Studying a VCR system requires many data points like temperature, pressure, mass flow rate etc. Besides VCR cycles come in various forms and different components according to the application. Studying different types of systems would require building a special test rig. Most VCR lab equipment come with a chiller box, a capillary and a standard air cooled condenser. While existing systems provide temperature scanners and analog pressure gauges, data acquisition is always an issue.
This variable VCR system is designed to be “variable” in true sense. It consists of a variable speed compressor, a variable flow pump, two options for cooling load, two types of condenser and three types of expansion device. This system gives flexibility of operating 12 different VCR systems in a single setup. It helps is analyzing the VCR system in every possible configuration. Each of this configuration can be operated at the desired compressor speed and pump speed. Data acquisition and controlling is made seamless with the use of HMI. The entire operation of the VCR system is automated with PLC controls and data logging via USB. The system can also be remotely operated by an Ethernet connection and WiFi.
The user can switch on the system, make selections for the type of VCR cycle he desires, run the cycle after the system turns healthy, acquire the data from his experiment and analyse it on his PC. The system is also useful in explaining students about the effect of different expansion devices, condensers and compressor speed.