How to estimate enthalpy change across a compressor in simple vapor compression cycle

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on estimating the enthalpy change across a compressor in a simple vapor compression cycle using R134a as the refrigerant. The user is utilizing a Bitzer 2DC-3.2Y-40S compressor with an inlet pressure of 2 bar and a 5K superheating assumption. Key methods discussed include using compressor displacement and RPM to estimate mass flow rate and leveraging thermodynamic data from manufacturers like DuPont or resources such as "Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics" by Moran et al. to obtain R134a property data.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vapor compression cycle principles
  • Familiarity with thermodynamic properties of refrigerants
  • Knowledge of compressor specifications and performance metrics
  • Ability to interpret thermodynamic tables and data
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods to calculate outlet enthalpy (H2) in vapor compression systems
  • Learn how to determine mass flow rate using compressor displacement and RPM
  • Explore thermodynamic property databases for R134a
  • Study the principles of adiabatic and reversible compressor operation
USEFUL FOR

HVACR engineers, thermodynamics students, and professionals involved in designing or optimizing vapor compression systems.

bobkokke
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
TL;DR
Calculate compressor side of a Vapour compression cycle without knowing output of the compressor.
Hi everyone,


I'm fairly new to HVACR systems and currently doing research on building an estimation model of a basic vapor compression cycle.


Right now, I'm trying to calculate the enthalpy change across the compressor — from point H1 (before the compressor) to point H2 (after the compressor). For my test setup, I’m assuming R134a as the refrigerant, with an inlet pressure of 2 bar. (if possible well asume 5K superheating)


As a reference, I’m using a Bitzer 2DC-3.2Y-40S compressor, but I don’t yet have outlet pressure or temperature data.


My questions are:


  • How can I estimate the outlet enthalpy (H2) in this situation?
  • Can I use the compressor's displacement and RPM to estimate the mass flow rate, and then use power input to find enthalpy increase?
  • Are there any tools or databases you recommend for getting R134a property data?

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated!
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
The mass flow rate is determined by the heat load of the overall system. Are you saying that you have no idea what the outlet conditions of the compressor are. If the compressor is operating adiabatically (and nearly reversibly), the inlet entropy- and outlet entropy per unit mass will be about the same. So you move on a constant entropy line for the compressor.

You can get thermodynamic data on 134a either from the manufacturer (e.g., DuPont) of probably from tables in Fundamentals of Engineering thermodynamics by Moran et al. There should be table online of 134a thermodynamic data also.
 
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: berkeman

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
15K