UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST-CALOOCAN

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

ME LABORATORY 3
NME 513-1MET

EXPERIMENT NO.1
PULL DOWN TEST

SUBMITTED BY:
YAP, DANILO JR. R.
20121107753

SUBMITTED TO:
ENGR. DIOSDADO DOCTOR

AUGUST 11, 2016

 EXPERIMENT NO.1
PULL DOWN TEST

With the purpose of satisfying the growing demand of ice for food manufacturing
and other processes, ice is produced on very large quantities every year. Commercial
production of ice is made possible by large icemakers found in ice plants that can
produce up to 75 tons of ice per day. And in order to be familiar with the ice makers and
their corresponding operations, experiment in ice plant test rig test was conducted.

I. OBJECTIVES

For the pull down test, there are several objectives which are aimed to fulfill after
conducting the experiment. These objectives are:
1. To study the different parts and controls of ice plant test rig.
2. To carry out pull down test.
3. To determine the theoretical COP of the system.
4. To determine the actual COP of the system.

II. THEORY

Refrigeration is defined as branch of science which deals with the process of

reducing and maintaining the temperature of a space or material below the temperature
of the surroundings (Dossat, 1961). In order to achieve cooling, heat is removed from
the body being refrigerated and then transferred to another body whose temperature is
below to the refrigerated body. This concept of cooling becomes the very foundation of
today’s mechanical refrigeration.

Over the years, mechanical refrigeration was widely used in industry especially in
ice manufacturing. In order to produce artificial ice, proper equipment for refrigeration
must be used. And for experimentation, an Ice Plant Test rig may be used. The Mini-Ice
Plant Test Rig works on a simple vapour compression refrigeration cycle that uses
R134a as a primary refrigerant. The system is designed such that students can observe
and study ice formation process without any confusion. It is also useful to understand
working of vapour compression system, due to its sophisticated yet simple performance
and controls.

Based from the description of Ice Plant Test Rig, refrigeration starts as the
Compressor compresses the vapor from the evaporator. Along with the compression is
the increase of refrigerant’s temperature and pressure. The high-temperature and high-
pressure gas will then enter the condenser, where it loses its latent heat. Then the
condensed liquid will pass through the expansion valve. Within the expansion valve,
throttling process occurs and refrigerant’s temperature and pressure will be reduced.
The cooled refrigerant will enter the evaporator where it will absorb heat from the brine
solution. The brine solution acts as a secondary refrigerant that will absorb the heat that
is coming from the water in the ice cans. As the water loses its latent heat, the water will
transform into ice and refrigeration process will repeat its processes.

In ice making, a considerable amount of time and energy are required to attain
equilibrium conditions. So in order to lessen the actual time of ice formation, pull down
test is conducted. Pull down test is considered to be the initial procedure in ice making.
The process involves cooling of the secondary refrigerant which is brine. The brine’s
temperature is lowered until it reaches -4 to -5 oC. After attaining these temperatures,
ice cans will be loaded into brine tank for the ice formation.
III. APPARATUS

In performing the pull down test experiment, there are several devices or
apparatuses needed. Each apparatus is enumerated below along with its function and
specification.

1. Ice Plant Test Rig and its Accessories

It is working scale model of an ice plant that can be used to observe and study
ice formation processes. The equipment has a capacity of 25 kg ice per 24 hours. The
test rig has 4 ice cans with a capacity of 0.6 kg ice per can. Using the ice cans, ice will
be produced in batches. For every batch, 2.4 kg of ice will be formed and each batch
will be produced for every 2 hours. The electrical supply is 230 Volts, 50 Hz and
considered as 1 phase. The input power of the system is 400 Watts and the rated
current is 3 amps. The Ice Plant Test Rig is composed of different parts and each
specification is shown in Table 1 below.
Table 1. Parts and Specifications of Ice Plant Test Rig
COMPONENT SPECIFICATION
Insulation: 65 mm thick, Polyurethane foam (PUF)
Outer Body: SS304
Outer Dimensions Inner Dimensions
Brine Tank
Length=558.8 mm Length=357 mm
Width= 431.8 mm Width= 226 mm
Height=355.6 mm Height=290 mm
Brand: Stephie Gear Motors
Voltage Rating: 230 V
Stirrer Motor Ampere Rating: 4 Amps
Power Rating: 118 HP
Speed Rating: 1400 RPM
Ice Cans Number of Cans: 4
Outer Dimensions
Can Holder Length=340 mm
Width= 190 mm
Description: Hermetically Sealed
Compressor Brand: Danfoss
Voltage Rating: 220-240 V
 Frequency Rating: 60 Hz
Refrigerant : R134A
Capacitor Rating
Capacitor 3 min/ 1.7 % = 220V
1 min/ 0.1% = 300V
Description: Axial Flow Type
Brand: Rexnord
Fan Motor Ampere Rating: 0.4 Amps
Frequency Rating: 220/240 Hz (50/60 Hz)
Diameter of Fan: 195 mm
Description: Forced convection air cooled
Number of Coil Turn: 15 turns
Condenser
Length per turn: 580 mm/turn
Diameter of coil: 11.05 mm
Description: Immersed (Refrigeration grade copper tube);
Direct expansion type
Evaporator Number of Coil Turn: 15 turns
Length per turn: 530 mm/turn
Diameter of coil: 10.7 mm
Liquid Line Diameter: 6.54 mm
Discharge Line Diameter:6.5 mm
Description: Capillary Tube
Number of Coil Turn: 16 turns
Expansion Device
Major Diameter: 21.35 mm
Diameter: 3.34 mm
Description: Molecular sieve type
Drier
Diameter: 6.5 mm
Switches
Main Switch
Stirrer On
Compressor On
Controls Meter
Energy Meter
Discharge Pressure Gauge
Suction Pressure Gauge
Refrigeration Temperature Meter
Primary Refrigerant R134a
Secondary Refrigerant Ethylene Glycol Solution
Energy Meter—a digital meter used for measuring power that is being supplied to
compressor in kilowatt per hour (kWh).

Suction Pressure Gauge—a device used to measure the pressure of the liquid
refrigerant before compression.

Discharge Side Pressure Gauge—a device used to measure the pressure of the liquid
refrigerant after compression.

