REVIEWER IN REFRIGERATION REFRIGERATION

CHAPTER II

MULTI-PRESSURE AND OTHER

REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS

INTRODUCTION

 Multi-pressure System – is a refrigeration system that has two or more low-side pressures.

 Low-side pressure – is the pressure of the refrigerant between expansion valve and the intake
of the compressor.

SOME INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

 The following are some industrial applications of multi-pressure refrigeration systems.

1. Dairy plant
a) One evaporator operates at – 35 C to harden ice cream
b) Another evaporator operates at 2 C to cool milk

2. Process industry
 Two- or three-stage compression arrangement serves an evaporator operating at a low
temperature of, say, - 20 C or lower.

3. Food Storage: Preservation of, say, vegetables or meats at different temperatures.

FLASH GAS REMOVAL TANK

 Flash tank – is a refrigerant tank used to separate flash gas developed in the throttling process
between the condenser and evaporator. The flash gas is compressed before complete
expansion.

 Flash tank is used to save power requirement of the refrigeration system.

Figure 2.1. Flash Tank

To compressor

Flash Tank
From the
Condenser
Throttling To evaporator
Valve

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REVIEWER IN REFRIGERATION REFRIGERATION

COMPRESSOR INTERCOOLING

 Intercooler – is equipment, installed between stages of two-stage or multi-stage compressor.

 It is used to lower the temperature of refrigerant before entering the high-pressure compressor
stage.

 It is used to reduce the work of compression per kg of vapor.

Types of Intercooler

1. Water-cooled heat exchanger intercooler

 This intercooler is used for two-stage air compressor.
 It uses a water as a cooling medium
 Figure 2.2 below shows the schematic diagram of a two-stage air compressor.

2. Liquid refrigerant Intercooler

 This intercooler is used for two-stage refrigerant compressor
 The same refrigerant circulating the system is used as a cooling medium.
 Figure 2.2 below shows the schematic diagram of liquid refrigerant intercooler.

Figure 2.2. Water-cooled Intercooler

Cooling
Water
2 3 4
Intercooler
1
LP HP
Compressor Compressor

Figure 2.3. Liquid Refrigerant Intercooler

4
3

2 HP
Compressor
Liquid from
condenser 1
LP
Compressor
Intercooler

pV Diagram of Two-Stage Compressor

 Figure 2.4 below illustrates the pV diagram of a two-stage compressor.

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REVIEWER IN REFRIGERATION REFRIGERATION

Figure 2.4. pV Diagram of a Two-Stage Compressor

p 4 pd

Area representing
High-stage pi 2 savings in work
Compression 3
Low-stage
ps 1 Compression
v

Work or Power Input of Two-stage Compressor (Isentropic Compression)

 k 1

 2k    p d  2k
Wc   1  k  ps Vs   p   1 
    s 


Where, Wc = compressor work or power input, kJ/kg, kW, Hp

ps = suction pressure, kPaa, psia
pd = discharge pressure, kPaa, psia
k = specific heat ratio

Work or Power Input of Two-stage Compressor (Polytropic Compression)

 n 1

 2n    p d  2n 
Wc    s s 
p V  
  1
1 n  p 
 s 
 


Where, n = polytrophic exponent

Intermediate Pressure or Intercooler Pressure (For Optimum Compressor Work)

pi  ps pd

Where, pi = intercooler or intermediate pressure, kPaa, psia

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM WITH TWO-STAGE COMPRESSOR

 This system is composed of one evaporator and one condenser operated by two-stage
compressor.

