Introduction to the Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning and Energy (RACE) Lab

The Refrigeration, air-conditioning & Energy (RACE) laboratory is well-equipped with over 30 experimental setups and equipment worth over Rs 50 lakhs. These cater to PhD research scholars, Higher Degree dissertation students, First Degree thesis students as well as course-takers in the domain of thermal-science. The laboratory is always buzzing with activity especially since the broad-area of research/teaching in this Lab include air-conditioners and refrigerators, conventional power-generation equipment, equipment that harness energy from renewable energy-sources (Sun and Wind) as well as technologies which can take advantage of the same such as non-conventional air-conditioning. These experimental setups pave the way for inculcating innovative skills in the students and motivate them to solve the problems scientifically.

Faculty Co-ordinator: Dr. Mrinal Jagirdar

Lab-technician: Mr. Laxman B.

Location: E-221

Significant equipments

Solar Thermal Training System

Technical specification:
Water heating system:
1. Collector area = 0.716 m²,
2. Tank Capacity = 50 liters,
Halogen system:
1. halogen fixture area = 0.72 m²,
2. no. of halogen lamp = 12,
3. Power = 150 W each,
4. radiation meter range is 0 to 1999 W/m²,
5. flow range is 0.5 to 25 LPM,
6. anemometer range is 0.4 to 45.0 m/s and
7. fan-speed range is 0 to 50 m/s
Applications:
To heat water without using electricity; can be easily integrated with any system that runs using low-grade heat
Funded By: Institute

Solar PV Training System

Technical specification:
1. Solar plate size is 65 cm x 46 cm,
2. no. of solar cells is 36,
3. output voltage is 24 volts 12 volts for parallel and series configuration respectively,
4. maximum artificial solar radiation = 600 W/m².
Applications:
To study the performance of PV cells under indoor (using artificial source) as well as outdoor (actual solar radiation) conditions.
Funded By: Institute

Wind Energy Training System

Technical specification:
Artificial wind generating unit:
1. Induction motor power is 10 H.P.,
2. no. of fan blades = 7,
3. fan diameter = 86 cm,
Wind turbine:
1. Rotor diameter = 1.24 m,
2. No. of blades = 3,
3. design tip speed = 5.5 m/s,
4. blade length = 0.62 m.
Applications:
To learn concepts like I-V characteristics, cut-off speed, etc for various operating points defined in terms of wind-speed and pitch-angle.
Funded By: Institute

Wind Emulator

Technical specification:
1. D.C. motor output power = 5 H.P.,
2. gear box gear ratio = 2:1,
3. Induction generator output power = 1.2 kW,
4. no of poles = 8.
Applications:
To emulate the wind; power generation & conditioning units are provided as well to conduct relevant studies
Funded By: Institute

Steam Power Plant Test Rig

Technical specification:
1. Power output = 30kW,
2. shaft revolution = 3100 RPM,
3. boiler capacity (oil fired) = 600 kg/hr at 10 bar,
4. Cooling tower capacity = 2 TR,
5. rated fuel- consumption = 36 kg/hr,
6. no. of nozzles = 2,
7. impeller diameter = 450 mm,
8. nozzle length = 30 mm,
9. no. of tubes in shell and tube condenser = 80.
Applications:
To study the power generation capacity under various operating conditions.
Funded By: Institute

Other Equipment

Refrigeration Test Rig
Ice Plant Test Rig (24Kg/Day)
Vapour Absorption Test Rig
Cooling Tower Test Rig
Heat pump Test Rig
Window AC Test Rig (0.8 Ton)
Focusing Type Parabolic Solar Collector
Solar Radiation Monitoring Station
Data logger
Open Pan Evaporator
Single Effect Evaporator
Water Bath (Thermostatic)
Cool Thermal Energy Storage (CTES) system