Temperature Indicator—a device used to measure temperature at various points in the

system.

2. Dual Sensor Thermometer

It is type of thermometer that is designed to provide dual readings of

environments that can remain steady for long periods of time.

3. Graduated Cylinder

It is a cylindrical shape container used for measuring the volume of liquid or

water that is going to use for the experiment.

4. Watch/ Timer

It is used to indicate the time of process during experiment.

IV. PROCEDURE

In conducting the experiment, series of procedures and methodology were

followed. These preparations or procedures are enumerated below.

1. Place the test rig in a well ventilated area and with the level to the horizontal. There
should be at least two-meter distance on each side.

2. Supply the machine with a single phase, 230 volts and 60 Hz source. Some of the
accessories will also turn on.

3. List all the readings made by the device after switching on.

4. Fill tank with brine solution.

5. After filling the brine tank, switch on the compressor.

6. Check the kWh-meter reading, suction and discharge pressure gauge and record the
given readings.

8. Allow the test rig to run until it reaches the desired temperature of -4° C

9. Continue to record all the readings for every rise of the kWh-meter.

10. Using the available table for R134a, take the corresponding enthalpy for every
increase in pressure. Interpolate as possible.

11. Calculate the coefficient of performance (COP).

12. Make a graph between the time and COP.

13. Compute the data needed by the tables.

V.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
After the experiment, the results and data are carefully recorded and tabulated. The
data gathered will be used to compute the necessary information about the pull down
test. The computation involves the determination of both actual and theoretical
refrigerating effect, compression work and coefficient of performance.

A. DATA
For the pull down test experiment, time is considered important especially in the
computation that will be done later on. The start and end time are recorded as well as
the time elapsed for every change in power (as shown in Table 2).

Time of Experiment
 Time Started: 5: 13 pm
 Time End: 6:17 pm

In making the brine solution, a saturated mixture is aimed to achieve. And in

order to have a saturated solution, appropriate mass of salt was dissolved in suitable
volume of water.

Measurement of Brine Solution

 Mass of Salt: 5.5 kg
 Volume of Water: 13 Liters

Data Gathered
Table 2 shows the data gathered during the experiment that includes the time
elapsed, refrigerant temperature at different points in the cycle, compressor power,
ambient temperature, initial liquid temperature, air space temperature, suction pressure
and discharge pressure.
 Table 2. Data
R-134 A

AMBIENT TEMPERATURE, °C

DISCHARGE PRESSURE, psi

REFRIGERANT

BRINE TEMPERATURE, °C
TEMPERATURE,

TIME ELAPSED, MIN

°C

PRESSURE, psi
AIR SPACE, °C
POWER, KWh

SUCTION
DISCHARGE OF

DISCHARGE OF
COMPRESSOR

EVAPORATOR
NO.

CONDENSER
SUCTION OF
1 0 30 0 31 70 40 11 31 40 155
2 13.8 27 12 27 76 41 11 31 40 160
3 13.9 23 12 24 85 41 10 31 40 160
4 14 18 20 20 87 40 9 31 35 155
5 14.1 11 10 19 79 40 4 31 25 140
6 14.2 0 7 17 75 41 0 31 25 130
7 14.2 -4 3 12 67 35 -4 30 25 130
B. ENTHALPY VALUES

In determining the theoretical values of refrigerating effect (QA), work of

compression (TP) and coefficient of performance (COP), enthalpy values at all points of
refrigeration cycle must be determined first. Considering the simple vapour compression
cycle, PH diagram was shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. PH Diagram

PD is the discharge pressure; Ps is the suction pressure; tc is the temperature at

the condenser; te is the temperature at the evaporator; t2 temperature at superheated
region; h1 is the enthalpy at suction; h2 is the enthalpy at discharge; h3 is the enthalpy
after condensation and h4 is the enthalpy after expansion.

Given the temperature and pressure in suction and discharge, enthalpy values
can be obtained using the tables and charts. In determining the values, enthalpy at
suction (h1) can be obtained from the intersection point of the saturated vapor line and
suction pressure line. On the other hand, enthalpy at discharge (h2) can be obtained
from the intersection point of the constant entropy line and discharge pressure line.
Enthalpy after condensation (h3) and expansion (h4) have the same value and this value
 can be taken at the intersection of saturated liquid line and discharge pressure line.
Table 3 shows the enthalpy values at all points.

Table 3. Enthalpy Values

REFRIGERANT SUCTION DISCHARGE ENTHALPHY VALUES, kJ/kg

TEMPERATURE, °C PRESSURE, PRESSURE,
te tc t2 Mpa Mpa h1 h2 h3 / h4
11 40 70 0.27579 1.06869 414.46 450.82 256.39
11 41 76 0.27579 1.10316 414.46 456.6 257.85
10 41 85 0.27579 1.10316 407.07 466.13 257.85
9 40 87 0.24132 1.06869 367.15 468.73 256.39
4 40 79 0.17237 0.96527 376.15 461.82 256.41
0 41 75 0.17237 0.89632 401.79 458.62 259.41
-4 35 67 0.17237 0.89632 368.89 450.4 248.86
Source: Mechanical Engineering Tables and Charts

C. THEORETICAL REFRIGERATING EFFECT, QAt

The refrigerating effect or the theoretical cooling load is the difference between
the enthalpy at suction (h1) and enthalpy after expansion (h4). The equation for
theoretical cooling load can be expressed as:
𝐐𝑨𝒕 = 𝐡𝟏 − 𝐡𝟒 , 𝐤𝐉/𝐤𝐠

Figure 2. Refrigerating Effect

 Table 4 shows the computed theoretical refrigerating effect along with the
average value. The values were computed using Microsoft Excel.

BRINE ENTHALPHY VALUES, kJ/kg THEORETICAL

TEMPERATRURE,
h1 h2 h3 / h4 QA, kJ/kg
°C
30 414.46 450.82 256.39 158.07
27 414.46 456.6 257.85 156.61
23 407.07 466.13 257.85 149.22
18 367.15 468.73 256.39 110.76
11 376.15 461.82 256.41 119.74
0 401.79 458.62 259.41 142.38
-4 368.89 450.4 248.86 120.03
AVERAGE QA 136.69
Table 4. Theoretical Refrigerating Effect

D. THEORETICAL WORK OF COMPRESSION, TP

The work done by the compressor is the difference between the enthalpy at
suction (h1) and the enthalpy at discharge (h2). Given enthalpy values at Table 3, work
of compression can be solved. The equation for theoretical work of compression can be
expressed as:
𝐓𝐏 = 𝐡𝟐 − 𝐡𝟏 , 𝐤𝐉/𝐤𝐠
 Figure 3. Work of Compression
Table 5 shows the work of compression for every brine temperature and the
average work of compression recorded for the whole experiment.

