Applied Thermodynamics ME504,

BME II/I

Refrigeration
Iswor Bajracharya, PhD
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Pulchowk Engineering Campus
 CONTENTS
3.1 Definition and applications of refrigeration
3.2 Simple and modified vapor compression refrigeration
3.2.1 Ideal and actual vapor compression refrigeration cycles
3.2.2 Representation of corresponding processes on P-h and T-
s diagram
3.2.3 Work done and coefficient of performance
3.3 Vapor absorption refrigeration system
3.3.1 Basic vapor absorption refrigeration system, practical
vapor absorption refrigeration system and Electrolux
vapor absorption refrigeration system
3.3.2 Comparison between vapor compression and vapor
absorption type refrigeration systems
2 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016
3.4 Refrigerants
3.4.1 Introduction
3.4.2 Classifications of refrigerants
3.4.3 Desirable properties of an ideal refrigerant
3.4.4 Properties and uses of commonly used refrigerants

3 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 3.1 Definition and Applications of Refrigeration
Definition

In simple words, refrigeration means the cooling of or removal
of heat from a system.

It is the process of producing and maintaining the temperature in
a space below that of the surrounding temperature.

The American Society of Refrigeration Engineers defines
refrigeration as “ the science of providing and maintaining
temperature below that of surrounding atmosphere”.

Above definitions implies that refrigeration involves the
removing of heat from a system to be cooled.

When the refrigeration is used for human comfort , it is called
air conditioning.
4 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

The equipments which are employed to maintain the system at a
low temperature is called Refrigerator and the space which is
maintained at lower temperature is called Refrigerated
System.

The cycles on which the refrigerator operates are called
Refrigeration Cycles.

The working fluid which is used for carrying away the heat is
called Refrigerant.

When the refrigeration provides the temperature below -150°
C , it is known as Cryogenics.

5 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016


Refrigeration is produced in one of the following ways:
a) By evaporation of a liquid: Vapor compression
Refrigeration system
b) By melting of a solid: Ice refrigeration
c) By expansion of air: Air refrigeration
d) By absorption of vapor: Aqua Ammonia absorption
refrigeration system, Electrolux refrigeration system

6 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Application

Production of ice

Preservation of food and beverages

Transportation of foods above & below freezing

Medical application: For preservation of blood, tissues, virus, semen

Industrial air-conditioning

Comfort air-conditioning

Processing food products and beverages

Various Industrial Applications
a) Heat treatment of metals
b) Oil refinery
c) Production of artificial rubber
d) Pharmaceutical industries

Engineering application: Shrink fitting, testing of materials, Space
research, heavy construction
7 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016
 Unit of Refrigeration

The capacity of mechanical equipment is generally given in

Horse Power (H.P.) and electrical equipments in kW or MW.

Similarly, the capacity of refrigerator is provided in terms of “Ton
of refrigeration”.

Due to the fact that the refrigeration was first produced by ice,
the refrigeration effect of refrigerating machines was compared
with the refrigeration produced by pounds, kilograms or tons of
ice.

A ton of refrigeration is defined as the quantity of heat to be
removed from one ton of water at 0 °C in order to form one ton
of ice at 0 °C in 24 hours.

8 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016


Thus, a Ton of refrigeration is equivalent to the latent heat
required to be removed for solidification of water at 0 °C.

S.I. Unit:
a) Latent heat of solidification from water to ice at 0 C = 334.5 kJ/kg
(S.I. Unit)
b) 1Ton of refrigeration = Mass ofWater × Latent heat of Solidification
= (1000 × 334.5)/(24×3600 ) kJ/s
= 3.87 kJ/s

Generally, 1 Ton is taken as 3.5 kJ/sec. This deviation from
3.87 to 3.5 kJ/sec is due to the fact that Ton was originally
defined in fps units and the approximations during conversion
yielded numerical value of 3.5 kJ/sec which is now universally
accepted.
9 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

MKS Unit:
a) 1 Ton of refrigeration = (1000 ×80)/ (24×60 ) = 55.4
kcal/min

In Russia, 1 ton of refrigeration is defined as 3000 kcal/hr or 50
kcal/min.

