Thermodynamic Cycles of Reciprocating Machines Teaching Equipment

Thermodynamic Cycles of Reciprocating Machines is designed for practical teaching and demonstration of compressed air generation and the thermodynamic processes involved in reciprocating compressors. The system helps students understand how mechanical energy is converted into higher air pressure and how compressed air generation systems are used in industrial and commercial applications.

The training system includes a complete compressed air generation system with a two-stage piston compressor and an additional pressure vessel serving as an intercooler. It enables the recording of compressor characteristics and representation of the compression process in a p-V diagram.

Air is drawn into the intake vessel through a measuring nozzle and calmed before being compressed in two stages. The intercooling pressure vessel is located between the first and second stages. After the second stage, compressed air passes through a cooling tube into another pressure vessel. A blow-off valve with silencer allows compressed air to be released to achieve steady-state operation.

Safety valves and a pressure switch provide safe operation. Sensors measure pressures and temperatures in both compression stages as well as electrical power consumption. The intake nozzle is used to determine the intake volumetric flow rate.

The experimental unit is operated through a touch screen with an intuitive user interface. An integrated router allows operation and control via an end device, while the user interface can be displayed on up to 10 end devices through screen mirroring. Measured values can be stored internally via the PLC.

Designed and manufactured by Atico Export to meet the practical requirements of modern technical education laboratories.

PLC :

• Integrated PLC for plant control and data acquisition

Compressor :

• Type: Two-stage piston compressor
• Cylinders: 2 cylinders in V-arrangement
• Power consumption: 3 kW
• Speed: 710 min⁻¹
• Intake capacity: 250 L/min
• Quantity delivered: 202 L/min at 12 bar
• Operating pressure: 12 bar
• Maximum pressure: 35 bar

Intake Vessel :

• Capacity: 20 L
• Equipped with measuring nozzle for intake volumetric flow measurement
• Pressure sensor and additional manometer

Pressure Vessels :

• Pressure rating: 16 bar
• After 1st stage: 5 L
• After 2nd stage: 20 L

Safety Valve :

• Pressure: 16 bar

Measuring Ranges :

• Differential pressure: 0…25 mbar
• Pressure: 1 × 0…1.5 bar
• Pressure: 2 × 0…16 bar
• Temperature: 4 × 0…200 °C
• Power: 0…3500 W

Power Supply :

• 400 V, 50 Hz, 3 phases
• 400 V, 60 Hz, 3 phases
• 230 V, 60 Hz, 3 phases
• UL/CSA optional

Dimensions and Weight :

• Dimensions (L × W × H): 1770 × 800 × 1520 mm
• Weight: approximately 304 kg

• Recording the characteristics of a two-stage compressor
• Piston compressor with 2 cylinders in V-arrangement
• Plant control with PLC and operation via touch screen
• Integrated router for operation and control via an end device
• Screen mirroring with the possibility of displaying the user interface on up to 10 end devices
• Intake vessel with nozzle for measuring intake volumetric flow rate
• Intake vessel with pressure sensor and additional manometer
• Pressure vessel after the first stage serving as intercooler
• Pressure vessel after the second stage with safety valve, blow-off valve and silencer
• Additional manometer and pressure switch on the pressure vessel after the second stage
• Sensors for measuring pressures and temperatures
• Measurement of electrical power consumption
• Data acquisition via PLC on internal USB memory