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10. Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

Introduction
In heat engine, heat flow from hot body to cold body and produce useful work. If it operates in the reverse
direction, it takes heat from a cold body and rejects it to a hot body by the external mechanical work known
as reversed heat engine. This principle is used in heat pump and refrigerator.

Figure 10.1 Heat Engine, Heat Pump and Refrigerator

Heat pump
It is device which absorbs the heat from cold body (surrounding) and deliver to hot body as shown in fig.
10.1 and maintain constant temperature of hot body for useful purpose. In this devise, external work
required to convey heat from cold body to hot body.

Refrigerator
It is a device which removes heat from cold body and reject to hot body (surrounding) and maintains low
temperature for useful purpose. In this device, external work is required to convey heat from cold body to
hot body.

It is a device or system used to maintain the low temperature below the atmosphere temperature within
required space.

Principle of refrigeration
In refrigeration, the heat is to be removed continuously from a system or space at a lower temperature and
transfer to the surrounding at a higher temperature. In this process, according to second law of
thermodynamics external work is required to convey heat from cold body to hot body. Therefore in
refrigeration, power is required to cool the space below the atmospheric temperature.

Refrigeration is defined as the method of reducing the temperature of a system below surrounding
temperature and maintains it at the lower temperature by continuously abstracting the heat from it. In
simple, refrigeration means the cooling or removal of heat from a system.

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Refrigerants
The refrigerant is a heat carrying medium which absorbs heat from space (desired to cool) and rejects heat
to outside the refrigerator (in atmosphere). The refrigerant is working medium under goes various processes
of refrigeration cycles which are used to produce refrigeration.

Properties of a good refrigerant

a) It should have high latent heat of evaporation and low specific volume.
b) It should have good thermal conductivity for rapid heat transfer.
c) It should be non-toxic, non-flammable and non-corrosive.
d) It should have low specific heat in liquid state and high specific heat in vapour state.
e) It should have high co-efficient of performance.
f) It should be economical in initial cost and maintenance cost.

Application of refrigeration
a) Storage and transportation of food stuffs as dairy products, fruits, vegetables, meat, fishes etc.
b) Preservation of medicines and syrups.
c) Manufacturing of ice, photographic films, rubber products.
d) Processing of petroleum and other chemical products.
e) Liquification of gases like N2, O2, H2 etc.
f) Cooling water.
g) Comfort air conditioning of auditoriums, hospitals, residence, offices, factories, hotels, computer
rooms etc.

Refrigerants commonly used in practice

1) NH3 (Ammonia)

Properties
Highly toxic, flammable, good thermal properties, highest refrigerating effect per kg of refrigerant.

Uses
It is widely used in large industrial and commercial refrigeration system. It is mostly used with Vapour
absorption refrigeration cycle like ice plants, cold storage, packing plants etc.

2) CO2 (Carbon dioxide)

Properties
Colorless, non-toxic, non-flammable and non-corrosive gas. It gives low refrigeration effect.

Uses
It is used in marine refrigeration system.

3) Air

Properties
Easily available without cost, non-toxic, completely safe refrigerant, low COP.

Uses
It is used in aircraft air-conditioning system.

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4) R-11 (Trichloro monofluoro methane) or Freon-11

Properties
Non-toxic, Non-flammable and Non-corrosive.

Uses
It is used in Small office buildings and factories for refrigeration.

5) R-12 (Dichlaro - difluro methane) or Freon -12

Properties
Non -toxic, Non-flammable, Non-explosive, high COP and most suitable refrigerant.

Uses
It is used in domestic vapour compression refrigeration.

6) R-22 (Monochloro - difluro methane) or Freon -22

Properties
Non-toxic, Non-flammable, Non-explosive Required less compressor displacement.

Uses
It is used in commercial and industrial low temperature applications (in air conditioning).

Refrigeration effect and unit of refrigeration

Refrigeration effect
It is define as the amount of heat absorbed by refrigerant from the space to be cooled.

The capacity of refrigeration system is expressed in tons of refrigeration which is unit of refrigeration.

