EXPERIMENT #1: VAPOUR COMPRESSION REFRIGERANT CYCLE

OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the experiments are:
1) To demonstrate the vapour compression refrigeration cycle
2) To investigate the relationship between saturation pressure and temperature in the
condenser
3) To investigate the effect of condensing and evaporating temperatures on the refrigeration
rate and condenser heat output

RIG DESCRIPTION

Figure 1.1: Vapour compression refrigerant cycle (Model: RF166) rig setup. Photo obtained from
SOLTEQ operating manual.

Legend
1. Temperature Sensors 6. Pressure Transmitter

2. Pressure Relief Valve 7. Panel

3. Condenser 8. Evaporator

4. Expansion Valve 9. Bench

5. Hermetic Compressor
Figure 1.2: Schematic diagram for the vapour compression refrigerant cycle.
 EXPERIMENT #2: MECHANICAL HEAT PUMP

OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the experiments are to determine the:
1) Heat transfer rate of mechanical heat pumps
2) Heat pump coefficient of performance
3) Refrigerator coefficient of performance

RIG DESCRIPTION

Figure 2.1: Mechanical heat pump (Model: LS-17 015) rig setup. Photo obtained from Experimental
& Operations Manual - Lotus Scientific (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Figure 2.2: Components of the mechanical heat pump. Photo obtained from Experimental &
Operations Manual - Lotus Scientific (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Legend
A Compressor F Receiver Tank

B High & Low Pressure Gauge G Filter Drier

C Condenser Coil H Sight Glass

D Thermocouple I Pressure Transducer

E Water Control Valve

Figure 2.3: Mechanical heat pump control and display unit. Photo obtained from Experimental &
Operations Manual - Lotus Scientific (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Legend
A Pressure meter E Main ON/OFF Switch

B Water flow meter F On/Off compressor switch

C Refrigerant flow meter G On/Off Evaporator Fan

D Power meter H Temperature meter

 EXPERIMENT #3: THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF INSULATING MATERIALS

OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the experiments are:
1) To investigate the thermal conductivity of Mica, calcium carbonate powder and Kaolin as
an insulating material
2) To observe the temperature gradient within the test module
3) To compare experimental results with the actual material thermo-physical properties for
Mica, calcium carbonate powder and Kaolin

RIG DESCRIPTION

Figure 3.1: Rig setup to investigate the thermal conductivity of insulating materials (Model: LS-17
144). See next page for legend labels. Photo obtained from Experimental & Operations Manual -
Lotus Scientific (M) Sdn. Bhd.
 Legend
A Digital power meter F Thermocouple points

B Heater power controller G Mica test module

C Digital temperature meter for

H Magnesium Oxide test module
heater

D Digital temperature meter for

I Kaolin test module
thermocouple

E Mains switch J Cold water inlet

Figure 3.2: Schematic of the test module section view.

Figure 3.3: Schematic of the test module section view (top view). Dimensions are in mm. Length of
the test module, L = 235mm.
 EXPERIMENT #4: THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF LIQUID AND GAS

OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the experiments are:
1) To investigate the thermal conductivity of gas (air) and water.
2) To observe the temperature gradient within the test module.

RIG DESCRIPTION

Figure 4.1: Rig setup to investigate the thermal conductivity of liquid and gas (Model: LS-17 022).
Photo obtained from Experimental & Operations Manual - Lotus Scientific (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Legend
A Control Panel D Liquid Charging Valve

B Pressure Gauge E Water Cooling Inlet

C Charging Gas Valve / Drain Valve F Water Cooling Outlet

Figure 4.2: Schematic of the test module section view.
Figure 4.3: Schematic of the test module section view (top view). Dimensions are in mm. Length of
the test module, L = 235mm.
 EXPERIMENT #5: UNSTEADY STATE HEAT TRANSFER

OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the experiments are:
1) To observe unsteady state conduction of heat to the centre of a solid shape when a step
change is applied to the temperature at the surface of the shape
2) To investigate on the Lumped Thermal Capacitance method of transient temperature analysis

RIG DESCRIPTION

Figure 5.1: Rear view of the rig setup to investigate unsteady state heat transfer (Model: LS-17 020).
See next page for legend labels. Photo obtained from Experimental & Operations Manual - Lotus
Scientific (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Figure 5.2: Front view of the rig setup to investigate unsteady state heat transfer (Model: LS-17 020).
Photo obtained from Experimental & Operations Manual - Lotus Scientific (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Legend
A Water Bath Tank H Drain Valve (DV1)

B Flow Duct I Heater

J Bath Temperature
C Specimen Carrier
Thermocouple

D Geometric Center Thermocouple K Flow Duct Thermocouple

E Flow Meter L Low Level Switch

F Water Pump M Control Panel

G Flow Control Valve (V1)

Figure 5.3: The different test elements. Photo obtained from Experimental & Operations Manual -
Lotus Scientific (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Legend
A Brass Slab 70X15X75mm E Brass Sphere OD=45mm
Specimen Specimen

B Stainless Steel Slab 70X15X75mm F Stainless Steel Sphere

Specimen OD=45mm Specimen

C Brass Cylinder OD=20mm,

G Specimen Carriers
L=100mm Specimen

D Stainless Steel Cylinder

OD=20mm, L=100mm Specimen
 EXPERIMENT #6: CROSSFLOW HEAT EXCHANGER

OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the experiments are:
1) Demonstration of Cross Flow Heat Exchanger
2) Determination of cross flow heat transfer to air from flat plate heater
3) Determination of cross flow heat transfer to air from tube bundle heater
4) Determination of cross flow heat transfer to air from finned flat plate heater
5) Relationship between air velocity with surface temperature
6) Comparison between the three different type of surface heater

RIG DESCRIPTION

Figure 6.1: Crossflow heat exchanger (Model: LS-17 051) rig setup. See next page for legend labels.
Photo obtained from Experimental & Operations Manual - Lotus Scientific (M) Sdn. Bhd.
 Legend
A Temperature Point 2 J Power Meter

B Temperature Point 1 K Fan Regulator

C Temperature Control Point L Control Panel Box

D Air Velocity Transmitter M Mains 240AC

E Air blower N Emergency Stop Button

F Temperature Point 2 Display O Main frame

G Temperature Point 1 Display P Air duct

H Temperature Control Display Q Fin Plate Heater

I Air Velocity Meter R Blower On/Off

 EXPERIMENT #7: MARCET BOILER
OBJECTIVES
The objective of the experiments is to obtain a balance relationship between temperature and
pressure of saturated steam for water at all pressure levels between atmospheric pressure and 10
bars (150 lb/in2).