In a compression refrigeration system, a refrigerant flows through the refrigeration circuit and is subject to different changes of state. Here, the physical effect is used that during the transition of the refrigerant from a liquid to a gaseous state energy is required which is removed from the environment (evaporation enthalpy).
The experimental unit ET 350 represents a refrigeration circuit consisting of a hermetic piston compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator. The evaporator and condenser are transparent to provide good monitoring of the phase transition process during evaporation and condensation. The operation of the float valve as expansion valve is also easy to observe. Before the entry into the evaporator the aggregate state of the refrigerant can be monitored at a sight glass. A water circuit cools the condenser or supplies the cooling load for the evaporator. Cold and hot water flows are adjustable.
All relevant measured values are recorded by sensors. The simultaneous transmission of the measured values to the PLC enables easy analysis and the representation of the process in the log p-h diagram. Complex processes, such as changes of state, are visualised by real-time representation of the cycle, e.g. in the log p-h diagram. Intuitive operation of the PLC makes it easy to adjust all elements of the cycle. The effect of the modifications is immediately visible on the touch screen. An augmented reality interface (Vuforia View) for mobile devices is available for visualising the refrigeration circuit components.
The experimental unit is controlled by a PLC via touch screen. The PLC provides exact data on the condition of the refrigerant, which is used to calculate the refrigerant mass flow rate accurately. The calculation therefore gives a much more accurate result than measurement using conventional methods.
Digital multimedia teaching material is available at the GUNT Media Center. In addition to real-time representation directly on the unit, Game-Based Learning is made possible with these online media, e.g. worksheets, e-learning, quizzes, videos, etc.