Accepted:
1Ton of Refrigeration = 3.5 kJ/s or 3.5 kW (S.I. Unit)
1Ton of Refrigeration = 50 kcal/min ( MKS Unit)

10 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

3.2 Simple & Modified Vapor Compression Refrigeration

A vapor compression refrigeration system is a closed cycle

refrigeration system.

In this system, the refrigerant undergoes alternately a change of
phase from vapor to liquid and liquid to vapor during the
operation.

The latent heat of vaporization is utilized for absorbing the heat
from the refrigerated space.

This system consists of four main components:
a) Evaporator
b) Compressor
c) Condenser
d) Expansion valve
11 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016
 Figure: Vapor Compression Refrigeration System

12 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Working Principle

The high pressure liquid refrigerant coming out from the
Condenser is passed through the throttle or expansion valve.

The pressure of the refrigerant is reduced as it passes through
the Throttle valve.

The function of the throttle valve is to allow the liquid
refrigerant under high pressure to pass at a controlled rate into
the low pressure part of the system known as Evaporator.

A low pressure liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator and
absorbs the latent heat of evaporation and gets converted into
saturated vapor.

Compression of dry and saturated or superheated refrigerant is
called dry compression.
13 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

The vapor leaving the evaporator enters the Compressor
where its temperature and pressure is increased so that the
refrigerant vapor would be able to dissipate heat to the
atmosphere.

The high pressure, high temperature refrigerant vapor leaving
the compressor enters into Condenser where the latent heat of
refrigerant is removed by circulating either atmospheric air or
water.

The liquid refrigerant leaving the condenser again enters the
Throttle valve and the cycle is repeated.

14 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 3.2.1 Ideal Compression Refrigeration Cycles

An ideal refrigeration cycle should have the following
characteristics:
a) There is no pressure loss in the system.
b) There is no transfer of heat to or from the system at any
point (perfectly adiabatic) except at condenser and
evaporator.
c) The refrigerant coming out of the evaporator is completely
dry and saturated.
d) Compression is isentropic.
e) Heat rejection at condenser is isobaric.
f) The throttling process is isenthalpic.
g) Heat absorption at evaporator is isobaric.
15 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016
 Representation of Process on P-h and T-s diagram

Superheated Isentropic
Vapor Lines
Saturated Isothermal
Liquid 2 Lines
Isobaric

Isentropic compression
Isobaric Condensing
Temperature (T)

3 Condensing
Isobars
3 2

Pressure (P)
Isobaric
Isobaric
evaporation 4 evaporation
1
4 1 Saturated
Vapor
Liquid + Vapor

Entropy (s) Enthalpy (h)

Figure: Representation of ideal vapor compression cycle on T-s and P-h diagram for dry
compression

16 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Isentropic
Lines
Isothermal
Lines
Isobaric 2’
Temperature (T)

3’ Condensing 2’ Isobars
3’

Pressure (P)
Isobaric
evaporation 4’ 1’
4’ 1’ Saturated
Vapor
Liquid + Vapor

Entropy (s) Enthalpy (h)

Figure: Representation of ideal vapor compression cycle on T-s and P-h diagram for wet
compression

17 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Analysis of Vapor Compression Refrigeration System

The analysis of refrigeration system requires the following

parameters:
a) The refrigeration load in tons of refrigeration.
b) Required temperature at refrigerator.
c) Atmospheric temperature

The required temperature at refrigerator decides the
temperature of the refrigerant entering into the evaporator.

The atmospheric temperature decides the temperature of the
refrigerant entering into condenser.

Above two factors decides the pressure ratio required.

18 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016


If the refrigeration load in tons (T) is known, the quantity of
refrigerant (mr) in kg to be circulated in the system per second is
given by

Where mr is in kg/s, h1 and h4 are in kJ/kg.

