Hands-On Learning for Enhanced Thermodynamics Education With Refrigeration System Analysis

Thermodynamics is a fundamental subject in engineering education, yet it often poses challenges for students due to its abstract nature and complex concepts. One particularly difficult topic within thermodynamics is refrigeration cycles, which require a deep understanding of thermodynamic principles and their practical applications. This paper explores the implementation and impact of hands-on refrigeration labs in an engineering curriculum to enhance students’ understanding of thermodynamics, specifically focusing on refrigeration systems. The hands-on labs utilize a refrigeration cycle hands-on trainer, providing students with practical experience in measuring temperature and pressure, analyzing heat transfer and thermodynamic work with enthalpy and entropy data, computing refrigerant mass flow rate and Coefficient of Performance (COP), and applying thermodynamic principles to real-world scenarios. By conducting these labs, students not only deepen their theoretical knowledge but also develop critical skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and practical application of engineering principles. The hands-on refrigeration labs demonstrate the effectiveness of experiential learning methodologies in enhancing students’ understanding of thermodynamics. Through the lab activities, many students expressed that the labs significantly improved their understanding of refrigeration systems and their ability to apply thermodynamic concepts in engineering practice. This experiential learning approach bridges the gap between theory and practice, preparing students for future engineering challenges and enhancing their readiness for the workforce.