Chapter 5: Compound Vapor

Compression
Refrigeration System
Examples

Prepared by
Dr. Mohammed Al-Odat
 Solution Guidelines
• Read the question or problem carefully
• State the given and the required data
• Draw the cycle on the p-h diagram
• Use the p-h diagram to get the thermodynamic
properties specially the enthalpy at each point in
the cycle
• Conduct the required calculation
• Interpret the results
Example: Cascade Refrigeration Systems: Consider a two-stage
cascade refrigeration system operating between the pressure limits of
0.8 and 0.14 MPa. Each stage operates on an ideal vapor compression
cycle with R–134a as the working fluid. Heat rejection from the lower
cycle to the upper cycle takes place in an adiabatic counter-flow heat
exchanger where both streams enter at about 0.32 MPa. If the mass
flow rate of the refrigerant is 0.05kg/s, determine
(a) The mass flow rate of the refrigerant through the lower cycle,
(b) The rate of heat removal from the refrigerated space and the power
input to the compressor,
(c) The COP of the refrigerator.
 Solution
• Assumptions
1 Steady operating conditions exist.
2 Kinetic and potential energy changes are negligible.
3 The heat exchanger is adiabatic.
(a) The mass flow rate of the refrigerant through the lower
cycle is determined from the steady flow energy balance
on the adiabatic heat exchanger,
 b) The rate of heat removal by a cascade cycle is the rate of
heat absorption in the evaporator of the lowest stage. The
power input to a cascade cycle is the sum of the power inputs
to all of the compressors:

(c) The COP of a refrigeration system is the ratio of the

refrigeration rate to the net power input:
 Multistage Compression
Refrigeration Systems
When the fluid used throughout the cascade refrigeration
system is the same, the heat exchanger between the stages can
be replaced by a mixing chamber (called a flash chamber)
since it has better heat transfer characteristics.
Example
Consider a two-stage compression refrigeration system operating between
the pressure limits of 0.8 and 0.14 MPa. The working fluid is R-134a. The
refrigerant leaves the condenser as a saturated liquid and is throttled to a
flash chamber operating at 0.32 MPa. Part of the refrigerant evaporates
during this flashing process, and this vapor is mixed with the refrigerant
leaving the low pressure compressor. The mixture is then compressed to the
condenser pressure by the high-pressure compressor. The liquid in the flash
chamber is throttled to the evaporator pressure and cools the refrigerated
space as it vaporizes in the evaporator. Assuming the refrigerant leaves the
evaporator as a saturated vapor and both compressors are isentropic,
determine (a) the fraction of the refrigerant that evaporates as it is throttled
to the flash chamber, (b) the amount of heat removed from the refrigerated
space and the compressor work per unit mass of refrigerant flowing through
the condenser, and (c) the coefficient of performance.
 • Solution
Assumptions 1 Steady operating conditions exist.
2 Kinetic and potential energy changes are negligible.
3 The flash chamber is adiabatic

(a) The fraction of the refrigerant

that evaporates as it is throttled to
the flash chamber is simply the
quality at state 6, which is
(b) The amount of heat removed from the
refrigerated space and the compressor work input per
unit mass of refrigerant flowing through the
condenser are
 (c) The coefficient of performance is