Table 5. Work of Compression

Brine Enthalpy of Work of

TIME Enthalpy of
Temperature, Discharge, Compression,
ELAPSED, s Suction, kJ/kg
°C kJ/kg kJ/kg
0 30 450.82 414.46 36.36
720 27 456.6 414.46 42.14
720 26 466.13 407.7 58.43
1200 25 468.73 367.15 101.58
600 11 461.82 376.52 85.3
420 0 458.62 401.79 56.83
180 -4 450.4 368.89 81.51
Average Work of Compression 66.02

E. THEORETICAL COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE, COPT

The Theoretical Coefficient of Performance is the ratio of the Refrigerating Effect

(QA) and the Theoretical Power (TP). Refrigerating Effect is the difference of the
enthalpy at the start of the evaporation (h4) and the enthalpy at the start of compression
(h1). On the other hand, TP is the difference of the enthalpy (h2) at superheated
condition and enthalpy before compression (h1). Using the values of enthalpy,
theoretical Coefficient of Performance can be solved using the equation:

𝐡𝟏 − 𝐡𝟒
𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐓 =
𝐡𝟐 − 𝐡𝟏

Table 6 shows the values of COPT at different brine temperature. The values
were computed using the Microsoft Excel.
 Table 6. Theoretical Coefficient of Performance

REFRIGERANT
SUCTION DISCHARGE ENTHALPHY VALUES,
TEMPERATURE, THEORETICAL
PRESSURE, PRESSURE, kJ/kg
°C C.O.P.
Mpa Mpa
te tc t2 h1 h2 h3 / h4
11 40 70 0.27579 1.06869 414.46 450.82 256.39 4.35
11 41 76 0.27579 1.10316 414.46 456.6 257.85 3.72
10 41 85 0.27579 1.10316 407.07 466.13 257.85 2.53
9 40 87 0.24132 1.06869 367.15 468.73 256.39 1.09
4 40 79 0.17237 0.96527 376.15 461.82 256.41 1.40
0 41 75 0.17237 0.89632 401.79 458.62 259.41 2.51
-4 35 67 0.17237 0.89632 368.89 450.4 248.86 1.47

The average value of theoretical COP is 2.44.

F. ACTUAL REFRIGERATING EFFECT

The Actual Refrigerating Effect of the system is the summation of all heat
available while the process is in operation. This is comprised of the Brine Product
Loads, Air Space Product Load, Transmission Load at the brine level and air Level and
Air Infiltration.

Brine Solution Product Load

One of the sources of heat in the refrigeration system is the Brine Solution
Product Load. Product Load is defined as a primary refrigeration loads from products
brought into the system. and kept in the refrigerated space are heat that must be
removed to bring products to storage temperature (ASHRAE, 2006). Given the mass of
salt (5.5 kg), density of water (1 kg/L) and volume of the water (13 L), the total mass of
brine can be computed using the formula:
 𝐌 = 𝐌𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 + 𝐌𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐭

Where 𝐌 is the brine mass, kg;

𝐌𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 is the mass of water, kg and;
𝐌𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐭 is the mass of salt, kg.

Solving for mass of water:

𝐌𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 = 𝛒𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 (𝐕𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 )

Where 𝐌𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 is the mass of water, kg;

kg
𝛒𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 is the density of water, 1 and;
L

𝐕𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 is the volume of water, L.

𝐤𝐠
𝐌𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 = 𝟏 (𝟏𝟑 𝐋)
𝐋
𝐌𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 = 𝟏𝟑 𝐤𝐠
Solving for mass of brine:
𝐌 = 𝟏𝟑 𝐤𝐠 + 𝟓. 𝟓𝐤𝐠
𝐌 = 𝟏𝟖. 𝟓 𝐤𝐠

The salt composition is the ratio of mass of salt used to the total mass of brine.
The value of salt composition will be used in computation Specific Heat of brine solution
It is expressed as:

𝐌𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐭
% 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎% (Calister & Rethswich, 2014)
𝐌

Where 𝐌𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐭 is the mass of salt, kg and;

𝐌 is the mass of brine solution, kg.
 5.5𝑘𝑔
% Salt Composition = × 100%
18.5 kg
% 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 = 𝟐𝟗. 𝟕𝟑%
Solving for water composition
% Composition of Brine Solution = % Salt Composition + %Water Composition
100% = 30.23% − %Water Composition
%𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 = 𝟕𝟎. 𝟐𝟕%

Solving for Specific Heat of Brine Solution:

The specific heat of brine can be computed since the specific heat of water
(4.185 kJ/kg°C); specific heat of salt (0.88 kJ/kg°C); % water composition (70.27 %) and
% salt composition (29.73 %) are given. The computation for specific heat of brine can
be expressed as:

CpBRINE = (%Water Composition × CpWATER ) + (%Salt Composition × CpSALT )

Where 𝐂𝐩𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐄 is the specific heat of the brine solution, kJ/kg°C;

𝐂𝐩𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑 is the specific heat of water, kJ/kg°C and;
𝐂𝐩𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐓 is the specific heat of salt, kJ/kg°C.

kJ kJ
𝐂𝐩𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐄 = (70.27 % × 4.185 ) + (29.73% × 0.88 )
kg°C kg°C

𝐤𝐉
𝐂𝐩𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐄 = 𝟑. 𝟐
𝐤𝐠°𝐂

Solving for QA of brine:

Given the mass of brine (18.5 kg), specific heat of brine (3.2 kJ/kg K), initial
temperature of brine (30°C) and final temperature of brine (-4°C); refrigerating effect can
be expressed as:
 𝐐𝑨 𝑩𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑬 = 𝐌 × 𝐂𝐩𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 × ∆𝐓

Where 𝐐𝑨 𝑩𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑬 is the refrigeration effect of brine solution;

𝐌 is the total brine mass, kg;
𝐂𝐩𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 is the specific heat of brine, kJ/kg K and;
∆𝐓 is the change in temperature, or K.

