Mechanical compression refrigeration systems are driven by a compressor. The compressor is the heart of the refrigeration system and plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper functioning of the entire system.
Here's how a mechanical compression refrigeration system works:
Compressor: The compressor is a motor-driven device that compresses the refrigerant gas, raising its pressure and temperature. This process is essential for the refrigeration cycle to work efficiently.
Condenser: After leaving the compressor, the high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. In the condenser, the gas releases heat to the surroundings, causing it to condense into a high-pressure liquid.
Expansion Valve: The high-pressure liquid refrigerant then passes through an expansion valve or a throttling device. The expansion valve reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, causing it to rapidly expand. This expansion leads to a drop in temperature and pressure.
Evaporator: The low-pressure and low-temperature refrigerant then enters the evaporator, where it absorbs heat from the surrounding environment (inside the refrigerator or air-conditioned space). This absorption causes the refrigerant to evaporate into a low-pressure gas.
Refrigeration Cycle: The refrigerant continuously circulates through this cycle, absorbing heat from the inside of the refrigerator or conditioned space (cooling it down) and releasing heat to the outside environment via the condenser.
The compressor is what drives this entire cycle by continuously compressing the refrigerant gas, initiating the heat exchange process, and maintaining the flow of the refrigerant through the system.
The refrigeration system's ability to remove heat from the conditioned space and release it outside is what allows refrigerators and air conditioners to keep the inside cool and comfortable for our use.