Discussion This problem can be solved for a single-stage

refrigeration system and the (COP=3.97) and as a two-stage
cascade refrigeration system (COP= 4.46).
Notice that the COP of the refrigeration system increased
considerably relative to the single-stage compression but did not
change much relative to the two-stage cascade compression.
Multipurpose Refrigeration Systems
with a Single Compressor
• Some applications require refrigeration at more
than one temperature. A practical and economical
approach is to route all the exit streams from the
evaporators to a single compressor and let it
handle the compression process for the entire
system.
• This system will be discussed in details in chapter
6
Schematic and T-s diagram for a refrigerator–freezer
unit with one compressor.
 Liquefaction of Gases
• Many important scientific and engineering processes at
cryogenic temperatures (below about 100°C) depend on
liquefied gases including the separation of oxygen and
nitrogen from air, preparation of liquid propellants for
rockets, the study of material properties at low temperatures,
and the study of superconductivity.
• The storage (i.e., hydrogen) and transportation of some gases
(i.e., Liquefied natural gas (LNG)) are done after they are
liquefied at very low temperatures.
• Several innovative cycles are used for the liquefaction of
gases.
Linde-Hampson system for liquefying
gases.
• As the compression pressure increases, the
liquid yield y increases at a given
compression temperature.
• As the compression temperature decreases,
the liquid yield y increases at a given
compression pressure.
Example 5.1 Calculate the power needed to compress 20 kg /
min of ammonia from saturated vapour at 1.4 bar to a
condensing pressure of 10 bar by two-stage compression
with intercooling by liquid refrigerant at 4 bar. Assume
saturated liquid to leave the condenser and dry saturated
vapors to leave the evaporator. Use the p-h chart. Determine,
also, the power needed when intercooling is not employed.
Solution : Given : m1= 20 kg/min ; PE= 1.4 bar ; pC= 10 bar ;
p2= p3= 4 bar
Ammonia p-h chart
The various values for ammonia as read from the p-h
diagram are as follows:
•Enthalpy of saturated vapor refrigerant entering
the low pressure compressor at point 1, h1 = 1400 kJ/kg
•Entropy of saturated vapor refrigerant entering the
low pressure compressor at point 1, Sl = 5.75 kJ/kg K
•Enthalpy of superheated vapor refrigerant leaving
the low pressure compressor at point 2, h2 = 1527 kJ/kg
•Enthalpy of saturated vapor refrigerant leaving the
intercooler or entering the high pressure compressor at
point 3, h3 = 1428 kJ/kg
• Entropy of saturated vapor refrigerant leaving the
intercooler or entering the high pressure
compressor at point 3,s3 = 5.39 kJ/kg K
• Enthalpy of superheated vapor refrigerant leaving
the high pressure compressor at point 4, h4 = 1550
kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of saturated liquid refrigerant passing
through the condenser at point 5, hf5 = h6 = 284
kJ/kg
• We know that mass of refrigerant passing through
the condenser (or high pressure compressor),
• Work done in low pressure compressor,
• WL = m1 (h2 - h1) = 20 (1527 - 1400) = 2540
kJ/min
• Work done in high pressure compressor,
• WH = m2 (h4 - h3) = 21.73 (1550 - 1428) = 2651
kJ/min
• and total work done in both the compressors,
• W = WL + WH = 2540 + 2651 = 5191 kJ/min
• Power needed = 5191/60 = 86.5 kW Ans.
• Power needed when intercooling is not
employed
• When intercooling is not employed, the
compression of refrigerant will follow the path 1-2
in the low pressure compressor and 2-2' in the
high pressure compressor.
• In such a case,
• Work done in the high pressure compressor,
• WH = m1 (h2'- h2) = 20 (1676- 1527) = 2980 kJ
/min... ( From p-h diagram, h2 = 1676 kJ/kg)
• and total work done is both the compressors,
• W = WL + WH = 2540 + 2980 = 5520 kJ/min
• Power needed = 5520/60 = 92 kW Ans.
Example 5.3:
The following data refer to a two stage compression
ammonia refrigerating system with water intercooler.
Condenser pressure = 14 bar; Evaporator pressure = 2 bar;
Intercooler pressure = 5 bar; Load on the evaporator = 2 TR. If
the temperature of the de-superheated vapour and sub-cooled
liquid refrigerant are limited to 30oC, find (a) the power
required to drive the system, and(b) CO.P. of the system
Solution. Given : Pc= 14 bar ; PE= 2 bar ; P2= P3= 5 bar ; Q =
10 TR ; t3=t6 = 30° C
• The p-h diagram for a two stage compression system with
water intercooler is shown in next Fig.. The various values
as read from the p-h diagram for ammonia are as follows
• Enthalpy of saturated vapor refrigerant entering the low pressure
compressor at point 1. h1 = 1420 kJ/kg
• Entropy of saturated vapor refrigerant at point 1, sl = 5.6244 kJ/kg K
• Enthalpy of superheated vapor refrigerant leaving the water
intercooler at point 3. h3= 1510 kJ/kg
• Entropy of superheated vapor refrigerant at point 3, s3 = 5.424 kJ/kg K
• Enthalpy of superheated vapor refrigerant leaving the high pressure
compressor at point 4.h4 = 1672 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of liquid refrigerant leaving the liquid sub-cooler, hf6 = h7 =
323kJ/kg
• The points 2 and 4 on the p-h diagram are obtained in the similar way
as discussed in Ex. 5.1.
• From the p-h diagram, we find that enthalpy of superheated vapor
refrigerant at point 2, h2 = 1550 kJ/kg.
(a) Power required to drive the system
•We know that mass of refrigerant circulating through the
system,