Solving for temperature difference:

∆𝐓°C = 𝐓𝐢 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 − 𝐓𝐟 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞
Where ∆𝐓 is the change in temperature, °C or K;
𝐓𝐢 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 is the Initial Brine Temperature, °C or K and;
𝐓𝐟 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 is the Final Brine Temperature, °C or K.

∆𝐓 = [𝟑𝟎 − (−𝟒 )]𝐊

∆𝐓 = 𝟑𝟒 𝐊
Solving for Refrigerating Effect:
𝐤𝐉
𝐐𝑨 𝑩𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑬 = (𝟏𝟖. 𝟓 𝐤𝐠) (𝟑. 𝟐 ) (𝟑𝟒 𝐊)
𝐤𝐠 ∙ 𝐊
𝐐𝑨 𝑩𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑬 = 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟐. 𝟖 𝐤𝐉

Converting to W:
𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟐. 𝟖 𝐤𝐉
𝐐𝑨 𝑩𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑬 =
𝑻𝑶𝑻𝑨𝑳 𝑻𝑰𝑴𝑬 𝑬𝑳𝑨𝑷𝑺𝑬𝑫

𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟐. 𝟖 𝐤𝐉
𝐐𝑨 𝑩𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑬 =
𝟔𝟎 𝐬
𝟔𝟒𝐦𝐢𝐧 (𝟏 𝐦𝐢𝐧)

𝐐𝑨 𝑩𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑬 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟐𝟒𝟐 𝒌𝑾
𝐐𝑨 𝑩𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑬 = 𝟓𝟐𝟒. 𝟏𝟕 𝑾
Air Space Product Load
Aside from brine solution, air space also contains product load. For computation
of cooling load for air space, same formula with the product load of brine solution was
used.

𝐐𝑨 𝑨𝑰𝑹 𝑺𝑷𝑨𝑪𝑬 = 𝐌𝑨𝑰𝑹 𝑺𝑷𝑨𝑪𝑬 × 𝐂𝐩𝐀𝐈𝐑 × ∆𝐓

Where 𝐐𝑨 𝑨𝑰𝑹 𝑺𝑷𝑨𝑪𝑬 is the cooling load of air space, kJ;

𝐌𝑨𝑰𝑹 𝑺𝑷𝑨𝑪𝑬 is the mass of air space kg and;
𝐂𝐩𝐀𝐈𝐑 is the specific heat of air, kJ/kg°K.
∆𝐓 is the change in temperature, or K.
Solving for volume of brine solution:
Given the mass of water (15 kg), mass of salt (6.5 kg), density of water (1 kg/L)
and density of salt (2.177 kg/L), volume of brine solution can be determined.

𝐕𝑩𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑬 = 𝐕𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 + 𝐕𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐭

𝐌𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐭
𝐕𝑩𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑬 = +
𝛒𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝛒𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐭

Where 𝐕𝑩𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑬 is the volume of brine solution, L;

𝐕𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 is volume of water, L;
𝐕𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐭 is the volume of salt, L;
𝐌𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 is the mass of water, kg;
𝛒𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 is the density of water, kg/L;
𝐌𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐭 is the mass of salt, kg;
𝛒𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐭 is the density of salt, kg/L;
 13 kg 5.5 kg
𝐕𝑩𝑹𝑰𝑵𝑬 = +
1 kg/L 2.177 kg/L
𝐕𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐄 = 𝟏𝟓. 𝟓𝟑 𝐋

Solving for volume of brine tank:

Given the inner dimensions of brine tank (shown in Table 7), the inner volume of
brine tank can be computed.

Table 7. Inner Dimensions of Brine

Tank
Inner Dimensions
Length=35.7 cm
Width= 22.6 cm
Height=29 cm

VBRINE TANK = L × W × H

Where 𝐕𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐊 is the volume of brine tank, L;

𝐋 is length, mm;
𝐖 is the width, mm and;
𝐇 is the height, mm;
VBRINE TANK = 35.7 𝑐𝑚 × 22.6cm × 29cm
VBRINE TANK = 23397.78 𝑐𝑚3
Converting volume to liters:
1𝐿
VBRINE TANK = 23397.78 𝑐𝑚3 ( )
1000 𝑐𝑚3
𝐕𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐊 = 𝟐𝟑. 𝟒𝟎 𝑳
Solving for volume air space:

To determine the volume of air space, volume of ice cans (4 L) and volume of
evaporator coils were subtracted from the volume of brine tank. Since the evaporator is
composed of 15 coil turns with a coil diameter of 1 cm and a length of 116 cm per turn;
thus the evaporator coils have a volume of:

𝜋 (1 𝑐𝑚)2
VEVAPORATOR COILS = × 116 𝑐𝑚 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛 𝑥15 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛
4

VEVAPORATOR COILS = 1366.6 𝑐𝑚3

Converting volume to Liters:
1𝐿
VEVAPORATOR COILS = 1366.6 𝑐𝑚3 ( )
1000 𝑐𝑚3
𝐕𝐄𝐕𝐀𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐎𝐈𝐋𝐒 = 𝟏. 𝟑𝟔𝟔 𝑳

Solving for volume of air space:

VAIR SPACE = 23.40 L − 15.53 L − 1.366 L − 4L
𝐕𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐄 = 𝟐. 𝟓𝟎𝟒𝐋
For mass of air space:
𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐄 = 𝛒𝐀𝐈𝐑 (VAIR SPACE )

Where 𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐄 is the mass of air space, kg;

𝛒𝐀𝐈𝐑 is the density of air at 25 °C, kg/L and;
VAIR SPACE is the volume of air space, L.

kg
MAIR SPACE = 0.001184 (2.504L)
L
𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐄 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟐𝟗𝟔𝟒𝟕𝟑𝟔 𝐤𝐠

Solving for temperature difference:

∆𝐓°C = 𝐓𝐢 𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐄 − 𝐓𝐟 𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐄
Where ∆𝐓 is the change in temperature, °C or K;
𝐓𝐢 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 is the Initial Air Space Temperature, °C or K and;
 𝐓𝐟 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 is the Final Air Space Temperature, °C or K.

