostatic expansion valve, a water-cooled plate heat exchanger, a hermetic compressor, and an air-heated evaporator. All parts and instruments are fixed on a stable platform. This makes the unit fully stand-alone. The layout mirrors that of many household air-water heat pumps. All components are visible from the front of the unit. Control instrumentation includes a flowmeter, thermocouples, and pressure gauges, along with a watt meter for power measurement.
Software
PolarX - 540 (optional). A DAQ software package, specially designed in National Instruments LABVIEW environment, measures and calculates 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
Q: What refrigerant does the Mechanical Heat Pump PolarX - 540 use?
A: It uses R-134a refrigerant.
Q: Is the unit stand-alone?
A: Yes. All parts and instruments are fixed on a stable platform, making it a fully stand-alone unit.
Q: How many temperature sensors are included?
A: The unit includes 6 Type-k temperature sensors with a range of -40~400°C.
Q: Is the DAQ software mandatory?
A: No. The PolarX - 540 software is optional, and a set of electronic sensors is included when the software is used.
Q: What experiments can be performed with this Mechanical Heat Pump?
A: Experiments include heat pump performance curve production, volumetric efficiency analysis, power input and COP determination, energy balance calculations, and vapor compression cycle plotting on a p-h diagram.