•Total work done in both the compressors,

•w= m [(h2 - h1) + (h4 - h3)]=1.91 [(1550- 1420) + (1672 -
1510) = 557.7 kJ/min
Power required to drive the system, P=557.7/60=9.3 kW
b) CO.P. of system
We know that refrigerating effect of the system,
RE = 210Q = 2l0 × 10 = 2100 kJ/min:. C.O.P. of the
system.
Example 5.5. A two stage compression ammonia
refrigeration system operates between overall
pressure limits of 14 bar and 2 bar. the temperature
of the desuperheated vapor and subcooled liquid
refrigerant are limited to 30oC. The flash tank
separates dry vapor at 5 bar pressure and the liquid
refrigerant then expands to 2 bar.
Estimate the C.O.P. of the machine and power
required to drive the compressor, if the mechanical
efficiency of the drive is 80% and load on the
evaporator is 10 TR.
Solution. Given :Pc= 14 bar; PE= 2 bar; PF= 5 bar;
t3= t7= 30 oC ;ηm=80% = 0.8 ; Q = 10TR
The p-h diagram for a two-stage compression system with given
conditions is shown in above Fig.
The values as read from p-h diagram for ammonia, are as
follows:
Enthalpy of saturated vapor refrigerant entering the low
pressure compressor at point 1. h1 = 1420 kJ/kg
• Entropy of saturated vapor refrigerant entering the low
pressure compressor at point 1. s1 = 5.6244 kJ/kg K
• Enthalpy of superheated vapor refrigerant leaving the
low pressure compressor at point 2, h2 =1550 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of superheated vapor refrigerant leaving the
water intercooler at point 3. h3 = 1510 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of saturated vapor refrigerant leaving the flash
tank at point 9, h9 = 1432 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of liquid refrigerant leaving the subcooler at
point 7, hf7 = h8 = 323 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of saturated liquid refrigerant leaving the
second expansion valve at point 10, hf10 = hll = 198 kJ/kg
 • Let m2 = Mass of refrigerant passing through the
condenser.
• We know that mass of the vapor refrigerant
formed in the flash tank,

