EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF THE CHARGE AMOUNT ON THE POWER CONSUMPTION AND COOLING PERFORMANCE OF A REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

Abstract

Refrigeration systems are mechanical devices that transfer heat from a low-temperature region to a high-temperature region, effectively cooling a space or substance. They operate based on the principles of thermodynamics, utilizing refrigerants to extract heat from the area being cooled and then expelling it elsewhere. These systems play a crucial role in maintaining suitable temperatures for various applications across industries. The choice of refrigerant and system design significantly impacts efficiency, environmental impact, and overall performance. This study investigates the impact of refrigerant gas charge amounts on the performance of these systems. Two different charge amounts including 340 g and 425 g have been utilized in a refrigeration system that use R134a as refrigerant gas. The experimental process has been performed in a controlled environment. Analyzing the relationship between the quantity of refrigerant gas and system efficiency, this research aims to provide insights into optimizing charge levels to enhance the overall performance and energy efficiency of refrigeration systems. Experimental results showed that increasing the refrigerant charge amount from 340 g to 425 g reduced the hourly energy consumption from 0.322 kWh to 0.306 kWh. Moreover, the average coefficient of performance (COP) values were attained as 3.94 and 4.04, respectively for the charge amounts of 340 g and 425 g. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics between refrigerant gas charge amounts and system functionality, offering potential strategies for improved system design and operation.

Keywords

• Refrigeration system
• Charge amount
• Power consumption
• Cooling performance

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