1 ton of refrigeration
It is defined as refrigerating effect produced by melting of 1 ton of ice from and at 0°C in 24 hours.

OR

Amount of heat required to remove in order to form one ton of ice in 24 hours from water at temperature
0 0C.

The latent heat of ice is 335 kJ/kg, the refrigeration effect produced by 1 ton ice in 24 hours is,

335 1000 KJ 14000 KJ 232.6 KJ

  14000 KJ   232.6 KJ   3.8888 KW
24 hr hr 60 min min 60 s

In actual practice, 1 ton = 900 kg considered for calculation of 1 ton of refrigeration,

 1 ton  335  900 KJ  210 KJ  3.5 KW

24 hr min

1 ton of refrigeration= 210 KJ  3.5 KW

min

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Co-efficient of performance
It is defined as the ratio of refrigerating effect to work required compressing the refrigerant in the
compressor. It is the reciprocal of the efficiency of a heat engine. Thus the value of COP is greater than unity.

Refrigerating effect
Mathematically, COP 
Work of compressor

Types of refrigerators
The refrigerator can be classified as follows.

1. Natural refrigerator
In natural refrigerator, the cooling effect produced by evaporation of liquid or sublimation of solids. When
liquid evaporate, it absorbs heat from surrounding and produces cooling. Similarly, in sublimation (melting)
of solid, it absorbs heat from surrounding and produces cooling effect.

2. Mechanical refrigerator
In mechanical refrigerator, refrigeration effect produced by, external source of mechanical energy or heat
energy.

It is further classified as,

1. Vapour compression refrigerator
2. Vapour absorption refrigerator
3. Air refrigerator

Vapour Compression Refrigeration system (VCRS)

Construction
This system consist of (l) Evaporator (2) compressor (3) condenser and (4) expansion device. In vapour
compression refrigerator, vapour used as the refrigerant. It is circulated in system in which it alternately
evaporates (liquid to vapour) and condenses (vapour to liquid) thus it undergoes a change of phase. In the
evaporation it absorbs the latent heat from the space to be cooled. In the condensing or cooling, it rejects
heat to atmosphere.

Fig. 10.2 Vapour compression refrigeration system

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Fig. 10.3 P-h diagram

Functions of main parts of vapour compression system are,

Compressor
Function of compressor is to remove the vapour from the evaporator and increases its pressure and
temperature up to it can be condensed in the condenser. Pressure of refrigerant coming from compressor
should be such that the saturation temperature of vapour (corresponding to this pressure of vapour) is
higher than the temperature of cooling medium in condenser. So that high pressure vapour can reject heat
to cooling medium in the condenser.

Condenser
The function of condenser is to facilitate a heat transfer surface through which heat transfer takes place
from the hot refrigerant vapour to the condensing medium. In domestic refrigerator condensing medium is
atmospheric air.

Expansion valve or device

The function of expansion valve is to meter the proper amount of liquid refrigerant and reduces pressure of
liquid refrigerant entering the evaporator. Hence liquid will vaporize in the evaporator at the desired low
temperature and absorb heat from the space.

Evaporator
An evaporator provides a heat transfer surface through which low temperature liquid refrigerant can absorb
heat from space and it vaporized.

Working
Process 1-2: Inlet of compressor (at point 1), low pressure and low temperature vapour enters the
compressor. Compressor compresses the vapour at high temperature and pressure. The condition of
refrigerant at exit to compressor (at point 2) is high pressure and high temperature vapour.

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Process 2-3: High pressure, high temperature vapour coming from compressor condenses in the condenser
by the rejecting heat to cooling medium. Cooling medium is usually air or water. The condition of refrigerant
at exit to condenser (at point 3) is low temperature saturated liquid.

Process 3-4: The saturated liquid coming from condenser passes through expansion device (throttling valve)
where pressure of saturated liquid decreases from condenser pressure to evaporator pressure. The
condition of refrigerant after throttling is low temperature and low pressure liquid.