and mass of refrigerant passing through the evaporator,

• m2 - 0.1 m2 = 1.72 or m` = 1.9 kg/min

• m3 = 0.l m2 = 0.l × 1.9 = 0.19 kg/min
• The desuperheated vapor refrigerant (m2 - m3) as
represented by point 3 is mixed with the vapor
refrigerant from the flash tank as represented by
point 9.
• The enthalpy of the mixed refrigerant entering the
high pressure compressor as represented by point
4 is given by
• m2 h4 = m3 h9 + (m2 - m3) h3
= 0.1 m2 h9 + (m2 - 0.1 m2) h3
• or h4 = 0.1 × h9 + 0.9 × h3 = 0.1 × 1432+
0.9 × 1510 = 1502 kJ/kg
• We see from p-h diagram that at point 4
(intersection of pressure 5 bar and enthalpy 1502
kJ/kg), the entropy is s4 = 5.51 kJ/kg K.
• Now from point 4, draw a line of entropy equal to
5.51 kJ/kg K along the constant entropy line
which intersects the condenser pressure (14 bar)
line at point 5.
• Thus, the point 5 is located. From p-h diagram, we
find that enthalpy of refrigerant leaving the high
pressure compressor at point 5 is
• h5= 1650 kJ/kg
C.O.P. of the machine
•We know that refrigerating effect = ml (hl - hf10) = 210 Q =
210 × 10 = 2100 kJ/min
•Work done in both the compressors = ml (h2 - h1) + m2 (h5 -
h4) = 1.72 (1550 - 1420) + 1.9 (1650- 1502) = 223.6 + 281.2
= 504.8 kJ/min
•Since the mechanical efficiency of the drive is 80%,
therefore actual work done in both the compressors =
504.8/0.8 = 631 kJ/min
•We know that power required to drive the
compressors=Work/60= 613/60 = 10.5 kW

Actual work done 3.32

•COP = RE/Work=2100/631= 631
   10.5 kW Ans.
60 60
Example 5.6: In a 15 TR ammonia plant,
compression is carried out in two stages with water
and flash intercooling and water subcooling. The
particulars of the plant are as follows:
Condenser pressure = 12 bar
Evaporator pressure = 3 bar
Flash intercooler pressure = 6 bar
Limiting temperature for intercooling and subcooling
= 20°C
Draw the cycle on p-h chart and estimate (a) the
coefficient of performance of the plant, (b) the power
required for each compressor, and (c) the swept
volume for each compressor if the volumetric
efficiency of both the compressors is 80%.
Solution Given : Q =15 TR ; pc = 12 bar ; pE = 3 bar ;
pF = 6 bar ; t3 = t7 =20º C ; ηv = 80% =0.8
The cycle on the p-h chart may be drawn as shown in
below Fig.. The various values as read from the p-h
diagram for ammonia are as follows:
• Enthalpy of saturated vapor refrigerant entering the low
pressure compressor at point 1, h1 = 1422 kJ/kg
• Entropy of saturated vapor refrigerant entering the low
pressure compressor at point 1, s1 = 5.49 kJ/kgK
• Specific volume of saturated vapor refrigerant entering
the low pressure compressor at point 1, v1= 0.42 m3 / kg
• Enthalpy of superheated vapor refrigerant leaving the
low pressure compressor at point 2, h2 = 1505 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of superheated vapor refrigerant leaving the
water intercooler at point 3, h3 = 1465 kJ/kg Enthalpy of
saturated vapor refrigerant leaving the flash intercooler
at point 4, h4 = 1440 kJ/kg Entropy of saturated vapor
refrigerant at point 4, s4 = 5.25 kJ/kgK
• Specific volume of saturated vapor refrigerant at
point 4, v4= 0.215 m3 /kg
• Enthalpy of superheated vapor refrigerant at point
5, h5 = 1530 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of liquid refrigerant leaving the liquid
subcooler at point 7, hf7 = h8 = 265 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of saturated liquid refrigerant leaving the
flash intercooler at point 9, hf9 = h10 = 224 kJ/kg
• (a) Coefficient of performance of the plant
• We know that mass of refrigerant passing through
the evaporator (or low pressure compressor),
210 Q 210  15
m1    2.63 kg/min
h1  h f 9 1422  224
• and mass of refrigerant passing through the condenser
(or high pressure compressor),
 h3  h f 9 
m2  m1    2.63  1465  224   2.78 kg/min
h h   1440  265 
 4 f7 

