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

¹ AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection, Department of Fossil Fuels, Mickiewicz Ave. 30, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
² University of Agriculture in Cracow, Faculty of Production and Power Engineering, 120 Balicka Street, 30-149 Cracow, Poland

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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.