The power required to run the compressor is given by

Where P is in kW, mr is in kg/s, h2 and h1 are in kJ/kg.

19 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016


The quantity of cooling air or water (mc) circulated in the
condenser is given by

Where,
mc = Mass flow rate of cooling fluid (kg/s)
Cp = Specific heat capacity of cooling fluid (J/kg °C)
∆T = Rise in temperature of cooling fluid (°C)
mr = Mass flow rate of refrigerant (kg/s)
h2, h3 = Enthalpy (J/kg)

20 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016


The dimensions of a single acting compressor are given by the
following equation:

Where,
D = Diameter of the cylinder
L = Stroke length of the piston
N = RPM of the compressor
ηv = Volumetric efficiency of the compressor
mr = Mass flow rate of refrigerant (kg/min)
vs1 = Specific volume of refrigerant at the suction condition of
compressor
21 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016
 Dry and Wet Compression

Figure: Dry compression Figure: Wet compression

The state of refrigerant is dry and saturated The state of refrigerant is wet (two-phase
vapor before entering the compressor. Dry mixture) before entering the compressor.
compression yields superheated state of Wet compression yields saturated state of
refrigerant as shown by state 2. refrigerant as shown by state 2’.

22 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Dry and Wet Compression

Dry compression has higher efficiency than that of wet

compression due to higher volumetric efficiency with dry
refrigerant.

Dry compression has also less chances of damage of
compressor valves by liquid refrigerant.

In wet compression, liquid refrigerant may be trapped in the
head of the cylinder and possibly may damage the valves and
cylinder head.

In wet compression, the droplets of the liquid may wash out
the lubricating oil from the walls of the cylinder thus
accelerating the wear.

23 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Work done and Coefficient of Performance (COP)
For ideal vapor compression cycle, the COP, refrigeration effect
and work input can be estimated as follows:
a) If the mass flow rate of refrigerant is mr kg/s, the
refrigeration capacity or refrigeration effect is given by

24 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 b) COP is given by following equations:

25 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Different Cases of Vapor Compression Cycle

Case 1:When the Vapor is Dry and Saturated at the End of

Compression
This case is represented on T-s diagram
in the figure. Different processes are:

1–2 : Isentropic compression

2–3 : Heat rejection in condenser

3–4 : Isenthalpic expansion

4–1 : Heat absorption in
evaporator

26 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

Compressor work,
W = (Enthalpy at 2)- (Enthalpy at 1)
= (Area 2–3–5–7–10–2) – (Area 1–5–7–10-1)
= Area 1–2–3–5–1
W = Area 3-5-6 + Area 1-2-3-6-1
R(Refrigeration effect) = (Enthalpy at 1)–(Enthalpy at 4)
= Area 1–4–9–10–1

For throttling process 3–4,

Enthalpy at 3 = Enthalpy at 4
h3 = h4
(Area 3–7–8–3) = (Area 4–5–7–9–4)

27 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

In the above equation, Area 6-5-7-8 is common to both
sides.
So, Area 3-5-6-3 = Area 4-6-8-9
Or, [ (Area 3-7-8-3) - (Area 5-7-0-5)- (Area 5-0-8-6)]
= (Area 4-6-8-9)
So, ( Enthalpy at 3) – (Enthalpy at 5) – (T1×∆S65 )
= (T1×∆S46 )
Or, (hf3 − hf5) − {T1×(S6-S5 )} = (T1×∆S46 )
Or, (hf3 − hf5) − {T1×(Sf3-Sf5 )} = (T1×∆S46 ) ………..(1)
Therefore, for the known hf3 , hf5 and ∆S65 , ∆S46 can be
obtained as follows:

………..(2)

28 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

Now,

………..(3)
Substituting the value of ∆S46 in above equation, we get

………..(4)

29 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

Work done by the Compressor is given by

……..(5)

Therefore, the COP is given by

………..(6)