Coefficient of performance of the plant,

m1 (h1  h f 9 )
C.O.P. 
m1 (h2  h1 )  m2 (h5  h4 )
2.63( 1422  224 )
  6.725 Ans.
2.63( 1505  1422 )  2.78( 1530  1440 )
(b) Power required for each compressor We know that work done
in low pressure, compressor,
•WL = m1 ( h2 - h1 ) = 2.63(1505 -1422) = 218.3 kJ/min
•Power required for low pressure compressor .
•pL =218.3 / 60 3.64 kW Ans.
•Similarly, work done in high pressure compressor, WH = m2 ( h5
- h4 ) = 2.78 (1530 -1440 ) = 250.2 kJ/min
•Power required for high pressure compressor,
•pH = 250.2 / 60 = 4.17 kW Ans.
(c) Swept volume for each compressor
We know that swept volume for low pressure
compressor
m1  v1 2.63  0.42 3
   1.46 m / min Ans.
v 0.8
and swept volume for high pressure compressor

m2  v4 2.78  0.215
   0.747 m 3 / min Ans
v 0.8
Example 5.7: A vapor compression system with ammonia as
the refrigerant works between the pressure limits of 2 bar and
12 bar with three stage compression. The vapors leaving the
water intercoolers at pressures 4 bar and 8 bar are in a
saturated state. If the load is 10 TR, find the power required
to drive the three compressors and compare the C.O.P. of
this system with that of a simple saturation cycle working
between the same overall ,pressure limits.
Solution Given : pE = 2 bar ; pC = 12 bar ; p2 = p3 = 4 bar ; p4
= p5 = 8 bar ; Q = 10 TR The p-h diagram for a three stage
compression with water intercooling is shown in Fig. 10.12.
The various values as read from the p-h diagram for ammonia
are as follow
• Enthalpy of saturated vapor refrigerant entering the first compressor
at point 1, h1 = 1420 kJ/kg
• Entropy of saturated vapor refrigerant at point 1, s 1 = 5.564 kJ/kgK
• Enthalpy of superheated vapor refrigerant leaving the first
compressor at point 2, h2 = 1515 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of saturated vapor refrigerant leaving the water intercooler
and entering the second compressor at point 3, h 3 =1442 kJ/kg
• Entropy of saturated vapor refrigerant at point 3, s 3 = 5.367 kJ/kg K
• Enthalpy of superheated vapor refrigerant leaving the second
compressor at point 4, h4 = 1525 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of saturated vapor refrigerant leaving the water intercooler
and entering the third compressor at point 5, h 5 = 1461kJ/kg
• Entropy of saturated vapor refrigerant at point 5, s 5 = 5.1186 kJ/kg K
• Enthalpy of superheated vapor refrigerant leaving the third
compressor at point 6, h6 = 1500 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of saturated liquid refrigerant leaving the condenser at
point 7, hf7 = h8 = 328 kJ/kg
• Power required to drive the three compressors We know that mass of
refrigerant required to be circulated through the evaporator,

210 Q 210  10
m   1.92 kg/min
h1  h f 7 1420  328
 Work done in the three compressors,
W  m[(h2  h1 )  (h4  h3 )  (h6  h5 )]
 1.92[(1515  1420)  (1525  1442)  (1500  1461)] kJ/min
 416.64 kJ/min
Power required to drive the three compressors,
P  416.64 / 60  6.94 kW Ans.
Comparison of C.O. P. of the system with that of simple
saturation cycle
We know that refrigerating effect of the system
RE  210 Q  210  10  2100 kJ/min
C.O.P. of the system
RE 2100
COP    5.04
W 416.64
 • For a simple saturation cycle working between the
same pressure limits of 2 bar and 12 bar; the
enthalpy of superheated vapor leaving the
compressor at point 2' is h2' = 1670 kJ/kg
• Work done in the compressor for simple saturation
cycle W1  m (h2 ' h1 )  1.92 ( 1670  1420 )  480 kJ/min

