Phase Change Heat Pumps

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Phase Change Heat Pumps
Josh MacCaull Objective To impart a
knowledge of the principles behind phase change
heat pumps and their applications
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What is a Heat Pump?

• Device that accepts heat at a specific
  temperature and rejects heat at a higher
  temperature
• They can be used for heating or cooling
• Performance is measured using COP

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How Phase Change Heat Pumps Work

• Generally used in refrigeration due to
  inefficiency at heating when compared to
  absorption heat pumps
• Work is converted into heat
• This is typically done by using an input of
  electricity

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Phase Change Heat Pump

• Gas is compressed by input work
• The gas exchanges its heat with the cooler
  surroundings and condenses into liquid

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Phase Change Heat Pumps
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Applications of Phase Change Heat Pumps

• Cooling in refrigerators and air conditioners
• Phase change cooling for high end computers can
  be purchased for around 1000 US
• Used sometimes for indoor heating and cooling and
  may be supplemented with an electric heater for
  cold temperature

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Additional Information

• http//rcl.eng.ohio-state.edu/christ-r/ceat/theor
  y/theory.html
• http//www.chemistry.wustl.edu/edudev/LabTutorial
  s/Thermochem/Fridge.html
• http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_change_heat_pum
  p
• http//www.geo4va.vt.edu/A3/A3.htm