30 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Different Cases of Vapor Compression Cycle

Case 2 : Compression yields Wet Vapor at the end of

Compression
Compressor work,
W = (Enthalpy at 2)- (Enthalpy at 1)
= (Area 2–3–5–7–10–2) – (Area 1–5–7–10-1)
= Area 1–2–3–5–1
W = Area 3-5-6 + Area 1-2-3-6-1
From equation (5),

………..(7)

31 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

From equation (3),

Therefore, the COP is given by

………..(8)

32 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Different Cases of Vapor Compression Cycle

Case 3 : Compression yields Superheated Vapor at the end of

Compression
Additional Compressor work,
W1 = Area 1–2–2’–11–1
W1= Area 2-2’-12-10 + Area 1-11-12-10-1

………..(9)

Additional Refrigeration Effect,

R1= Area 1-11-12-10
………..(10)

33 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

Therefore, COP of system could be obtained by ratio of total
refrigeration effect and total work done.

34 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Different Cases of Vapor Compression Cycle

Case 4 : Effect of Under-Cooling

Temperature (T)
3-3’- Under-cooling at
3 2 constant pressure
3’

4’ 4 1

Entropy (s)

The under-cooling of liquid refrigerant produces extra refrigerating effect.

As no extra work is required for under-cooling, the net effect of under-
cooling is to increase the COP of the cycle.

35 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Actual Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle

There is pressure drop due

to friction as the refrigerant 4

Pressure (P)
5
passes through piping, 6
evaporator, condenser, 7
receiver and valves. 8

The net effect is to increase
the overall pressure ratio of 9 1
the compressor and to 2
increase the work done /kg 3
of refrigerant compressed.
Enthalpy (h)

Figure: Actual vapor refrigeration cycle

36 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 P9-P1: Pressure drop in evaporator
P1-P2: Pressure drop in compressor suction pipe line
P2-P3: Pressure drop in suction valve of compressor
P4-P5: Pressure drop in discharge valve of compressor
P5-P6: Pressure drop in discharge pipe line
P6-P7: Pressure drop in condenser
P7-P8: Pressure drop in

37 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Performance of Simple Vapor Compression Refrigerant Cycle

Effect of Suction and Delivery Pressure

3’
2’
Pressure (P)

Pressure (P)
3 2 2’ 3
2

4 1
4 4’ 1
4’ 1’

Enthalpy (h) Enthalpy (h)

Figure: Effect of suction pressure Figure: Effect of delivery pressure

38 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

For Suction Pressure:
COP of the original cycle is given by

Pressure (P)
3 2 2’
COP of the cycle when the suction pressure
is reduced is given by: 4 1
4’ 1’

Enthalpy (h)

39 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

For Delivery Pressure:
COP of the original cycle is given by

3’
2’

Pressure (P)
3
COP of the cycle when the delivery pressure 2
is increased is given by:
4 4’ 1

Enthalpy (h)

40 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Effect of Condensing and Evaporating Temperature

During the summer time, the discharge temperature required is more
compared with the winter. So the same machine gives less refrigerating
effect (load capacity is decreased) as shown in figure.

T
2’
Temperature (T)

T
3’ 3’
2’

Pressure (P)
3 2 3
2

4 4’ 1 1
4 4’

Entropy (s) Enthalpy (h)

41 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016


The increase in discharge pressure is necessary for high condensing
temperature and decrease in suction pressure is necessary to maintain low
temperature in the evaporator.

If the refrigerator designed to produce 10 ton of refrigeration at 0 °C is
used for -30°C in the evaporator, then the capacity of the machine will
decrease by 8% and COP by 50% using F12 as refrigerant and condensing
temperature at 40 °C.

This means that the running cost of the plant increases more rapidly with
the increase in condensing temperature and decrease in evaporating
temperature.

Likewise, the increase in the inlet temperature of water used in the
condenser increases the power required per ton of refrigeration.