and C.O.P. of the simple saturation cycle

RE 2100
   4.375
W1 480
Percentage increase in C.O.P. of the system as
compared to simple saturation cycle
5.04  4.375
  100  15.2% Ans.
4.375
• Example 5.8: An ice plant working on ammonia as
refrigerant works between overall pressure limits of
2.5 bar and 15 bar. It is fitted with expansion valve
with vapor extraction at 5 bar and 10 bar. The load on
the plant is 10 TR. Find the circulation of the
refrigerant through the condenser and the power
required to drive the three compressors. Use p-h chart
• Solution Given : pE = 2.5 bar ; pC = 15 bar ; pF2 =5 bar
; pF1 = 10 bar ; Q = 10 TR
The p-h diagram for a three stage compression system
with the given conditions is shown in Fig. 10.14. The
various values as read from the p-h diagram for
ammonia are as follows:
• Enthalpy of saturated vapor refrigerant entering the low pressure
compressor at point 1, h1 = 1425 kJ/kg
• of saturated vapor refrigerant at point 1, s 1= 5.55 kJ/kgK
• Enthalpy of saturated vapor refrigerant entering the intermediate
pressure compressor at point 3, h3 = 1432 kJ/kg
• Entropy of saturated vapor refrigerant at point 3, s3 = 5.32 kJ/kgK
• Enthalpy of saturated vapor refrigerant entering the high pressure
compressor at point 5, h5 = 1445 kJ/kg
• Entropy of saturated vapor refrigerant at point 5, s 5 = 5.05 kJ/kg K
• Enthalpy of superheated vapour refrigerant leaving the low
pressure compressor at point 2, h2 = 1660 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of superheated vapour refrigerant leaving the
intermediate pressure compressor at point 4 h4 = 1600 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of superheated vapour refrigerant leaving the high
pressure compressor at point 6, h6= 1510 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of saturated liquid refrigerant leaving the
condenser at point 7, hf7 = h8 = 352 kJ/kg
• Condition of refrigerant (i.e. dryness fraction) leaving the
first expansion valve at point 8, x8 = 0.06
 • Enthalpy of saturated liquid refrigerant leaving the
flash chamber at point 9, hf9 = h10 = 290 kJ/kg
• Condition of refrigerant (i.e. dryness fraction) leaving
the second expansion valve at point 10, x10 = 0.08
• Enthalpy of liquid refrigerant leaving the flash
chamber at point 11, hf11 = h12 = 198 kJ/kg
• Circulation of refrigeration through the condenser We
know that the mass of refrigerant passing through the
condenser,

210 Q 210  10
m   1.98 kg/min Ans.
(1 - x10 )(1  x8 )(h1  h f 11 ) (1  0.08)(1  0.06)(1425  198)
 Power required to drive the three compressors
 We know that work done in L.P. compressor
WI  m  x10 (1  x8 )(h4  h3 )  1.98  0.08(1  0.06)(1600  1432)  25 kJ/min