Figure 2.5. System with Two-stage Compressor and ph Diagram

p
Condenser
5 4 5 4
3
Intercooler
Expansion 3
Valve 2
1 HP 2
6 Compressor
Evaporator LP 6 1
Compressor h

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REVIEWER IN REFRIGERATION REFRIGERATION

Cycle Analysis

 Refrigerating Effect and Refrigerating Capacity

Qe  m  h1  h 6  or q e  h1  h 6

Where, Qe = Refrigerating capacity, Btu/min, kW, TR

qe = refrigerating effect, kJ/kg, Btu/lb
m = mass flow rate of refrigerant, kg/s, lb/min
h = enthalpy, kJ/kg

 Compressor Work or Power

Wc  m  h 2  h 2    h 4  h 3  

Where, Wc = compressor work or power input, kJ/kg, kW, Hp

 Heat Rejected by the Condenser

QR  m  h 4  h 5 

Where, QR = Heat rejected in the condenser, kW, Btu/min

qR = unit mass heat rejected, kJ/kg, Btu/lb

 Coefficient of Performance (COP)

Qe m  h1  h 6  h1  h 6
COP   
Wc m  h 2  h1    h 4  h 3    h 2  h1    h 4  h 3 

Where, COP = Coefficient of Performance

 Mass Flow Rate of Refrigerant

Qe
m
h1  h 6

Where, m = mass flow rate of refrigerant, kg/s, lb/min

 Tons of Refrigeration

Qe m  h1  h 6 
TR  
3.517 3.517

Where, TR = Tons of Refrigeration

1 TR = 3.516 kW = 200 Btu/min

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SYSTEM WITH ONE COMPRESSOR SERVING TWO EVAPORATORS

 This refrigeration system is composed of one compressor and two evaporators of different
low-pressure conditions.

Figure 2.7 & 2.8. One Compressor Serving Two Evaporators

3 p
Condenser 2 3 2
1

4 5
4 5 6
Evaporator A
Compressor
7 8 6
7 8 1
Evaporator B
h

Cycle Analysis

 Total Refrigerating Capacity

Qe  QeA  QeB  m A  h 5  h 4   m B  h 8  h 7 

Where, Qe = total refrigerating capacity, kW, Btu/min, TR

QeA = refrigerating capacity of evaporator A, kW, Btu/min, TR
QeB = refrigerating capacity of evaporator B, kW, Btu/min, TR
mA = mass flow rate of refrigerant in evaporator A, kg/s, lb/min
mB = mass flow rate of refrigerant in evaporator B, kg/s, lb/min
h = enthalpy of refrigerant, kg/s, lb/min

 Compressor Power Input

Wc  m1  h 2  h1 

Where, Wc = compressor power input, kW, Hp

m1 = total mass flow rate of refrigerant, kg/s, lb/min
h1 = enthalpy of refrigerant at the compressor suction, kJ/kg, Btu/lb
h2 = enthalpy of refrigerant at the compressor discharge, kJ/kg, Btu/lb

 Heat Rejected by the Condenser

QR  m2  h 2  h 3 

Where, QR = heat rejected in condenser, kW, Btu/min

m2 = m1 = total mass flow rate or refrigerant, kg/s, lb/min
h2 = enthalpy of refrigerant at the condenser inlet, kg/s, lb/min
h3 = enthalpy of refrigerant at the condenser outlet, kg/s, lb/min

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 Coefficient of performance

Qe m A  h 5  h 4   m B  h 8  h 7 
COP  
Wc m1  h 2  h1 

Where, COP = coefficient of performance

 Refrigerant Mass Flow Rate at Evaporator A

QeA
mA 
h5  h 4

 Refrigerant Mass Flow Rate at Evaporator B

QeB
mB 
h8  h 7

 Mass Flow Rate of Refrigerant in the Compressor

m1  m 2  m A  m B

 Enthalpy of Refrigerant at the Compressor Intake

mA h 6  mBh8
h1 
mA  mB

 Tons of Refrigeration

QeA  QeB m A  h 5  h 4   m B  h 8  h 7 
TR  
3.517 3.517

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM WITH FLASH TANK

 The refrigeration system is composed of one compressor serving one evaporator with flash
tank.