42 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

Figure: Effect of condensing temperature Figure: Effect of evaporating temperature
on COP and refrigerating capacity on COP and refrigerating capacity
(Source: Arora, Domkundwar, A course in refrigerating and air conditioning , pp. 4.15)

43 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

Figure: Effect of condenser water temperature on power consumption with evaporating
temperature as parameter
(Source: Arora, Domkundwar, A course in refrigerating and air conditioning , pp. 4.15)

44 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 3.3 Vapor Absorption Refrigeration System

Introduction

The major drawback of vapor compression refrigeration system
is that it requires compressor to compress large volume of
refrigerant vapor which requires large work energy for its
operation.

This drawback is removed in Vapor absorption refrigeration
system. Heat energy is used instead of work energy for
producing refrigerating effect and compressor is replaced by an
absorber, generator and pump.

In this system, vapor absorbing liquid is used as an absorber.

45 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Simple Vapor Absorption System

Absorber
Generator 10
Qa
Analyzer & Rectifier

Throttle
Valve 4
7 5
8 9
Pump

Evaporator
6
Heat Exchanger
Qin
Qd
Condenser Throttle Valve

1 2 3
Figure: Simple Ammonia Vapor Absorption Refrigeration System
46 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016
 Operation

The minimum number of primary units in absorption
refrigeration system are:
a) Evaporator b) Absorber
c) Absorber d) Condenser

Certain liquids have great affinity for absorbing the large
quantities of certain vapor.

It is a heat operated system in which the refrigerant is alternately
absorbed by and liberated from the absorbent.

The heat used in this system produces pressure differential
whereas mechanical compression is used for this purpose in
vapor compression system.

47 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016


Figure shows the simplified flow diagram of Ammonia
absorption system in which the water serves as the absorbent
and NH3 as the refrigerant.

The low pressure liquid refrigerant coming from the throttle
valve enters the evaporator, where this refrigerant absorbs the
heat and leaves as saturated vapor.

The low pressure refrigerant vapor exiting from the evaporator
enters into the absorber in which the weak-solution of the
refrigerant is sprayed. This weak-solution of refrigerant absorbs
the Ammonia vapor and becomes strong solution of ammonia.

Absorption of Ammonia lowers the pressure in the absorber and
draws more ammonia vapor from evaporator.
48 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

Usually some form of cooling is employed in the absorber to
remove the heat of solution evolved there. Cooling is necessary
because water absorbs less ammonia vapor at high temperature.

The strong ammonia solution thus formed is then pumped into
the generator through heat exchanger. The pump increases the
pressure of the solution.

In the Generator, it is heated by some external source of heat.
During heating, the refrigerant vapor (ammonia vapor) is driven
out of the solution and enters the Analyzer & Rectifier.

The function of analyzer and rectifier is to work as a dehydrator
to remove the water vapor which rises from the Generator along
with the ammonia vapor.
49 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

The dehydrated anhydrous NH3 vapor then enters into the
condenser and is condensed into liquid. This high pressure liquid
NH3 is passed through the throttle valve.

The solution in the generator becomes weak as ammonia vapor
comes out of it. This weak high temperature ammonia solution
from the generator enters into the Heat-Exchanger through the
throttle valve. The throttle valve reduces the liquid pressure to
the absorber pressure.

The cycle operates as explained above.

50 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Functions of Different Components

The functions of different components of the system are :

Generator
Heat is added to the generator from an external source and
produces ammonia vapor. The heat source may be gas burner,
electric heater or steam passing through it.

Analyzer
The water vapor should not pass on to the condenser as this
will lead to freezing at the throttle valve. Water vapor mixed
with the ammonia vapor is removed by cooling strong solution
of ammonia.

51 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016


Rectifier
Rectifier removes the remaining water vapor carried with
ammonia vapor that are not removed by analyzer by providing
water cooling. The condensed water vapor returns to the
analyzer.