Work done in H.P. compressor

WH  m  x8 (h6  h5 )   1.98  0.06(1510  1445)  7.72 kJ/min

and total work done in the three compressors

W  WL  WI  WH  402.4  25  7.72  435.12 kJ/min
Power required to drive the three compressors
P  W / 60  435.12 / 60  7.25 kW Ans.
Example 5.9: A three stage ammonia refrigeration
system with flash intercooling operates between the
overall pressure limits of 2 bar and 12 bar. The flash
intercooler pressures are 4 bar and 8 bar. If the load on
the evaporator is 10 TR, find the power required to run
the system and compare the C.O.P. of the system with
that of simple saturation cycle working between the same
overall pressure limits.
•Given : pE = 2 bar ; pC = 12 bar ; PF1 = 4 bar ; PF2 = 8
bar ; Q = 10 TR 
The p-h diagram for three stage compression system
with flash intercooling is shown in Fig. . The various
values as read from the p-h diagram are as follows: 
• Enthalpy of saturated vapour refrigerant entering the low pressure compressor at 1, h 1 = 1420 kJ/kg
• Entropy of saturated vapour refrigerant at point 1, s1 = 5.564 kJ/kgK
• Enthalpy of superheated vapour refrigerant leaving the low pressure compressor at point 2, h 2 = 1515 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of saturated vapour refrigerant leaving the first flash intercooler or entering the intermediate
pressure compressor at point 3, h3 = 1442 kJ/kg
• Entropy of saturated vapour refrigerant at point 3, s3 = 5.367 kJ/kg K
• Enthalpy of superheated vapour refrigerant leaving the intermediate pressure compressor at point 4, h 4 =
1525 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of saturated vapour refrigerant leaving the second flash chamber or entering the high pressure
compressor at point 5, h5 = 1461kJ/kg
• Entropy of saturated vapour refrigerant at point 5, s5 =5.1186 kJ/kg K
• Enthalpy of superheated vapour refrigerant leaving the high pressure compressor or entering the
condenser, h6 =1500 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of saturated liquid refrigerant leaving the condenser at point 7, h f7 = h8 = h9 = h10 = 328 kJ/kg
Power required to run the system
We know that mass of refrigerant passing though the evaporator
or L.P. compressor, 210 Q 210  10
m1    1.92 kg/min
h1  h f 7 1420  328
Mass of liquid refrigerant evaporated in the flash intercooler after
the first stage of compression
m1 (h2  h3 ) 1.92(1515  1442)
m2    0.126 kg/min
h3  h f 7 1442  328
Mass of refrigerant passing through I.P. compressor
m3  m1  m2  1.92  0.126  2.046 kg/min
Mass of liquid refrigerant evaporated in the flash
intercooler after the second stage of compression
m3 (h4  h5 ) 2.046(1525  1461)
m4    0.116 kg/min
h5  h f 7 1461  328
 Mass of refrigerant passing through H.P. compressor
m5  m3  m4  2.046  0.116  2.162 kg/min

We know that work done in L.P. compressor,

WL  m1 (h2  h1 )  1.92(1515  1420)  182.4 kJ/min
Work done in I.P. compressor
WI  m3 ( h4  h3 )  2.046( 1525  1442 )  169.8 kJ/min
Work done in H.P. compressor
WH  m5 ( h6  h5 )  2.162( 1500  1461 )  84.3 kJ/min
and total work done in the three compressors

W  WL  WI  WH  182.4  169.8  84.3  436.5 kJ/min

Power required to run the system  436.5 / 60  7.27 kW Ans.
 Comparison of C.O. P. of the system with that of simple saturation
cycle
We know that refrigerating effect of the system,

R E  m1 ( h1  h10 )  210 Q  210  10  2100 kJ/min

RE 2100
C.O.P. of the system COP    4.81
W 436.5
For a simple saturation cycle working between the same pressure
limits of 2 bar and 12 bar, the enthalpy of superheated vapour
leaving the compressor at point 2' is h2 ' = 1670 kJ/kg ...( From p - h
chart)
Work done in the compressor for simple saturation cycle,
WI  m1 ( h2 ' h1 )  1.92( 1670  1420 )  480 kJ/min
R E 2100
   4.375
and C.O.P. of the simple saturation cycle WI 480
Percentage increase in C.O.P. as compared 4.81  4.375
to simple saturation cycle   100  9.9% Ans.
4.375
Example. 5.10 The following data refer to a three stage
compression with three stage expansion valve and flash
intercooling.
• Condenser pressure = 12 bar
•Evaporator pressure = 2 bar
•Flash intercooler pressures = 4 bar and 8 bar
•Load on the evaporator = 10 TR
•Find the power required to drive the system and compare the
C.O.P. of this system with that of simple saturation cycle
working between the same overall pressure limits