∆T = [31 − (−4 )]K

∆𝐓 = 𝟑𝟓 𝐊

Solving for air space heat gain:

𝐤𝐉
𝐐𝑨 𝑨𝑰𝑹 𝑺𝑷𝑨𝑪𝑬 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟐𝟗𝟔𝟒𝟕𝟑𝟔 𝐤𝐠 × 𝟏. 𝟎𝟎𝟔𝟐 × 𝟑𝟓 𝐊
𝐤𝐠 𝐊
𝐤𝐉
𝐐𝑨 𝑨𝑰𝑹 𝑺𝑷𝑨𝑪𝑬 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟐𝟗𝟔𝟒𝟕𝟑𝟔 𝐤𝐠 × 𝟏. 𝟎𝟎𝟔𝟐 × 𝟑𝟓 𝐊
𝐤𝐠 𝐊

𝐐𝐀 𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐄 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟎𝟒𝟒 𝐤𝐉

Converting to W:
0.1044 kJ
QA AIR SPACE =
𝑇𝑂𝑇𝐴𝐿 𝑇𝐼𝑀𝐸 𝐸𝐿𝐴𝑃𝑆𝐸𝐷

0.1044 kJ
QA AIR SPACE =
60 s
64min ( )
1 min
QA AIR SPACE = 2.72 × 10−5 kW
𝐐𝐀 𝐀𝐈𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐄 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟐𝟕𝟐 𝐖
Transmission Load

Transmission load is defined as the heat loss or heat gain due to a temperature
difference across a building element (Stoecker & Jones, 1982). For the brine tank,
materials used in walls are considered. Table 6 shows the materials used in brine tank
and its corresponding thickness, thermal conductivity and thermal resistance.

Table 8. Brine Tank Material Specification

THERMAL THERMAL
MATERIALS THICKNESS, m CONDUCTIVITY, RESISTANCE,
W/ ( m∙℃ ) m2∙K /W
Galvanized Iron Sheet 0.0005 18 --
CRCA Stainless Steel 0.0005 16 --
Brine -- 600 --
Polyurethane Foam
Front and Back 0.098
Left and Right Side 0.0875 0.022 --
Bottom 0.036
Source: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning by Stoecker, W.F. & Jones, J.W.

Table 7 shows the surface conductance that is also being considered in

computation of transmission load.

Table 9. Surface Conductance

SURFACE CONDUCTANCE THEMAL RESISTANCE, m2∙K /W

Still Air
Horizontal, heat flow up 0.11
Horizontal, heat flow down 0.16
Vertical, heat flow horizontal 0.12
Moving air
 Cooling season, 3.4 m/s 0.044
Source: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning by Stoecker, W.F. & Jones, J.W.

For the computation of transmission load, the general procedure for calculating
heat loss or heat gain was used. The general equation that is going to apply is
expressed as:

𝑄 = 𝑈𝐴(𝑡0 − 𝑡𝑖 ) (Stoecker & Jones, 1982)

where 𝑄 is the heat gain through transmission W;

𝑈 is the overall heat-transfer coefficient, W/ m2K;

𝐴 is the surface area, m2;

𝑡0 is the outside temperature, K and;

𝑡𝑖 is the inside temperature, K.

Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient (U):

Solving for the front and back wall of the brine tank (U1):
 Figure 4. Front and Back Wall of Brine Tank

1
𝑈1 =
ΣR

1
𝑈1 =
0.0005 0.0980 0.0005 1
0.12 + 18 + 0.022 + 16 + 600

𝑾
𝑼𝟏 = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟏𝟖𝟔
𝒎𝟐 ∙ 𝑲

Solving for left and right wall of the brine tank (U2):

Figure 5. Right and Left Wall of the Brine Tank

1
𝑈2 =
ΣR
 1
𝑈2 =
0.0005 0.0875 0.0005 1
0.12 + 18 + 0.022 + 16 + 600

𝑾
𝑼𝟐 = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟒𝟒𝟏
𝒎𝟐 ∙ 𝑲

Solving for the bottom of the brine tank (U3):

Figure 6. Bottom Surface of the Brine Tank

1
𝑈3 =
ΣR

1
𝑈3 =
0.0005 0.0360 0.0005 1
0.11 + 18 + 0.022 + 16 + 600

𝑾
𝑼𝟑 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟕𝟐𝟏
𝒎𝟐 ∙ 𝑲

Solving for top surface of the wall (U4):

 Figure 7. Top Surface of the Brine Tank
1
𝑈4 =
ΣR

1
𝑈4 =
0.0005
0.044 + 16 + 0.16

𝑾
𝑼𝟒 = 𝟒. 𝟗𝟎𝟏𝟐
𝒎𝟐 ∙ 𝑲
Area

Considering only the area surface area occupied by brine solution:

Front and Back (A1):

𝐴1 = 𝑙 × 𝑤
1 𝑚2
𝐴1 = (55.3 𝑐𝑚) × (33.2 𝑐𝑚) × ( )
10 000 𝑐𝑚2
𝑨𝟏 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟖𝟑𝟓𝟗𝟔 𝒎𝟐
Left and Right Side (A2):
𝐴2 = 𝑙 × 𝑤
1 𝑚2
𝐴2 = (42.1 𝑐𝑚) × (33.2 𝑐𝑚) × ( )
10 000 𝑐𝑚2
𝑨𝟐 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟑𝟗𝟕𝟕𝟐 𝒎𝟐
Bottom (A3):
𝐴3 = 𝑙 × 𝑤
1 𝑚2
𝐴3 = (55.3 𝑐𝑚) × (42.1 𝑐𝑚) × ( )
10 000 𝑐𝑚2

𝑨𝟑 = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟑𝟐𝟖 𝒎𝟐

Considering the area occupied by the air space:

Front and Back (A1’):
𝐴1 ’ = 𝑙 × 𝑤
1 𝑚2
𝐴1 ’ = (55.3 𝑐𝑚) × (3 𝑐𝑚) × ( )
10 000 𝑐𝑚2
𝑨𝟏 ’ = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟏𝟔𝟓𝟗𝒎𝟐

Left and Right Side (A2’):

𝐴2 ’ = 𝑙 × 𝑤
1 𝑚2
𝐴2 ’ = (42.1 𝑐𝑚) × (3 𝑐𝑚) × ( )
10 000 𝑐𝑚2
𝐴2 ’ = 0.01263 𝒎𝟐

TOP (A3 ’):