Absorber
The ammonia vapor is absorbed by the weak solution of
refrigerant. When ammonia dissolves in water, heat is
released. This reduces the absorption capacity. So water is
circulated around the absorber. The cooled weak solution of
ammonia at low pressure is sprayed at the top of the absorber.

52 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Practical Ammonia Absorption System
The basic components of practical NH3 absorption system are
shown in the figure and listed below:
1) Generator 2) Analyzer 3) Rectifier 4) Condenser 5) Receiver
6) Heat –exchanger (HE1) 7) Throttle Valve 8) Evaporator 9)
Absorber 10) Pump (P1) 11) Heat –exchanger (HE2) 12)
Expansion Valve 13) Pump (P2) 14) Pond Containing Cooling
Water and 15 ) Heating Coil

53 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Figure : Practical Ammonia-Water Vapor Absorption Refrigeration System
54 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016
 Electrolux Refrigerator
Introduction

This type of absorption refrigeration is generally used for
domestic purpose only as it is more complicated in its
construction and working.

The aqua-pump is eliminated in this system. So this system does
not have any moving parts.

This system uses NH3 as refrigerant, water as an absorber and
H2 an inert gas for the working of the system.

The inert gas is confined at the low-pressure side of the system
(evaporator and absorber).

At the high pressure side (generator and condenser), there
exists only refrigerant and water.
55 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016
 Operation of the System

Figure : Electrolux Absorption Refrigeration System

56 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

The strong aqua ammonia solution is heated in the generator by
the application of external heat source and NH3 vapor is
removed from the solution.

The NH3 vapor contains some traces of water vapor as well
which is removed by passing through the separator.

The dry NH3 vapor then enters into the condenser and is
condensed by supplying external cooling water or by air
cooling.

The liquid NH3 then flows under gravity into the evaporator
and evaporates by absorbing heat from the refrigerated space in
the presence of the H2 atmosphere.

57 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016


The mixture of NH3 and H2 vapor is passed into the absorber.
The weak solution of aqua ammonia from the separator also
flows to this absorber and comes in contact with the mixture of
NH3 and H2 vapor and absorbs NH3 only.

The strong aqua ammonia solution then enters into the
generator and H2 being insoluble in water, flows back into the
evaporator.The cycle is repeated.

The presence of H2 in the evaporator maintains the low
pressure and NH3 evaporates at its partial pressure . The total
pressure is the sum of the partial pressure of NH3 and partial
pressure of H2.

At high pressure side, the total pressure is due to NH3 only.
58 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016
 Comparison of Vapor Compression and Absorption
Refrigeration System
Absorption System Compression System
1 No moving parts in the entire system. So Consists of compressor system which is
its operation is quiet. noisy.
2 Since no moving parts, wear is very low. Requires frequent maintenance due to
So requires little maintenance. moving parts in compressor.
3 Any thermal source can be used for its Mechanical work input is required for the
operation. operation of compressor.
4 Absorption units can be built in This capacity is well above for the single
capacities well above 1000 tons each. compressor unit.
5 The COP of absorption system is not The COP is of a compressor refrigeration
reduced at reduced (partial load). system decreases as the load decreases.
6 The capacity of absorption system does The capacity of compression system
not decrease so much with decrease in decrease rapidly with decrease in evaporator
evaporator temperature. temperature.

59 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Refrigerant
Introduction

Any substance that is capable of absorbing heat from another
substance can be used as refrigerant like ice, water, air, ammonia.

Refrigerant in the refrigerator absorbs heat from the source
(which is at a lower temperature) and dissipate the same to the
sink (which is at higher temperature than source) either in the
form of latent heat (Vapor Compression Refrigeration) or in the
form of sensible heat (Air Refrigeration).

The refrigerants which carry latent heat is more efficient that the
refrigerant which carry sensible heat.

The refrigerants which carry latent heat can be reused in a cyclic
process.
60 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016
 Classification of Refrigerant
Refrigerant

Primary Secondary
Refrigerant Refrigerant

Inorganic Unsaturated
Halocarbon Azeotropes Hydrocarbon
Compounds Organic
Compounds

Primary refrigerant directly take part in the refrigeration system.