Solution Given : pC = 12 bar ; PE =2 bar ; pF1 = 4

bar ; pF2 = 8 bar ; Q = 10 TR
The p-h diagram for a three stage compression with three
stage expansion valve and flash intercooling is shown in Fig.
below. The various values as read from the p-h diagram for
ammonia are as follows:
• Enthalpy of saturated vapor refrigerant entering the low pressure
compressor at point 1, h1 = 1420 kJ/kg
• Entropy of saturated vapor refrigerant at point 1, s1 = 5.564 kJ/kgK
• Enthalpy of superheated vapor refrigerant leaving the low pressure
compressor or entering the first flash intercooler at point 2, h2 = 1515
kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of saturated vapor refrigerant leaving the first flash
intercooler or entering the intermediate pressure compressor at point 3,
h3 = 1442 kJ/kg
• Entropy of saturated vapor refrigerant at point 3, s3 = 5.367 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of superheated vapor refrigerant leaving the intermediate
pressure compressor or entering the second flash intercooler at point 4,
h4 = 1525 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of saturated vapor refrigerant leaving the second flash
intercooler or entering the high pressure compressor at point 5, h5 =
1461kJ/kg
• Entropy of saturated vapor refrigerant at point 5, s5 = 5.1186 kJ/kg K
• Enthalpy of superheated vapour refrigerant
leaving the high pressure compressor or entering
the condenser at point 6, h6 = 1500 kJ/kg
• Enthalpy of liquid refrigerant leaving the
condenser at point 7, hf7 = h8 = 328 kJ/kg
• Condition of refrigerant (dryness fraction) leaving
the expansion valve at point 8, x8 = 0.055
• Enthalpy of refrigerant leaving the expansion
valve at point 10, h10 = hfg = 265 kJ/kg
• Condition of refrigerant (dryness fraction) leaving
the expansion valve at point 10, x10 = 0.07
• Enthalpy of refrigerant entering the evaporator at
point 12, h12 = h f11 = 171.5 kJ/kg
Power required to drive the system We know that mass of
refrigerant required to be circulated through the evaporator or L.P.
compressor, m  210 Q  210  10  1.682 kJ/min
1
h1  h f 11 1420  171.5
Mass of refrigerant passing through I.P. compressor,
 x10 h2  h3 
m2  m1 1   
 1  x10 h3  h10 

 0.07 1515  1442 

 1.682 1    kg/min
 1  0.07 1442  265 
 1.682( 1  0.075  0.062 )  1.91 kg/min
and mass of refrigerant passing through H.P. compressor
 h  h5  m1  x8
m3  m2 1  4   1525  1461  1.682  0.055
 h5  h8 ( 1  x10 )( 1  x 8 )  1. 91 1   kg / min
 1461  328  ( 1  0.07 )( 1  0.055 )

 1.91  1.056  0.105  2.12 kg/min

 We know that total work done in three compressors

W  m1 ( h2  h1 )  m2 ( h4  h3 )  m3 ( h6  h5 )
 1.682( 1515  1420 )  1.91( 1525  1442 )  2.12( 1500  1461 )

 159.8  158.5  82.7  401 kJ/min

Comparison of C.O. P. of this system with that of simple saturation
cycle
  We know that refrigerating effect of the system
R E  210 Q  210  10  2100 kJ/min
R E 2100
C.O.P. of the system   5.23
W 401
For a simple saturation cycle, working between the same pressure
limits of 2 bar and 12 bar, the enthalpy of superheated vapor leaving
the single compressor at point 2' h2 '  1670 kJ/kg
We know that refrigerating effect for simple saturation cycle,
RE 1  h1  h f 7  1420  328  1092 kJ/kg
Work done in compressor for simple saturation cycle
W1  h2 ' h1  1670  1420  250 kJ/kg
and C.O.P. of the system RE1 1092
   4.37
W1 250

Percentage increase in C.O.P.

5.23  4.37
Percentage increase in C.O.P.   100  19.68 % Ans.
4.37