subject: The Basics of Refrigeration [print this page] The Basics of Refrigeration The Basics of Refrigeration
Refrigeration is a process by which air is cooled and dehumidified. The refrigerator in your residence, the air conditioner in your office, home or car; all operate in the same way. Basically, refrigeration or air conditioning systems operate on the principles of evaporation and condensation. To change the principles of evaporation and condensation into refrigeration system you require a series of components that are joined by tubing and hoses. The six basic components required for a refrigeration system are the compressor, condenser, receiver drier, thermostatic expansion valve, the evaporator and the refrigerant. The refrigerant is a liquid that is competent of vaporizing at a low temperature. This is how the refrigeration system and the components work. - The power unit of the refrigeration system is the compressor. The compressor pumps refrigerant vapor in high pressure and heat to the condenser. - The condenser changes the high-pressure refrigerant vapor to liquid by removing the heat from the refrigerant. - Refrigerant travels to the drier. This appliance works as storage tank for the liquid refrigerant and also removes dampness from the refrigerant. Moisture in the system can freeze and cause blockage in the system. - Constant compression pressurizes the system forcing the liquid refrigerant under high pressure to move from the receiver drier to the thermostatic expansion valve. Pressure is removed from refrigerant by the expanding valve which helps to expand and changes to refrigerant vapor in evaporator. - Like the condenser, the evaporator is a device that have tubes and fins. The pressuried refrigerant vaporizes in the evaporator and absorbs heat and the air cools. This completes the process of basic refrigeration, thereby inducing cooling in your refrigerator or in your space or car by an air conditioner. - The overall process of another refrigeration cycle starts when the heat laden, low-pressure refrigerant vapor is drawn into the compressor. Thus, by continually circulating, evaporating and condensing a fixed supply of refrigerant in a closed system complete mechanical refrigeration. The cause to be ascertained in case of failure. Analyzing completely the system and understanding the intended function of each part can do this. It is vital to deduce the cause. The refrigerants used for refrigeration were synthetic refrigerants based mostly on chlorofluocarbon (CFC) chemical. This is safe for home and commercial organizations. During the late 1920s, hydro chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and hydro fluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants were formulated and was considered less harmful than the generally used methyl formate, ammonia, methyl chloride and sulphur dioxide.
