DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN AIR-COOLED SOLAR-POWERED REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN AIR-COOLED SOLAR-POWERED REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
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Date
2015-02-02
Authors
Emmanuel, Chukwunonyelum,
NSOFOR
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
This project is one in the series of work in solar
cooling at the Mechanical Engineering Department of
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. It is also a major
improvement on the previous work done in solar refrigeration.
The results and experience are presented.
In the system, the solar absorber and the refrigeration
system's ammonia generator are combined to form
one unit. Design calculations based on the refrigeration
load of the cold room which was built earlier were
made and consequently, the various other components were
constructed. Air cooling of the components by natural
convection was adopted because of easier availability
of air and to eliminate running costs due to the use
of water.
The components were built and assembled at the
department's workshop.(See PLATES I and II). Leakage
tests were performed using compressed air and soap
bubbles. The system was charged with ammonia gas and
ammonia-water solution. However, the available pump
used was not suitable for the suction of the required
ammonia-water solution and the system's circulation, as
it is not self-priming. Because of this, the vapor
generated in the solar collector could not circulate to
achieve continuous refrigeration. Intermittent refrigeration
was achieved by the use of a vacuum pump.
The results obtained are given in this report.
Also recommendations for further modification of the
plant are presented.
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Description
A thesis submitted to the Postgraduate
School, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in
"partial" fulfillment of the requirements for
the degree of MASTER OF ENGINEERING (Refrigeration
and Air-Conditioning).
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING,
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGERIA.
SUPERVISOR:
Engr. (Dr.) C. 0. FOLAYAN, B.Sc.(Eng.), M.Sc,
Ph.D., M.N.S.E.
Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Keywords
DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AIR-COOLED, SOLAR-POWERED, REFRIGERATION SYSTEM