Figure 2.9. Refrigeration System with Flash Tank

3
Condenser
p
2 3 2
5 6 1

Flash 7 5
4 Compressor
Tank 4
7 9
9
8
Evaporator 8 1 6
h

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Cycle Analysis

 Refrigerating Cpacity

Qe  me  h 9  h 8 

Where, Qe = refrigerating capacity, kW, TR

me = mass flow rate of refrigerant in the evaporator, kg/s, lb/min

 Compressor Power Input

Wc  m1  h 2  h1 

Where, Wc = compressor power input, kW, Hp

m1 = mass flow rate of refrigerant entering the compressor, kg/s, lb/min
h1 = enthalpy of refrigerant at the compressor suction, kJ/kg, Btu/lb
h2 = enthalpy of refrigerant at the compressor discharge, kJ/kg, Btu/lb

 Heat Rejected by the Condenser

QR  m2  h 2  h 3 

Where, QR = heat rejected by the condenser, kW, Btu/min

m2 = m1 = mass flow rate of refrigerant in the condenser, kg/s, lb/min
h2 = enthalpy of refrigerant at the condenser inlet, kJ/kg, Btu/lb
h3 = enthalpy of refrigerant at the condenser outlet, kJ/kg, Btu/lb

 Coefficient of Performance

Qe m e  h 9  h 8 
COP  
Wc m1  h 2  h1 

 Mass Flow Rate of Refrigerant at the Evaporator

Qe
m e  m 9  m8 
h9  h8

 Mass Flow Rate of Refrigerant Entering the Compressor

m1  m e  m 6

Where, m1 = total mass flow rate, kg/s, lb/min

 Enthalpy of Refrigerant Entering the Compressor

m6 h 6  me h 9
h1 
me  m6

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 Tons of Refrigeration

Qe m  h  h8 
TR   e 9
3.517 3.517

SYSTEM WITH TWO COMPRESSORS SERVING TWO EVAPORATORS

 The refrigeration system is composed of two compressors serving two evaporators of

different temperature conditions with one flash tank.

 Flash tank is a refrigerant tank used to separate flash gas developed in the throttling process
between the evaporator and condenser.

 Flash tank is used to save power requirement of the refrigeration system.

 Figure 2.11 below illustrates the schematic and pV diagrams of a system with two
compressors serving two evaporators.

Figure 2.11. Two Compressors Serving Two Evaporators

Condenser
5 4 p
3
6 5 4
Evaporator A
HP 7 2
3
Compressor
2 6
Flash
6 Tank
1
8 1
LP h
Evaporator B Compressor
7 8 B

Cycle Analysis

 Refrigerating Capacity of the System

Qe  QeA  QeB  m A  h 3  h 6   m B  h1  h 8 

Where, Qe = total refrigerating capacity, kW,TR

QeA = refrigerating capacity of evaporator A, kW, TR
QeB = refrigerating capacity of evaporator B, kW, TR
mA = mass flow rate of refrigerant in evaporator A, kg/s, lb/min
mB = mass flow rate of refrigerant in evaporator B, kg/s, lb/min

 Compressor Work Input

Wc  WLP  WHP  m1  h 2  h1   m3  h 4  h 3 

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REVIEWER IN REFRIGERATION REFRIGERATION

Where, Wc = total compressor power input, kW, Hp

WLP = low pressure compressor power input, kW, Hp
WHP = high pressure compressor power input, kW, Hp
mLP = mass flow rate of refrigerant in the low pressure compressor, kg/s, lb/min
mHP = mass flow rate of refrigerant in the High pressure compressor, kg/s, lb/min

 Heat Rejected by the Condenser

QR  m4  h 4  h 5 

Where, QR = heat rejected in the condenser, kg/s, lb/min

m4 = mass flow rate of refrigerant in the condenser, kg/s, lb/min

 Coefficient of Performance of the System

Q e m A  h 3  h 6   m B  h1  h 8 
COP  
Wc m1  h 2  h1   m 3  h 4  h 3 

 Mass Flow Rate of Refrigerant in the Evaporator A

QeA
mA 
h3  h6

 Mass Flow rate of Refrigerant in Evaporator B

QeB
mB 
h1  h 8
 Tons of Refrigeration of the System

Qe m  h  h 6   m B  h1  h 8 
TR   A 3
3.517 3.517

CASCADE REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS

 Cascade refrigeration system combines two vapor-compression units, with the condenser of
the low-temperature system discharging its heat to the evaporator of the high-temperature
system.

 It can normally furnish refrigeration down to about – 100 oC.

