Question

Why would cool air blow inside a refrigerator but not outside, even in freezer mode?

Answer 1

In a refrigerator, the cooling process is facilitated by a system of refrigerant circulation, which involves a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The cool air blowing inside the refrigerator is a result of this circulation process, while the lack of cool air blowing outside is due to the way the system is designed.

Here's a simplified explanation of how the process works:

1. Compressor: The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant, raising its temperature and converting it into a high-pressure gas.

2. Condenser: The high-pressure gas flows into the condenser, usually located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator. The condenser dissipates heat from the gas, causing it to condense into a high-pressure liquid.

3. Expansion valve: The high-pressure liquid refrigerant then passes through an expansion valve. This valve reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, converting it into a low-pressure liquid.

4. Evaporator: The low-pressure liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator, which is typically located inside the freezer compartment. As the refrigerant evaporates, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air, thereby cooling the air inside the refrigerator.

5. Return to the compressor: The refrigerant, now in a low-pressure gaseous state, returns to the compressor to restart the cycle.

The cool air blown inside the refrigerator comes from the evaporator, where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the freezer compartment and lowers the temperature. This cooled air is then circulated inside the refrigerator to maintain the desired temperature.

On the other hand, the lack of cool air blowing outside is because the condenser, which releases heat from the refrigerant, is usually located on the back or bottom of the refrigerator. The heat expelled from the condenser dissipates into the surrounding environment, rather than being blown out as cool air.

In summary, the refrigeration system is designed to extract heat from the interior of the refrigerator and release it outside. This process results in cool air blowing inside the refrigerator and heat dissipation outside, rather than cool air blowing outside.