Learn the thermodynamics fundamentals and main components of the refrigeration cycle in a compact workstation

This system is designed to teach the fundamentals of refrigeration to students starting their learning in HVAC/R. With a data acquisition interface (DAI), parameters are shown live, making abstract notions such as enthalpy or COP much easier to grasp.

A refrigeration system is often a “magic” piece of equipment that generates cold for the non-specialists. The Refrigeration Learning System (DAI) includes a software that shows the components of the system along with pressure and temperature readings at key locations.

A pressure/enthalpy diagram provides a real-time plot of the refrigeration cycle, making it possible to observe the effects of a given parameter on the overall performance of the system. For example, the system can be tested under various heat load conditions. One heat source, located in the cooling chamber, can be turned on and off, while the rotation speed of the evaporator and condenser fans can be varied.

In terms of hardware, components common to most refrigeration and air conditioning installations are included, making this system a must for beginners. Instructors can also insert faults to teach basic troubleshooting.

The learning system consists mainly of a hermetic-type compressor with thermal protection, forced-air coil evaporator and condenser, and three types of expansion (metering) devices selectable using manual valves: a thermostatic expansion valve and two capillary tubes of different lengths. One of the capillaries is designed to allow observation of the system operation under normal conditions; the other capillary is designed to simulate the effect of a partially obstructed capillary.