 Cryogenics – is the science of low temperature.

Types of Cascade System

 Closed Cascade system is the system in which the fluids in the high-pressure and low-
pressure systems may be different.

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 Direct-Contact Heat Exchanger is the system in which the same fluid is used for the
system.

CLOSED CASCADE CONDENSER

 Figure 2.13 below illustrates the schematic and ph diagram of a closed cascade condenser.
Each loop has a respective ph diagram.

Figure 2.13. Closed Cascade Refrigeration System

p 7 6
QR
High
7 Pressure
Condenser 6 Loop

Expansion Heat Exchanger 5 WH

Valve 5
8 8
High-pressure
Compressor h
2
3 p
Expansion 3 2
Valve Evaporator 1 WL
Low
4 Pressure
Low-pressure Loop
Compressor
Qe
4 1
Cycle Analysis h

 Refrigerating Capacity or Refrigerating Effect

Q e  m L  h1  h 4 

q e  h1  h 4

Where, Qe = refrigerating capacity, kW, TR

mL = mass flow of refrigerant passing through the evaporator, kg/s, lb/min
qe = refrigerating effect, kJ/kg, Btu/lb
h1 = enthalpy at the evaporator outlet, kJ/kg, Btu/lb
h4 = enthalpy at the evaporator inlet, kJ/kg, Btu/lb

 Tons of Refrigeration

Qe
TR 
3.516

 Compressor Work or Power Input

Wc  WL  WH  m L  h 2  h1   m H  h 6  h 5 

Where, Wc = total compressor power, kW, Hp

WL = compressor power in the low pressure loop system, kW, Hp

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WH = compressor power in the high pressure loop system, kW, Hp

mL = mass flow in the low pressure loop system, kg/s, lb/min
mH = mass flow rate in the high pressure loop system, kg/s, lb/min

 Heat Rejected in the condenser

QR  mH  h 6  h 7 

Where, QR = heat rejected in the condenser, kW, Btu/min

 Coefficient of Performance

Qe h1  h 4
COP  
Wc  h 2  h1    h 6  h 5 

 Energy balance in the heat exchanger

Heat rejected by the low-pressure loop = Heat absorbed by the high-pressure loop

Q RL  QAH

mL  h 2  h3   mH  h 6  h 7 

 Heat exchanger pressure for optimum performance

p2  p1  p 6 

DIRECT CONTACT HEAT EXCHANGER SYSTEM

 Figure 2.14 illustrates the schematic and ph diagrams of a direct contact heat exchanger
system.

Figure 2.14. Direct Contact Cascade Condenser

QR p
7 7
Condenser 6 6

Expansion High-Pressure
Cascade Evaporator 5 WH Loop
Valve
8 High-pressure 3 5 2
Compressor
2 8
3
Expansion Low-Pressure
Valve Evaporator 1 WL Loop
4
Low-pressure 4 1
Compressor
Qe h

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Cycle Analysis

 Refrigerating Capacity

Q e  m L  h1  h 4 

q e  h1  h 4

Where, Qe = refrigerating capacity, kW, TR

mL = mass flow of refrigerant in the evaporator, kg/s, lb/min
qe = refrigerating effect, kJ/kg, Btu/lb

 Tons of Refrigeration

Qe
TR 
3.517

 Compressor Work or Power Input

Wc  WL  WH  m L  h 2  h1   m H  h 6  h 5 

Where, Wc = total compressor power, kW, Hp

WL = compressor power in the low pressure loop system, kW, Hp
WH = compressor power in the high pressure loop system, kW, Hp
mL = mass flow rate in the low pressure compressor, kg/s, lb/min
mH = mass flow rate in the high pressure compressor, kg/s, lb/min

 Heat Rejected in the condenser

QR  mH  h 6  h 7 

 Coefficient of Performance

Qe h1  h 4
COP  
Wc  h 2  h1    h 6  h 5 

 Energy balance in the heat exchanger

Heat rejected by the low-pressure loop = Heat absorbed by the high-pressure loop

Q RL  QAH

mL  h 2  h3   mH  h 6  h 7 

 Heat exchanger pressure for optimum performance

p2  p1  p 6 

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Ex. # 2.1] A refrigeration system for low temperature application has two-stage system that
employs ammonia refrigerant and serves a 30-ton evaporator at – 30 oC. The system uses a direct-
contact cascade condenser, and the condenser temperature is 40 oC. Determine a) the cascade
condenser pressure, in kPaa, for minimum compressor work; b) the mass flow rate in the low and
high-pressure loops, in kg/s; and c) the total compressor work.

