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.

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
Experiments
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 Instrumentsâ„¢ LabVIEWâ„¢ 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 Windowsâ„¢ environment.
Scope of Delivery
Optional Accessories
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.