A refrigeration system experimental apparatus was designed, developed and constructed for the undergraduate mechanical engineering laboratory at Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne. The purpose of the experimental apparatus is to demonstrate thermodynamics processes and systems which are fundamental to understanding the basic concepts of thermodynamics, such as the first and second laws of thermodynamics. In addition, this apparatus demonstrates a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. This paper will present a set of thermodynamics experiments in which the first and second law of thermodynamics are employed to determine the heat gained by the refrigerant in the evaporator, the heat rejected from the refrigerant in the condenser, and the isentropic efficiency of the compressor. The objective of these experiments is to assist the undergraduate mechanical engineering students in understanding the basic thermodynamics processes by utilizing real life applications. This project was completed with the assistance of an Undergraduate Senior Project Grant from the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
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