Solution: QR p
7 7
Condenser 6 6

Expansion High-Pressure
Cascade Evaporator 5 WH Loop
Valve 40 oC
8 High-pressure 3 5 2
Compressor
2 8
3
Expansion Low-Pressure
Valve Evaporator 1 WL Loop
4
Low-pressure 4 1
- 30 oC
Compressor
Qe = 30 TR h

From Ammonia table,

pe = 119.9 kPaa pc = 1557 kPaa
h1 = 1422.86 kJ/kg h2 = 1600 kJ/kg
h3 = 200.47 kJ/kg h5 = 1461.81 kJ/kg
h6 = 1638 kJ/kg h7 = h8 =390.59 kJ/kg

a. For the cascade evaporator pressure

p 2  p1p 6   119.9   1557   432.07 kPaa

b. For mass flow rate in the low-pressure and high-pressure loops

Qe 30  3.517 
m L  m1    0.0863 kg / s
h1  h 4 1422.86  200.47

mL  h 2  h 3   0.0863  1600  200.47 

mH    0.1128 kg / s
h5  h8 1461.81  390.59

c. For the total compressor power input

Wc  m L  h 2  h1   m H  h 6  h 5 

Wc   0.0863  1600  1422.86    0.1128   1638  1461.81  35.16 kW

AIR CYCLE REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

 Air cycle refrigeration system is the only air-cooling process developed for wide application
in which a gaseous refrigerant is used throughout the cycles.

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 A reciprocating or centrifugal compressor as in the vapor-compression cycle accomplishes

compression.

 Air cooler is used in place of a condenser and refrigerator in place of an evaporator.

 The expansion valve is replaced by an expansion engine or turbine.

 The air-cycle system is ideally suited for use in aircraft because it is light in weight and
requires less space than the vapor-compression cycle.

 Air-cycle refrigeration is system less efficient than the vapor-compression cycle.

Closed or Dense-Air Refrigeration System

 Figure 2.15 below illustrates the schematic diagram of a closed or dense air cycle
refrigeration system.

Figure 2.15. Closed or Dense-Air Refrigeration System

QR

Cooler
We Wc

Expander Compressor

Refrigerator

 Refrigerator is usually maintained at pressure higher than atmospheric.

 A compressor is either reciprocating or centrifugal type
 Expander is either reciprocating or turbine type

Open-Air Cycle Refrigeration System

 Figure 2.16 illustrates the schematic diagram of an open air cycle refrigeration system.

QR

Cooler

We Wc
Expander Compressor

Refrigerator

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 Refrigerator is the actual space to be cooled with air expanded to atmospheric pressure
 Air is circulated through the cold room and then compressed to the cooler pressure.
 Figure 2.17 shows the pV and Ts diagrams for air cycle refrigeration system.

Figure 2.17. pV and Ts Diagrams of Air Cycle

p 2
3 2 T QR
pVk = C
3 1

pVk = C 4 1 4 Qe
V s

 Processes
o Process 1-2: Isentropic compression process
o Process 2-3: Constant pressure heat rejection process
o Process 3-4: Isentropic expansion
o Process 4-1: Constant pressure absorption of heat process

Cycle Analysis

 Refrigerating Capacity

Qe  mcp  T1  T4 

Where, Qe = refrigerating capacity, kW, TR

m = mass flow rate of air, kg/s, lb/min
cp = specific heat, kJ/kg-K, Btu/lb-oR
cp = 1.0062 kJ/kg-K = 0.24 Btu/lb-oR
T1 = temperature of air at the refrigerator outlet, K, oR
T4 = temperature of air at the refrigerator inlet, K, oR

