Going by the definition, we consider refrigeration a process similar to cooling, but the temperature is much lower than the ambient value. While there are different types of the refrigeration process, the units have a lot of similarities between them. So, before you get one for yourself, will knowing more about refrigeration equipment and its types be fruitful?

It would, and that’s why we have explained the equipment types you must have for yourself.

Classifications of the refrigeration process

As discussed earlier, the refrigeration process can be divided into multiple types, which you should know before you get the refrigeration equipment set.

• 1.Mechanical compression: In this process, the air is compressed using a mechanical pump or compressor. Once the air is reduced in volume, its temperature automatically drops, causing refrigeration.


• 2.Evaporative cooling: This process uses water as the coolant since it has a high specific heat capacity. When hot air is passed over the liquid, heat exchange occurs, thereby leading to air cooling.


• 3.Thermoelectric refrigeration: In this arrangement, two heat circuits are joined with a junction between the two conductors. Since voltage is applied across the terminals, there will be a current flow. This causes one of the conductors to lose heat and cool down.


• 4.Vapor refrigeration: It is almost like evaporative cooling, the only difference being in the element's state. For instance, the vapors used to cool down the air are carbon dioxide, liquid nitrogen, and so on.

Types of refrigeration equipment units

Now that you have learned the four primary cooling techniques let’s quickly look at the different refrigeration equipment. This will help you understand the process clearly and build the same structure without any further doubt.

Compressor

The primary function of the compressor is to reduce the air's volume under high pressure. As the volume reduces, the air can pass through pipes and enter the condenser chamber.

Condenser

In the condenser chamber, the air is cooled down t the temperature that you have set in the refrigerator's control system. It also allows the air to circulate through the rest of the coil system.

Expansion valve

The primary function of the expansion valve is to control the amount of refrigerant fluid entering the evaporator chamber. It is controlled so that the liquid form of the refrigerant can cover the entire evaporator's surface without leaking into the compressor.

Evaporator

True to its name, the evaporator is one of the significant types of refrigeration equipment without which the entire cooling cycle cannot be completed. It first absorbs the surrounding air's heat and rejects the same in the refrigerant liquid. The refrigerant, on the other hand, transforms its state from liquid to vapor due to heat application.

Phase separator

As a protective measure, many refrigeration units have a phase separator. It only allows the liquid refrigerant to enter the evaporative chamber, not the vapor refrigerant.

Conclusion

In this article, we have talked about the significant refrigeration equipment types in the system and their contribution to thermodynamics functioning. Remember that each unit depends on one other, so if you remove any of these parts, the refrigeration system will fail to deliver the expected result.