Experimental Investigation of Heat Transfer Materials and IoT-Assisted Reversible Air-Conditioning System

In the present work, an energy-efficient air-conditioning system retrofitted with a four-way reversing valve is developed and examined to convert it into a reversible heat pump and air-cooling system. It is found that a modern heat pump consumes 1/3rd to 1/4th of energy compared to conventional electric resistance heating. The system is also enabled with IoT Techniques that can control and operate the system remotely, allowing for easier monitoring, scheduling, and optimization of energy usage. The complete details of IoT (Internet of Things) components are also focused on in the present study. Special emphasis is also given to the selection of heat transfer materials used in the condenser and evaporator sections. Copper tubing and aluminum fin materials were analyzed due to their high thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with refrigerant R32. The influence of material properties on heat transfer enhancement, system reliability, and overall energy efficiency has also been discussed in the present work. The evaporator heat and condenser heat load are varied by varying the fan speed. As the fan speed of the evaporator increases from 5.26 m/s (17.25 ft./s) to 6.73 m/s (22.08 ft./s), the flow of refrigerant increases, and thus, the heat load and work done increase in both modes. The present study reveals that the higher condenser saturation pressure leads to a reduction in the COP (Coefficient of Performance) of the system. The present study also verifies the thermodynamic relation between the COP of the refrigerator and the heat pump