 Heat Rejected

Qe  mc p  T2  T3 

Where, QR = heat rejected, kW, Btu/min

T2 = temperature of air at the cooler inlet, K, oR
T3 = temperature of air at the cooler outlet, K, oR

 Compressor power

o Isentropic compression

Wc   mc p  T2  T1 

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  k 1 
     k 1 
  
 k    p 2  k    k    p 2  k  
Wc    p1V1  p   1   mRT1    1
 k  1  1   k  1   p1 
   

Where, Wc = compressor power, kW, Hp

m = mass flow rate of air, kg/s, lb/min
T1 = temperature of air at the compressor suction, K, oR
p1 = compressor suction pressure, kPaa, psia
p2 = compressor discharge pressure, kPaa, psia
R = air gas constant = 8.3143 kJ/kg-K = 53.342 ft-lb/lb-oR
k = specific heat ratio = 1.4
V1 = volume flow rate at the compressor suction, m 3/s, cfm

o Polytropic Compression

kn 
Wc  mc v    T2  T1   mc p  T2  T1 
 1 n 

  n 1 
     n 1 
  
 n    p 2  n    n    p 2  n  
Wc   p V
 1 1  p   1 
  n  1  mRT1    1
 n  1  1  
p
 1  

Where, n = polytropic exponent

 Expander Work or Power

o Isentropic Expansion

We  mc p  T3  T4 
  k 1
     k 1
  
 k    p 4  k    k    p4  k  
We    p3 V3  p   1    mRT3  p   1
 k  1  3  k  1  3
   

o Polytropic Expansion

kn
We  mc v    T4  T3   mc p  T4  T3 
 1 n 
  n 1
     n 1
  
 n 
We   p V  p 4  n   1   n  mRT  p4  n   1
 3 3  p    n  1  3   
 n  1  3  p3 
   

Where, We = expander power, kW. Hp

 Net Work of the cycle

Wnet  Wc  We

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REVIEWER IN REFRIGERATION REFRIGERATION

 Coefficient of Performance, COP

o Isentropic Coefficient of Performance

Re frigerating Effect
COP 
Net Work

mcp  T1  T4  T1  T4
COP  
mc p  T2  T1   mc p  T4  T3   2 1    T4  T3 
T  T

 Polytropic Coefficient of Performance

Re frigerating Effect
COP 
Net Work

Ex. # 2.2] An open air-refrigeration system carries a load of 35 kW with a suction pressure of 103
kPaa and a discharge pressure of 690 kPaa. The temperature leaving the refrigerator is 5 oC and
that leaving the cooler is 30 oC. The compression is polytropic with n = 1.35 and the expansion is
also polytropic with n = 1.35. Determine the power required and the COP. [Ans: 1.47]

Ex. # 2.3] An air refrigeration system is required to produce 52.5 kW of refrigeration with a
cooler pressure of 1448 kPaa and a refrigerator pressure of 207 kPaa. Leaving air temperature are
29 oC for cooler and 5 oC for refrigerator. Compression is isentropic and expansion is polytropic
with n = 1.34. Determine the COP. [Ans: 1.26]

STEAM-JET OR VACUUM REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

 Steam-jet or vacuum refrigeration system is a refrigeration system considered as water

evaporative refrigeration system wherein the refrigerant is water. The principle of operation
lies on the fact that water will boil or vaporize, at a relatively low temperature, when the
pressure is reduced sufficiently.

 As shown in the figure below, the ejector sucks or draws vapor from the evaporator or flash
chamber, causing the pressure in the evaporator to drop significantly. As the pressure reduces
in the evaporator the water vaporizes at the desired temperature. During the evaporation, it
absorbs heat and cools the remaining water in the evaporator.

 The steam pressure at the ejector nozzle should be about 1030 kPaa.

 Normally, the evaporation of water in the evaporator reduces the temperature from 21 oC to 4
o
C. The cold or chilled water is circulated by mean of a pump to the refrigerator.

 This system is usually applied for air conditioning, and for cooling of water in certain
chemical plants for gas absorption.

