The Computer Controlled Vapour-Compression Refrigeration Unit, "TRCVC", allows the understanding of the vapor-compression refrigeration process by changing the operation of the different parts of the process, and to study the response of the system.
This unit consists of the following stages:
- Compression: This stage begins when the coolant enters to the computer controlled compressor. This coolant is compressed, increasing its pressure and temperature. To measure these variables the unit includes a pressure sensor, a manometer and a temperature sensor.
- Condensation: The coolant circulates through the condenser. The coolant transfers its heat to the water that flows through the condenser. At the end of this stage, the pressure and the temperature of the coolant are measured by means of a manometer and a temperature sensor.
- Expansion: The coolant circulates through an accumulator of condensate and a filter, to retain particles of condensate, and a flow sensor. Next it circulates through the expansion valve, which causes a pressure drop and temperature of the coolant. At the end of this stage, the pressure and the temperature of the coolant are measured by means of a manometer and temperature sensors.
- Evaporation: The coolant circulates through the evaporator. The coolant absorbs the heat of the water that flows through the evaporator. At the end of this stage, the pressure and the temperature of the coolant are measured by means of a pressure sensor, a manometer and a temperature sensor. Finally, the coolant circulates through a liquid separator to retain liquid particles before going on to the compressor.
Two computer controlled pumps impel water from a water reservoir to the condenser and the evaporator. The inlet water temperatures, the outlet water temperatures and the water flows are measured by means of flow sensors and temperature sensors.
In addition, the unit includes a high pressure control to avoid an excess of pressure in the unit.
This Computer Controlled Unit is supplied with the EDIBON Computer Control System (SCADA), and includes: The unit itself + a Control Interface Box + a Data Acquisition Board + Computer Control, Data Acquisition and Data Management Software Packages, for controlling the process and all parameters involved in the process.