Secondary refrigerant are first cooled with the help of primary
refrigerant and then used for cooling purpose.

61 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Halocarbon Compound

These refrigerant are sold under various the trade name such as
Freon, Genetron, Isotron and Arcton.

These refrigerant contain one or more of halogen elements:
chlorine, fluorine and bromine.

Most of the refrigerant used for domestic, commercial and
industrial purpose are selected from this group due to their good
properties.

Examples:
Name Chemical Name Formula
R-11 Trichloromonofluore-methane CCl3F
R-12 Dichlorofluoro-methane CCl2F2
62 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016
 Name Chemical Name Formula
R-13 Monochlorotrifluoro-methane CClF3
R-21 Dichlorofluoro-methane CHCl2F
R-22 Monochlorodifluoro-methane CHClF2
R-30 Methylene-chloride CH2Cl2
R-40 Methyl-chloride CH3Cl
R-100 Ethyl-chloride CH3CH2Cl
R-113 Trichlorotrifluoro-ethane C2F3Cl3
R-114 Tetrafluorodichloro-ethane Cl2F4Cl2
R-114a Dichlorotetrafluoro-ethane CCl2FCF3
R-134a Tetrafluoro-ethane CF3CH2F
R-152 Difluoro-ethane CH3CH3F2
63 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

A chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) is a refrigerant that contains
only carbon, fluorine, and chlorine.

They are also commonly known by the DuPont brand name
Freon.

The most common CFC is R-11, R-12, R-13.

Because CFCs contribute to ozone depletion in the
upper atmosphere, the manufacture of such compounds has
been phased out under the Montreal Protocol, and they are
being replaced with other products such as hydro-
fluorocarbons (HFCs) such as R-134a, R-410a.

64 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Azeotropes

This is a mixture of different refrigerants that do not separate
into their constituents with the changes in temperature and
pressure.

Example: R-500 is mixture of R-12 ( 73.8%) and R-152.

65 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Hydro-Carbon

Most of the organic compounds are considered as refrigerant
under this group.

Many hydrocarbons are successfully used as refrigerants in
industrial and commercial installations.

Examples
Name Chemical Name Formula
R-50 Methane CH4
R-100 Ethane CH3CH3
R-290 Propane CH3CH2CH3

66 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Inorganic Compound

The refrigerants under this group were universally used for all
purposes before the introduction of halocarbon group.

They are still used due to their inherent thermodynamic
properties.

Name Chemical Name Use

R-717 Ammonia Ice plants
R-718 Water In steam refrigeration system
R-729 Air Aircraft refrigeration
R-744 Carbon dioxide Ship refrigeration

67 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Unsaturated Organic Compound

The refrigerant under this group are mainly hydrocarbon group
with ethylene and propylene base.
Name Chemical Name Formula
R-1120 Trichloroethylene C2H4Cl3
R-1130 Dichloroethylene C2H4Cl2
R-1150 Ethylene C2H4
R-1270 Propylene C3H6

68 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Desirable Properties of Ideal Refrigerant
The ideal refrigerant should have the following properties:
1. Low boiling point: The refrigerant should have low boiling
point otherwise the evaporator pressure has to be reduced at
high vacuums which reduces the capacity of the system.
Refrigerant Boiling point at 760 Refrigerant Boiling point at 760
mm of Hg mm of Hg
NH3 -33.3 °C R-22 -41.3 °C
R-11 23.3 °C R-113 47.5 °C
R-12 -29.8 °C R-134a -26.3 ° C

2. Low freezing point: The freezing point should be low

because refrigerant should not freeze under required
evaporator temperature.
69 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

The freezing point of most refrigerant lies below -30 °C. So
this property is not seriously considered for normal operation.
Refrigerant Freezing point at 760 Refrigerant Boiling point at 760
mm of Hg mm of Hg
NH3 -77.8 °C R-22 -160 °C
R-11 -111°C R-113 -35 °C
R-12 -157 °C R-134a -96.6 ° C