𝐴3 ’ = 𝑙 × 𝑤
1 𝑚2
𝐴3 ’ = (55.3 𝑐𝑚) × (42.1 𝑐𝑚) × ( )
10 000 𝑐𝑚2

𝑨𝟑 ′ = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟑𝟐𝟖 𝒎𝟐

Transmission load for every temperature difference was computed using

Microsoft Excel as shown in Table 10. Based from the date, computed area and over all
heat transfer coefficient, the equivalent load was computed for every temperature
difference, then the total
 Table 10. Transmission Load

U, W/(m2∙K) A, m2 t0, °C ti, °C Δt Q, W U, W/(m2∙K) A, m2 t0, °C ti, °C Δt Q, W TOTAL TRANSMISSION, W

0.2186 0.183596 31 30 1 0.0401 0.2186 0.01659 31 31 0 0 0.0401
FRONT (BRINE

0.2186 0.183596 31 27 4 0.1605 0.2186 0.01659 31 27 4 0.0145 0.1750

FRONT (AIR
SOLUTION)

SPACE)
0.2186 0.183596 31 23 8 0.3211 0.2186 0.01659 31 24 7 0.0254 0.3465
0.2186 0.183596 31 18 13 0.5217 0.2186 0.01659 31 20 11 0.0399 0.5616
0.2186 0.183596 31 11 20 0.8027 0.2186 0.01659 31 19 12 0.0435 0.8462
0.2186 0.183596 31 0 31 1.2442 0.2186 0.01659 31 17 14 0.0508 1.2949
0.2186 0.183596 30 -4 34 1.3646 0.2186 0.01659 30 12 18 0.0653 1.4298
0.2186 0.183596 31 30 1 0.0401 0.2186 0.01659 31 31 0 0 0.0401
BACK (BRINE

0.2186 0.183596 31 27 4 0.1605 0.2186 0.01659 31 27 4 0.0145 0.1750

SOLUTION)

BACK (AIR
SPACE)
0.2186 0.183596 31 23 8 0.3211 0.2186 0.01659 31 24 7 0.0254 0.3465
0.2186 0.183596 31 18 13 0.5217 0.2186 0.01659 31 20 11 0.0399 0.5616
0.2186 0.183596 31 11 20 0.8027 0.2186 0.01659 31 19 12 0.0435 0.8462
0.2186 0.183596 31 0 31 1.2442 0.2186 0.01659 31 17 14 0.0508 1.2949
0.2186 0.183596 30 -4 34 1.3646 0.2186 0.01659 30 12 18 0.0653 1.4298
0.2441 0.139772 31 30 1 0.0341 0.2441 0.01263 31 31 0 0 0.0341
RIGHT (BRINE

0.2441 0.139772 31 27 4 0.1365 0.2441 0.01263 31 27 4 0.0123 0.1488

SOLUTION)

RIGHT(AIR
SPACE)
0.2441 0.139772 31 23 8 0.2729 0.2441 0.01263 31 24 7 0.0216 0.2945
0.2441 0.139772 31 18 13 0.4435 0.2441 0.01263 31 20 11 0.0339 0.4775
0.2441 0.139772 31 11 20 0.6824 0.2441 0.01263 31 19 12 0.037 0.7194
0.2441 0.139772 31 0 31 1.0577 0.2441 0.01263 31 17 14 0.0432 1.1008
0.2441 0.139772 30 -4 34 1.16 0.2441 0.01263 30 12 18 0.0555 1.2155
0.2441 0.139772 31 30 1 0.0341 0.2441 0.01263 31 31 0 0 0.0341
LEFT (BRINE

0.2441 0.139772 31 27 4 0.1365 0.2441 0.01263 31 27 4 0.0123 0.1488

SOLUTION)

LEFT (AIR
SPACE)

0.2441 0.139772 31 23 8 0.2729 0.2441 0.01263 31 24 7 0.0216 0.2945

0.2441 0.139772 31 18 13 0.4435 0.2441 0.01263 31 20 11 0.0339 0.4775
0.2441 0.139772 31 11 20 0.6824 0.2441 0.01263 31 19 12 0.037 0.7194
0.2441 0.139772 31 0 31 1.0577 0.2441 0.01263 31 17 14 0.0432 1.1008
0.2441 0.139772 30 -4 34 1.16 0.2441 0.01263 30 12 18 0.0555 1.2155
TOP (AIR SPACE)

0.5721 0.2328 31 30 1 0.1332 4.9012 0.2328 31 31 0 0 0.1332

BOTTOM (BRINE

0.5721 0.2328 31 27 4 0.5327 4.9012 0.2328 31 27 4 4.564 5.0967

SOLUTION)

0.5721 0.2328 31 23 8 1.0655 4.9012 0.2328 31 24 7 7.987 9.0525

0.5721 0.2328 31 18 13 1.7314 4.9012 0.2328 31 20 11 12.551 14.2824
0.5721 0.2328 31 11 20 2.6637 4.9012 0.2328 31 19 12 13.692 16.3557
0.5721 0.2328 31 0 31 4.1287 4.9012 0.2328 31 17 14 15.974 20.1027
0.5721 0.2328 30 -4 34 4.5283 4.9012 0.2328 30 12 18 20.538 25.0663
 Summary of transmission load for every temperature difference and average
transmission load for the whole experiment are shown in Table 11 below.

Table 11. Summary of Transmission Load

BRINE SOLUTION AIR SPACE TOTAL

t0, °C ti, °C t0, °C ti, °C TRANSMISSION, W
31 30 31 31 0.2817
31 27 31 27 5.7444
31 23 31 24 10.3344
31 18 31 20 16.3606
31 11 31 19 19.4868
31 0 31 17 24.8942
30 -4 30 12 30.3570
AVERAGE TRANSMISSION LOAD 15.3513

Air Infiltration

Air infiltration is defined as the heat loss or heat gain due to the infiltration of
outside air into a conditioned space (Stoecker & Jones, 1982). The air infiltration can be
expressed as:

𝐐 𝒊 = 𝐂𝐬 𝐐𝒔 ∆𝐓 (ASHRAE 2009)

Where 𝐐 𝒊 is the Sensible Heat Load, Watts;

𝐂𝐬 is the Air Sensible Heat Factor, W/(L/s∙℃);

𝐐𝒔 is the Volume per unit time, L/s and;

∆𝐓 is the Change in Temperature, °C.

