Experimental investigation for performance enhancement of a vapor compression refrigeration system by employing several types of water-cooled condenser

Abstract

The water-cooled condenser in vapor compression refrigeration system is used in regions where there is a humid subtropical climate and where air-cooled condensers are not much effective. In the current article, the authors have scrutinized various means by which coefficient of performance can be escalated by using various types of water-cooled condensers. The setup has six different arrangements and the experiment is conducted at three ambient temperatures viz. 28°C, 32°C, 36°C. There is an increment in the value of coefficient of performance with better arrangements, the percentage variation of coefficient of performance at 36°C starting from chilled water circulated condenser, condenser with induced cooling tower, condenser with forced cooling tower, condenser with single cellulose pad, condenser with double cellulose pads are as follows: 12.33%, 14.43%, 18.37%, 24.41%, and 29.13%, respectively, with respect to the simple water-cooled condenser whose coefficient of performance is 3.81 at 36°C. More improvements can be expected if materials of high heat transfer coefficient are used.