Research Facility in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

Overview:

The department has undertaken several research and development projects that have been recognized and funded by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). ASHRAE has acknowledged and provided financial support for multiple projects, demonstrating the department’s commitment to innovation and industry-relevant research. Total 15 projects with fund of USD 70,000 (approx.) have been sanctioned by ASHRAE in last 5 years. ASHRAE is an American professional association seeking to advance heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems design and construction.

These projects focus on advancements in refrigeration and air-conditioning technologies, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices. The successful execution of these projects has not only enriched student learning but has also fostered a research-driven culture within the institution.

The recognition and funding received from ASHRAE have further strengthened the department’s credibility, providing students and faculty with opportunities to engage in impactful research. The outcomes of these projects have been disseminated through research publications, patents, student placements, international visits, internships, scholarships, and industry collaborations, thereby contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

Below is an overview of the key projects undertaken in department research facility:

 PROJECT DETAILS

Brief about the Project:

The STAR (Solar Thermal Adsorption Refrigeration) system uses solar energy and the adsorption property of ethanol on activated carbon to drive an eco-friendly refrigeration cycle. In the cooling phase, ethanol evaporates in a vacuum chamber, drawing heat from the freezer and adsorbing onto activated carbon. In the regeneration phase, heating the carbon desorbs ethanol, which then condenses in the vacuum chamber, resetting the system. This cycle repeats to maintain low temperatures with minimal conventional energy use.

Solar Thermal Adsorptive Refrigeration (STAR) System

Project team

Brief about the Project:

The project aims to develop a test facility to demonstrate and compare various heat exchangers under identical conditions. Heat exchangers are essential for heat transfer in industrial heating and cooling processes. This setup will aid in evaluating the performance of different types. Experiments will be conducted on six commonly used heat exchanger types.

Multi Heat Exchanger System

Project team

Brief about the Project:

The project aims to develop a three-stage vapor compression refrigeration system using eco-friendly refrigerants (R290, R600a, and R32) for a wide temperature range down to -55°C. It is a completely CFC-free, high efficiency, energy saving and environmental protection cooling system, which uses environmentally friendly refrigerants. The system integrates thermocouples and pressure sensors for precise performance analysis. Results show a high COP, highlighting its potential for sustainable and energy-efficient cooling solutions.

Three Stage Vapor Compression Refrigeration System

Project team

Brief about the Project:

The project aims to develop an experimental test facility for a Free Piston Stirling Cooling System (FPSCS), an eco-friendly, CFC-free refrigeration system using helium as the refrigerant. It demonstrates efficient cooling at ultra-low temperatures, reaching up to -90°C. This system offers a promising, energy-efficient alternative for sustainable refrigeration applications.

Photo of Main Unit Apparatus

Project team

Brief about the Project:

This project investigates the impact of dedicated mechanical subcooling on improving the COP of a vapor compression refrigeration system. An experimental setup was developed to study the effects of capillary combinations, subcooler length, and temperature differentials. Results showed that optimized subcooling and mass flow control significantly enhance system performance. The study highlights key strategies for achieving energy-efficient and sustainable refrigeration solutions.

Photo of Experiment Test Rig

Project team

Brief about the Project:

This project develops an IoT-enabled vapor compression system with a 4-way reversing valve to provide both cooling in summer and heating in winter. Designed for extreme climates like Delhi’s, it demonstrates the dual functionality of an AC and heat pump. The system allows remote monitoring and control via an app, including fan speed adjustment. It also verifies the thermodynamic relation between cooling and heating COPs, promoting energy-efficient HVAC solutions.

Photo of test facility

Project team

Brief about the Project:

This project focuses on enhancing the COP of a Vapor Compression Refrigeration System (VCRS) using integrated mechanical subcooling. An experimental setup with various configurations of expansion valves and sub-coolers was developed and tested. Results showed a consistent COP improvement. The study provides a foundation for adopting subcooling techniques to reduce energy consumption in the HVAC industry.

Experimental test facility of integrated subcooling-system

Project team

About the Project:

The project focuses on demonstrating four psychrometric processes essential in air conditioning: heating, cooling, humidification, and dehumidification. The project allows to understand air conditioning fundamentals by modifying air properties such as temperature and humidity. The setup provides an opportunity for practical learning by visualizing psychrometric changes on a psychrometric chart.

Vapor Compression Experimental Test Rig for Different Psychrometric Processes

Project team 

 About the Project:

Ice slurry, a semi-solid cooling medium, is widely used in food storage, medical cooling (e.g., vaccine preservation), and industrial refrigeration applications. The system was designed to generate ice slurry using R134a refrigerant and study its thermal properties, efficiency, and performance improvements. The project successfully demonstrated ice slurry formation at temperatures as low as -35°C, using various freezing depressants like sodium chloride, ethanol, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol​.

Ice Slurry Generator

Project team

About the Project:

This project develops a system that combines air purification and temperature regulation to address environmental and health concerns. It integrates pre-filters, HEPA, carbon filters, and UVC emitters to remove pollutants and microbes. Using evaporative cooling, steam heating, and eco-friendly R410A refrigerant, it ensures efficient climate control. The system shows significant AQI improvement and is ideal for urban, hospital, and industrial use.

Air Conditioner Cum Air Sterilizer

Project team

About the Project:

This project develops a Double Skin Air Handling Unit (AHU) that integrates HVAC performance with active air sterilization using hydrogen peroxide gas generated via UVC-TiO₂ catalysis. It significantly improves indoor air quality, reducing pollutants like CO, CO₂, HCHO, and TVOC. Ideal for offices, hospitals, and public spaces, it offers a sustainable solution to air quality and climate control.

Double skin AHU

Project team

About the Project:

The project aimed to improve the performance of conventional Vapor Compression Refrigeration Systems (VCRS) by integrating an ejector as an expansion device, replacing conventional expansion valves. The experimental setup demonstrated a substantial increase in the COP due to reduced compressor work and minimized throttling losses​.

Vapor Compression Experimental Test Rig Using Ejector as an Expansion Device

About the Project:

This project, focuses on enhancing the COP of household refrigeration systems by incorporating an ejector as an expansion device. The Ejector-Assisted Dual Evaporator Vapor Compression Cycle (EA-DEVCC) replaces conventional expansion valves, aiming to reduce compressor work and increase the coefficient of performance (COP). Theoretical and experimental analyses indicate a 14% increase in COP, making the system more energy-efficient​.

Household Refrigeration System Assisted with Two-Phase Ejector

About the Project:

This project focuses on designing and developing a Cascade Refrigeration System (CRS) for low-temperature applications. A conventional single-stage Vapor Compression Refrigeration System (VCRS) suffers from high compressor work, high discharge temperature, and reduced volumetric efficiency, limiting its application in extreme cooling scenarios. CRS overcomes these issues by employing two separate vapor compression subsystems (LTC and HTC) coupled thermally via a cascade heat exchanger. The experimental setup demonstrated a improvement in COP compared to traditional systems​.

Cascade Refrigeration System for Low Temperature Application

Brief about the Project:

This project presents an LPG-based refrigeration system designed for areas with frequent power cuts, especially in rural India. It uses liquid LPG in an inverted cylinder, expanded through a capillary tube to achieve cooling without electricity. The system maintains 5–10°C, suitable for storing milk-based products like khoya. Offering zero running cost, it is an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for small-scale confectioners.

Half Cycle Cooling System