For 𝐂𝐬 :

𝑊
Cs = 1.23 𝐿 (Source: ASHRAE 2009; Chapter 18; page 18.14)
∙℃
𝑠
For 𝐐𝒔 :

𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑒

𝐐𝒔 =
3600

(22.5)(37.8)(29.0) 1 𝑚2 1000 𝐿
𝐐𝒔 = × 2
×
3600 1 000 000 𝑐𝑚 1 𝑚2

𝐿
𝐐𝒔 = 0.00686
𝑠

Table 12 shows the computation of air infiltration for every temperature difference
using the Microsoft Excel.

Table 12. Air Infiltration

Ambient Brine
CS,
Temperature, Temperature, ∆T, °C Q s, L/s Q I, W
W/(L/s∙°C)
°C °C
31 30 1 1.23 0.00686 0.0084378
31 27 4 1.23 0.00686 0.0337512
31 23 8 1.23 0.00686 0.0675024
31 18 13 1.23 0.00686 0.1096914
31 11 20 1.23 0.00686 0.168756
31 0 31 1.23 0.00686 0.2615718
30 -4 34 1.23 0.00686 0.2868852
AVERAGE SENSIBLE HEAT DUE TO INFILTRATION 0.1337994

After getting the product loads of brine solution and air space, transmission load
and air infiltration, the total heat load for the whole experiment can be determined as
shown in Table 13.
 Table 13. Total Cooling Load

Ambient Brine PRODUCT LOAD, W Air Total

Transmission
Temperature, Temperature, BRINE AIR Infiltration, Cooling
Load, W
°C °C SOLUTION SPACE W Load, W
31 30 0.2817 0.0084378 0.2901378
31 27 5.7444 0.0337512 5.7781512
31 23 10.3344 0.0675024 10.4019024
31 18 524.17 W 0.0272 W 16.3606 0.1096914 16.4702914
31 11 19.4868 0.168756 19.655556
31 0 24.8942 0.2615718 25.1557718
30 -4 30.357 0.2868852 30.6438852
TOTAL COOLING LOAD 632.5928958

G. Actual Compressor Work (W)

The actual work of compressor can be calculated using the initial and final
energy meter readings in kWh. Compressor Work may express as:

𝐖 = 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 – 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

W = 13.7 kWh − 14.2 kWh

0.5 kWh
W=
𝑇𝑂𝑇𝐴𝐿 𝐸𝐿𝐴𝑃𝑆𝐸𝐷 𝑇𝐼𝑀𝐸

0.5 kWh
W=
1h
64 MIN. (60 MIN)

0.5 kWh
W=
1h
64 MIN. (60 MIN)

W = 0.46875 𝑘𝑊

𝐖 = 𝟒𝟔𝟖. 𝟕𝟓 𝑾
H. Actual COP

Having the total cooling load and actual work of compressor, then, the actual
Coefficient of Performance can be obtained. It can be expressed as:

𝑇𝑂𝑇𝐴𝐿 𝐶𝑂𝑂𝐿𝐼𝑁𝐺 𝐿𝑂𝐴𝐷

𝐶𝑂𝑃 =
𝐴𝐶𝑇𝑈𝐴𝐿 𝑊𝑂𝑅𝐾 𝑂𝐹 𝐶𝑂𝑀𝑃𝑅𝐸𝑆𝑆𝑂𝑅

632.59 𝑊
𝐶𝑂𝑃 =
468.75 𝑊

𝑪𝑶𝑷 = 𝟏. 𝟑𝟓
VI. GRAPHS

Based from the preliminary data, compressor’s power and brine temperature is
plotted (as shown in Figure 8). The graph has shown that as the power of the
compressor increases, the brine temperature decreases. Thus, the relationship between
the compressor’s power and brine temperature is inversely proportional.

Table 14. Brine Temperature and Power

Brine Temperature, °C Power, kWh

30 13.7
27 13.8
26 13.9
25 14
11 14.1
0 14.2
-4 14.2

POWER VS. BRINE TEMPERATURE

14.25
14.2
14.15
14.1
POWER, KWH

14.05
14
13.95
13.9
13.85
13.8
13.75
13.7
13.65
-4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30

BRINE TEMPERATURE, O C

Figure 8. Power VS. Brine Temperature Graph

 Figure 9 shows the graph of refrigerant temperature after expansion and brine
temperature. Unlike the graph of brine temperature and compressor power, there is a
linear relationship between the two temperatures. Thus, refrigerant temperature at
expansion varies directly with the brine temperature.

Table 15. Refrigerant Temperature After Expansion and Brine Temperature

Refrigerant Temperature
Brine Temperature, °C
After Expansion, °C
11 30
11 27
10 26
9 25
4 11
0 0
-4 -4

REFRIGERANT TEMPERATURE AFTER EXPANSION

VS. BRINE TEMPERATURE
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
-4 -2 -1 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
-2
-3
-4

Figure 9. Refrigerant Temperature After Expansion VS. Brine Temperature Graph

 When time elapsed for a specific brine temperature are plotted, the graph shows
an inverse diagram. Figure 10 shows an inverse diagram. The diagram indicates that as
the brine temperature approaches -4 °C, the time elapsed to cool the system have
lessen.

Table 16. Time and Brine Temperature

BRINE TEMPERATURE,
TIME, MIN
°C
0 30
12 27
24 26
44 25
54 11
61 0
64 -4

BRINE TEMPERATURE VS. TIME

65
60
55
50
45
TIME, MIN

40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
BRINE TEMPERATURE, OC

Figure 10. Brine Temperature VS. Time Graph

 When the actual refrigerating effect is plotted over the brine temperature, it is
clear that as the brine temperature decreases, the refrigerating effect of the system
increases. Thus, brine temperature is inversely proportional with the refrigerating effect
as shown in Figure 11.