3. Evaporator and Condenser Pressure: It is desirable to

have slightly positive pressure in evaporator and condenser but
should not be too high above atmospheric pressure. Too high
pressure requires robust construction which is costly. Positive
pressure in evaporator prevents the leakage of air & moisture
70 into the
Iswor refrigeration system.
Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016
4. Critical Temperature and Pressure: The critical
temperature of the refrigerant should be higher than the
temperature occurring in the condenser for easy condensation of
refrigerant. Critical temperature is the temperature above which
the vapor cannot be condensed irrespective of any high pressure.
Most widely used refrigerant has critical temperature well above
the temperature occurring in the condenser.
5. High Latent Heat of Refrigerant: High latent heat of
refrigerant at evaporator is desirable for high refrigerant effect.
High latent heat refrigerant also reduces the weight of the
refrigerant.

71 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

5. Safe Working Properties: The refrigerant should have safe
working properties such as non-inflammable, non-explosive,
non-toxic, and non-corrosive.
6. Physical Properties:
a) Low Specific Volume: Low specific volume is required to
reduce the size of the compressor.
b) Specific Heat: High specific heat of vapor is required and
low specific heat of liquid is required to increase the
refrigerating effect.
c) Thermal Conductivity: High thermal conductivity of
refrigerant at both liquid and vapor state is required.

72 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

7. Other Properties:
a) Odor: Distinct odor is advantageous in detecting the leakage of
refrigerant but irritating odor cause panic and headache to
some people.
b) The refrigerant should not wash the lubricating oil as
refrigerant and lubricating oil will come in contact in
compressor.
c) Power requirement per ton of refrigerant should be low
d) Refrigerant should be readily available and cost should be low
as well.

73 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Properties & Uses of Commonly Used Refrigerants

Commonly used refrigerant are:

Ammonia

Carbon-dioxide

R-12 (CCl2F2)

Ethane (C2H6)

R-502

R-134a

74 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Ammonia

Ammonia is still used as refrigerant in many applications.

Low cost, low weight liquid refrigerant per ton of refrigeration,
and high efficiency.

Presently it is used in cold storage, ice manufacturing plants due
to its low production & maintenance cost.

It is toxic, flammable, irritating and food destroying.

Highly volatile and becomes explosive when mixed with air.

It attacks on non-ferrous metals in the presence of water, so
copper and brass are never used.

It can be used economically up to -70 °C evaporator
temperature.
75 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016
 Carbon Dioxide

It is odorless, non-toxic, non-flammable, non-explosive and
non-corrosive but can cause to suffocation

It was widely used for air-conditioning hospitals, theatres, hotels
and marine serve in the past.

Nowadays, it is used only for the production of ice.

It is chemically stable under all pressure and temperature.

It is immiscible in oil and therefore will not dilute the
lubricating oil.

It requires high operating pressures.

High power requirement per ton or refrigerant.

It has low critical temperature.
76 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016
 R-12 (CCl2F2)

The most widely used refrigerant until recently before its ban.

It is colorless and odorless liquid, non-toxic, non-flammable,
non-explosive and non-corrosive.

It condenses at moderate pressure under normal working
conditions and boils at -29.5 °C at atmospheric pressure.

This property makes it suitable for all purpose refrigeration but
it has the highest global warming potential.

77 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

 Ethane (C2H6)

Is highly flammable and explosive when mixed with air.

Because of its low boiling point (-85.5°C at atmospheric
pressure ), it is used at the lower stage of cascade system.
R-502

It is an azeotropic mixture of 48.8% of F-22 and 51.2% of F-
115.

The compressor discharge temperature are lower compared
with other refrigerant.

Lower compression ratios, high reliability and low
maintenance.
78 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016
 R-134a

79 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016

80 Iswor Bajracharya/Refrigeration 2/29/2016