The Technology Behind The Modern Refrigerator

There are two principle concepts that you need to grasp before you can truly understand

the technology and science behind the modern day refrigerator:

-A gas cools on expansion

-If you have two objects that are different temperatures and are near or touching one another then the hot surface will cool down and the colder surface will heat up. This is the second law of thermodynamics.

Older models of fridges contain a long thin tube that loops back forth. This tube is connected to a pump that is powered by an electric motor. Inside the tube there is a gas known as Freon, in chemical terms it is labelled Chlorofluorocarbon or CFC. Many of you will be aware of the damaging effects that CFC has on our ozone layer. It was for this reason that modern fridges use a different gas and a slightly different cooling process.

Initially the CFC starts in liquid form, it is then pumped through a series of coils in the freezer area. In the freezer section the chemical turns to vapour, and as a result some of the heat is absorbed. As the heat is taken in by the surroundings the coil gets colder and the freezer or fridge begins to cool. Within the regular freezer there are fewer coils in regular freezer section, which is also a larger space, therefore less heat is absorbed by the CFC vapour. The pump sucks in the CFC as a vapour and forces it though thinner pipes on the outside of the refrigerator. Because the pump is compressing the CFC gas and turning it back into a liquid, heat radiates the surrounding air. Hence why there is usually heat coming from behind your fridge.

As mentioned previously modern fridges dont use CFCs, because of its damaging properties, instead they now use HFCs. The motor and the compressor in the fridge squeeze the HFC. After being compressed the heated gas passes through the coils on the back of the fridge and the warm gas radiates its heat to the surrounding environment. As it cools the gas turns to liquid as it is under high pressure. Following this the liquid flows through what is known as an expansion valve, this is essentially a small hole that the liquid is forced through. Between the valve and the compressor there is a low-pressure area because the compressor is pulling the ammonia gas out of that side. When the HFC hits this area of low pressure it boils and changes into a gas. The coils then go through the freezer where the colder liquid pulls the heat out of the compartments. This makes the inside of the freezer cold. The compressor then sucks up the cold gas to start the whole process again.

by: Amy

POST COMMENT

The Types Of Fridge Freezer That Are Available Today To Get The Go Well With Simply Just Suitable For Anyone The Particular Feet Are Generally Beautiful Knicker Styles What Options Do Modern Microwaves Present? In Any Event These Are Typically Wonderful Slimming Bathing Suits These Tops Is Available In All Kinds Of Kinds Just How Do You Ensure A Hygienically Clean Office? In Any Case They Are Wonderful Swimwear Why An Organised Kitchen Is Useful Why Are White Goods Important? Tall Indoor Dog Gates Tips How To Find Trade Show Exhibit Booth Ideas Using Trade Show Booths Outside A Trade Show