Wyndel G.

Quides

BET-HVACRT 1A

Prof. Engr. Godfrey Olivier A. Bautista

HVAC4-LEC-T

May 07, 2025

Domestic/Residential Refrigeration

The basic refrigeration cycle involves four main processes: compression, condensation,
expansion, and evaporation. This cycle is used to move heat from a colder area (like a
refrigerator) to a warmer area.

Here’s a more detailed look at each stage:

1. Compression:

The refrigerant (a gas at low pressure) is compressed by a compressor, increasing its pressure
and temperature.

2. Condensation:

The high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant vapor is then passed through a condenser, where
it cools and condenses into a high-pressure liquid, releasing heat to the surroundings.

3. Expansion:

The high-pressure liquid refrigerant is then passed through an expansion valve, reducing its
pressure and temperature.

4. Evaporation:

The low-pressure, low-temperature liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator, where it absorbs heat
from the area being cooled and evaporates back into a low-pressure gas, completing the cycle.

The refrigerant then returns to the compressor to start the cycle again.
In essence, the refrigeration cycle moves heat from the area you want to cool to a warmer
location, effectively keeping the area you’re cooling at a lower temperature.
 Components of Refrigerator

A refrigerator's main components include the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion
valve, all working together to circulate refrigerant and maintain a cool temperature. The
compressor increases the refrigerant's pressure, the condenser cools it back into a liquid, the
expansion valve reduces pressure, and the evaporator absorbs heat from the food compartment,
completing the cooling cycle.

Compressor:
This is the heart of the refrigeration system. It increases the pressure and temperature of the
refrigerant gas, making it hot.

The compressor is the heart of your refrigeration system. It is an air pump that compresses
refrigerant gas and changes its state, which allows it to absorb heat. This process results in
cooling, which is then distributed to your facility via your air ducts.

Your refrigerator’s compressor works by drawing in warm air from the inside of the refrigerator
and pumping it through coils in the condenser. The coils are located outside the unit, usually on
top or on the back side of the refrigerator. The air passes over these coils, which cool it down so
that it can be re-circulated into the refrigerator and keep your products cold.

There are two types of compressors used in refrigeration systems: reciprocating (also known as a
piston) and rotary screw compressors. Reciprocating compressors use pistons to move the
refrigerant through a system of valves and chambers. Rotary screw compressors use rotors with
blades that spin at high speeds and cause pressure differences within the system to move
refrigerant through valves and chambers.

Condenser:

The condenser cools down the hot, high-pressure refrigerant vapor, causing it to condense into
a liquid while releasing heat into the surrounding air.
The condenser is the part of a refrigeration system that removes heat from the refrigerant. It is
an air-cooled device, so it must be mounted where air circulation is good.

The condenser contains tubes and fins that absorb the heat from the refrigerant flowing through
it, causing the refrigerant to evaporate. The vapors are then carried back to the compressor
where they are compressed again and cooled, completing the cycle.

The condenser coils in a residential or commercial air conditioning system usually contain a
refrigerant called R-22, which was developed for use in these systems. R-22 has been banned
by EPA because of its high global warming potential (GWP), but some older systems still use
it. Newer residential and commercial air conditioners use R-410A, which has a much lower
GWP than R-22.

Expansion Valve:

This valve controls the flow of liquid refrigerant from the condenser into the evaporator,
reducing pressure and causing the refrigerant to cool down.

The purpose of an expansion device is to regulate the amount of liquid refrigerant entering the
evaporator coil. This helps keep the pressure in your system at its optimum level, which prevents
unnecessary costs and repairs.
An expansion valve consists of two parts: a cap and a body. The cap contains a diaphragm with a
spring attached to it. The body is connected to the cap by two hoses, one for suction from the
evaporator and one for discharge to the condenser.

When liquid refrigerant enters the expansion valve, it causes pressure on the spring-loaded
diaphragm inside the cap. This pushes open one or more ports in the cap. These allow refrigerant
to pass through into either suction or discharge lines depending on whether pressure is being
increased or decreased.

The amount of liquid refrigerant that passes through each port depends on pressure differential
between suction line pressure and discharge line pressure. It also depends on temperature
differences between suction line temperature and discharge line temperature.

Evaporator:

The evaporator is responsible for absorbing heat from the refrigerator’s interior, causing the
refrigerant to evaporate (change from liquid to gas) and cool the air inside.

He cooled refrigerant then passes through a condenser, which is usually in contact with the
outside air. The condenser releases heat, which causes the refrigerant to change from its gaseous
state back into a liquid state. This process requires energy, which comes from an external source
such as an electric motor or gas engine that drives the compressor.

The cooled liquid refrigerant returns to the evaporator where it absorbs more heat and begins its
cycle again.

Refrigerant:

This is the working fluid that cycles through the system, absorbing heat in the evaporator and
releasing it in the condenser.

Thermostat:
The thermostat monitors the temperature inside the refrigerator and controls the compressor’s
operation, switching it on or off to maintain the desired temperature.

Common Refrigerants used in Refrigerators at Present

What Is Refrigerant?

Refrigerant is a cooling agent that absorbs heat and leaves cool air behind when passed through a
compressor and evaporator. It undergoes a continuous cycle of compression and expansion where
the coolant fluctuates between a liquid or gas state as it goes through the thermodynamic process
to transfer heat efficiently.

In present-day refrigerators, the most commonly used refrigerants are hydrofluorocarbons

Elaboration:

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs):

This refrigerant is filled with chemicals that are used in commercial refrigeration systems, air
conditioning systems, and domestic refrigeration systems. This refrigerant is apt for industrial
cooling as it has propane with zero ODP (Ozone depletion potential). But it needs specific safety
installations.

While working with Hydrocarbons, keep certain things in mind for better operation such as
avoiding welding in the same area, and staying away from sparks and wire.

R-134a (Tetrafluoroethane):
R-134a (chemical designation: 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) is a hydrofluorocarbon. Its desirable
properties makes it an increasingly popular refrigerant in refrigeration and air-conditioning
equipment and many automotive A/C systems.

R-134a is a potent greenhouse gas with a GWP (global warming potential) value of 1,430. In
other words, the greenhouse effect of the R-134a refrigerant is 1,430 times the 100-year
warming potential of the same volume of carbon dioxide.

R-410A (Puron):

For general purpose air-conditioning, R410A is a zeotropic mixture of hydrofluorocarbons which

In summary: R-134a and R-410A are the most common refrigerants in modern refrigerators, with
R-134a being a popular single-component refrigerant and R-410A an azeotropic blend often used
in air conditioning systems.

References:

https://advanced-commercial.com/refrigeration-system/

https://www.infraserv.com/en/services/facility-management/expertise/f-gas/refrigerant/specific-
refrigerant/r-134a.html
https://227enterprise.com/blog/types-of-refrigerants/