Table 17. Brine Temperature and Actual

BRINE TEMPERATURE, ACTUAL REFRIGERATING

°C EFFECT, QA (W)
30 0.2901378
27 5.7781512
26 10.4019024
25 16.4702914
11 19.655556
0 25.1557718
-4 30.6438852

BRINE TEMPERATURE VS. ACTUAL

REFRIGERATING EFFECT
31
29
ACTUAL REFRIGERATING EFFECT, W

27
25
23
21
19
17
15
13
11
9
7
5
3
1
-1
-4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30
BRINE TEMPERATURE, °C

Figure 11. Brine Temperature VS. Actual Refrigerating Effect

 When the Actual Refrigerating Effect was plotted against the time elapsed, it is
noticeable that absorbing the maximum value of refrigerating effect takes the shortest
time elapsed for the whole experiment. Figure 12 shows that the refrigerating effect
value of 30.64 W was quickly cooled by the ice plant test rig for only 3 minutes, the
shortest time elapsed recorded throughout the experiment.

Table 18. Actual Refrigerating Effect and Time Elapsed

ACTUAL REFRIGERATING
TIME ELAPSED , MINS
EFFECT, QA (W)
0.2901378 0
5.7781512 12
10.4019024 12
16.4702914 20
19.655556 10
25.1557718 7
30.6438852 3

ACTUAL REFRIGERATING EFFECT VS. TIME

ELAPSED
20
18
16
TIME ELAPSED, MINS

14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32
ACTUAL REFRIGERATING EFFECT, W

Figure 12. Brine Temperature VS. Actual Refrigerating Effect

VII. REMARKS

Prior to the actual experiment on the ice plant test rig, familiarization of its parts
was conducted. Familiarization involves the study of function as well as the
specification of each parts. The ice plant test rig is composed primarily of the brine tank
where evaporating coils, ice cans and stirrer motor were contained; an accumulator, a
compressor, a condenser together with its fan motor, a refrigerant drier and an
expansion device. The ice plant test rig is also equipped with low pressure and high
pressure gauges, temperature indicator, and switches such as compressor switch and
stirrer motor switch.

After the familiarization of parts, pull down test was conducted. In preparation to
the experiment, brine solution was made. To create the brine solution, 5.5 kilograms of
salt was dissolved in 13 liters of water. The measurement of brine solution later
shows that the mixing ratio of the solution have reached 30% weight salt
composition—weight composition of salt needed for a saturated brine solution.

In ice making, the brine solution serves as the secondary refrigerant of the
refrigeration system. The primary refrigerant cools the brine solution. Then the cooled
brine solution will lower the water’s temperature and will eventually turn it into ice.

Right after mixing the solution, it was added to the brine tank. Then we start the
experiment by collecting the initial data such as ambient temperature, brine tank air
space temperature and the initial temperature of brine solution. The initial readings of
pressure gauges, temperature indicators and energy meter are also recorded. For every
increase of power consumption, these data are recorded accordingly.

During the experiment, it is noticeable that as the power consumption

increases, the refrigerant temperature after expansion decreases. Also, as the
refrigerant with very low temperature circulates at the brine tank, the temperature of the
brine solution eventually decreases. The lower the temperature of the primary
refrigerant, the more heat are lost in the brine solution; thus, it results to lower
brine temperature.
 Moreover, the time elapsed at the beginning of the experiment is larger
compared to the last part when the brine temperature is approaching the aimed
temperature which is -4 oC. It is noticeable that once the brine solution was cooled,
the time it takes to further lower its temperature shortens. The same observation
was made until the brine temperature reaches -4 oC.

Also, the maximum values of refrigerating effect, both actual and theoretical are
easily cooled within the lowest brine temperature. Even though the maximum values of
loads occur, still, it takes the lowest elapsed time to cool throughout the experiment.
Thus, it only shows that lowering the brine temperature greatly helps in speeding
up the ice making process.
VIII. CONCLUSION

Based from the conducted experiment, the following conclusions can be drawn:

1. The power of compressor is inversely proportional to refrigerant temperature

after expansion. As the power of compressor increases, the refrigerant
temperature after expansion decreases.

2. The refrigerant temperature after expansion is directly proportional to brine

temperature. The lower the refrigerant temperature that is entering within the
evaporator coils, the more heat can be lost in the brine solution; thus the
lower brine temperature.

3. Since refrigerant temperature is directly proportional to brine temperature

and refrigerant temperature is inversely proportional with compressor work;
thus, brine temperature is also inversely proportional with compressor work.

4. The time elapsed in cooling brine solution decreases as the temperature

approaches -4 oC.

5. Lowering the brine temperature as low as -4 oC, will help to speed up the
cooling process within the brine tank.
IX. DOCUMENTATION

Figure 13. Ice Plant Test Rig

Figure 14. Brine Tank of the Ice Plant Test Rig

Figure 15. Compressor of the Ice Plant Test Rig

Figure 16. Accumulator of the Ice Plant Test Rig

Figure 17. Condenser of the Ice Plant Test Rig

Figure 18. Fan of the Condenser

Figure 19. Stirrer Motor of the Ice Plant Test Rig

Figure 20. Four Ice Cans of the Ice Plant Test Rig
 Figure 21. Expansion Device of the Ice Plant Test Rig

Figure 22. Drier and Filter of the Ice Plant Test Rig

Figure 23. Pressure Control Device of the Ice Plant Test Rig
 Figure 24. Schematic Diagram of the Ice Plant Test Rig

Figure 25. PH Diagram of the R134a

Figure 26. Temperature Indicator of the Ice Plant Test Rig

 Figure 27. Energy Meter of the Ice Plant Test Rig

Figure 28. Discharge Pressure Gauge of the Ice Plant Test Rig
Figure 29. Suction Pressure Gauge of the Ice Plant Test Rig

Figure 30. Evaporator Coils of the Ice Plant Test Rig

 (A) (B)

(C)

Figure 31. Switches and Controls of the Ice Plant Test Rig (A) Main Switch (B)
Compressor Switch and (C) Stirrer Switch
X. REFERENCES

[1] E.G. Pita. Air Conditioning Systems and Principles 4th ed. Columbus, Ohio. Wiley
Plus. 2002.

[2] W.F. Stoecker & J.W. Jones. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning 2nd ed. Mcgraw Hill.
1983.

[3] R.F. Del Rosario. Mechanical Engineering Tables and Charts 5th ed. Manila Review
Institute Inc. 2004.