The concept of low-cost didactic rig in the field of heat pumps

Abstract

The Centre of Sustainable Development and Energy Saving in Miękinia conducts broad didactic activities for various groups of students. For its own purposes, and also as a concept to use for other didactic centers, a low-cost didactic stand in the scope of heat pumps was designed and implemented. The constructed device presents the operating principles and schematically describes the basic elements of the ground source heat pump system. The device was constructed using a used piston and hermetic compressor from an old fridge. As an evaporator and condenser, a heat exchanger made from copper pipe curved meandering was used. A carefully selected capillary tube was used as an expansion element. The distribution of the components and the visualization of the didactic rig were devised. The whole concept assumed the usage of propane (R290) as an ecological refrigerant. The project also includes cost statements for creating an alternative to a commercial, low-cost stand for teaching purposes at various levels of education and suggests ways of using the set.