 The cooling temperatures provided by this system are usually from 4 oC to 21 oC.
Temperatures below 4 oC are impractical due to freezing problem.

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REVIEWER IN REFRIGERATION REFRIGERATION

Figure 2.18. Steam-Jet Refrigeration System

Steam Steam
Line Booster
Nozzle Ejector
Steam to
ms Condenser

3 2
m3 m2 Refrigerator

Evaporator

5
Make-up
Water Circulation
Pump m1 1

Chilled Water

Design Calculations

 Refrigerating Effect or Capacity

Qe = m1 (h2 – h1)

 Make-up Water Flow Rate

m5 = m3

Where, Qe = refrigerating Capacity, kW, TR

m1 = m2 = mass flow rate of chilled water, kg/s
m3 = mass flow rate water evaporated from the flash chamber or evaporator, kg/s
m5 = mass flow rate of make-up water, kg/s

Ex. # 2.4] A vacuum refrigeration system maintains a temperature of 5 oC in the evaporator. The
chilled water leaves at the same temperature and warms to 10 oC as it leaves the refrigerator.
Make-up water is available at 21 oC. The steam nozzle required is 1.27 kg per kg vapor removed
from the evaporator. The refrigerating capacity is 175 kW. Determine: a) the mass flow rate of
nozzle steam required, kg/s; and b) the volume flow rate of vapor evaporated, kg/s. From steam
table: at 5 oC, hf = 20.98 kJ/kg, hg = 2510.6 kJ/kg, & vg = 147.12 m3/kg; at 10 oC, hf = 42.01 kJ/kg;
at 21 oC, hf = 88.14 kJ/kg.

Given: Vacuum refrigeration system

At 5 oC, h1 = 20.98 kJ/kg
h3 = 2510.6 kJ/kg
v3 = 147.12 m3/kg
o
At 10 C, h2 = 42.01 kJ/kg

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REVIEWER IN REFRIGERATION REFRIGERATION

At 21 oC, h5 = 88.14 kJ/kg.

ms = 1.27 kg steam per kg vapor removed

Required:
a. The mass flow rate of nozzle steam required, kg/s
b. The volume flow rate of vapor evaporated, kg/s
Steam Steam
Figure: Line Booster
Nozzle Ejector
Steam to
ms Condenser

3 10 oC 2
m3 m2 Refrigerator

Evaporator 175 kW

5 5 oC
Make-up 5 oC
Water Circulation
21 oC Pump m1 1

Chilled Water

Solution:

a. Determination of the mass flow rate of nozzle steam

Solving for the mass flow rate of chilled water circulating the refrigerator,

Qe 175
m1    8.32 kg / s
h 2  h1 42.01  20.98

Consider the evaporator and taking the energy balance, then solving for m 3,

m5 h 5  m 2 h 2  m1h1  m3 h 3 , Where, m5 = m3 and m2 = m1

m1  h 2  h1  8.32  42.01  20.98 
Then, m3    0.0722 kg / s
h3  h5 2510.6  88.14
Therefore, ms   1.27 kg steam / kg vapor   0.0722 kg vapor / sec   0.0917 kg / s ans

b. Solving for the volume flow rate of vapor removed from the evaporator

 
V3  m3 v3   0.0722 kg / s  147.12 m 3 / kg  10.62 m 3 / s ans

PROBLEMS

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REVIEWER IN REFRIGERATION REFRIGERATION

Prob. # 1] Determine the power required in an ammonia system that serves a 60-TR evaporator at
– 20 oC. The system uses a two-stage compression with inter-cooling and removal of flash gas.
The condensing temperature is 32 oC. From ammonia table: at the LP compressor intake, h =
1437.2 kJ/kg; at the discharge of LP compressor, h = 1563.0 kJ/kg; at the intake of HP cylinder, h
= 1465.5 kJ/kg; at the discharge of HP cylinder, h = 1615 kJ/kg; at the condenser discharge, h =
351.5 kJ/kg; enthalpy of liquid ammonia leaving the inter-cooler, h = 215.3 kJ/kg. [Ans. 52.7
kW]

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