Process 4-1: Liquid refrigerant coming from expansion device enters into evaporator where it absorbs latent
heat of evaporation from space to be cooled (refrigerator compartment). Due to absorption of heat liquid
refrigerant converted into saturated vapor or superheated vapour at low pressure and low temperature.
Again this vapour enters into compressor and the cycle is repeated.

Domestic vapour compression refrigerator

Construction
It consists of an evaporator installed in the freezing compartment of the refrigerator. One end of evaporator
connected to the suction side of the compressor and other end connected to condenser through throttle
valve. Normally condenser installed at the backside of refrigerator. The delivery side of compressor is
connected to a condenser.

Examples available in capacities of 65 liters, 100 liters, 165 liters, 275Iitres,1000 liters.

Fig. 10.4 Domestic vapour compression refrigerator

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Vapour Absorption Refrigeration System (VARS)

Construction
This system is shown in figure consists of (i) evaporator, (ii) condenser, (iii) generator, (iv) absorber, (v) pump
and (vi) expansion device. In this system the refrigerant coming from evaporator is absorbed by absorber.
The absorbing medium may be solid or liquid. In VAR system, the compressor is replaced by an absorber and
generator.

Ammonia is refrigerant has characteristic as it is easily absorbed by water at low pressure and temperature,
but at high pressure and temperature, the solubility of ammonia in water is reduced. Therefore when
mixture of water and ammonia is heated by generator, the ammonia vapour is separated from water.

This principle is used in the vapour absorption refrigeration system. Here the ammonia is refrigerant and
water is absorbent.

Fig. 10.5 vapour absorption refrigeration system

Working
Low pressure and low temperature vapour ammonia coming from evaporator enters in the absorber where
ammonia is absorbed by weak solution coming from generator through throttle valve at point 5. Due to
absorption of NH3 in water, solution becomes strong. [In the mixture of NH3 and water, if amount of NH3 is
less than water is called weak solution and if amount of NH3 is more than the water is called strong solution.]
During absorption process heat is released and rejected to cooling water.

The strong solution from absorber is pumped into generator, where it is heated and NH 3 vapour separated
from solution. In generator is supplied from external source. The weak solution at point 4 is flowing back to
absorber through throttle valve. Again weak solution in absorber absorbs NH3 vapour coming from
evaporator.

NH3 vapour coming from generator (at point 6) passes through condenser and condensed in condenser and
reject heat to cooling medium. Then liquid NH3 (at point 7) throttled through expansion device and it enters

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into evaporator (point 8). In the evaporator NH3 evaporates by absorbing latent heat of evaporation to
produce refrigerating effect. Thus the cycle is completed.

Comparison between vapour compression and vapour

absorption systems
Table 10.1 Comparison between VCR and VAR
Sr. Particulars Vapour compression Vapour Absorption
No system (VCR) system (VAR)
1. Working method Refrigerant vapour Refrigerant is absorbed
is compressed and heated
2. Type of the energy Mechanical work supply Heat energy supply
Supplied to compressor to generator
3. Input work required More compression work is Less mechanical energy is
required required to run pump
4. COP High (Approx. 3) Low (Approx. 0.6)
5. Capacity Limited up to 1000 tons It may be above 1000 tons
for single compressor
6. Noise More Quiet operation
7. Leakage More leakage due to Almost there is no
high pressure Leakage
8. Operating cost High because of Less because of less heat
compressor consumes energy is required
more work
9. Suitable refrigerant R-12 Ammonia

Air conditioning
Air conditioning is not a process of only heating or cooling to some desired temperature. Air conditioning is
dealing with conditioning or controlling the air. The complete process of air conditioning includes following
processes.

1. Cooling or heating air

2. Addition of moisture in air (Humidification) or removal of moisture from air (Dehumidification)
3. Controlling movement of air
4. Purification of air
5. Addition of fresh air from outside
6. Distribution of air

The air conditioning is defined as the simultaneous control of temperature, air humidity, air movement and
air cleanliness.

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Applications of air conditioning

For Human comfort
To provide cooling or heating and conditioning of air as per comfort of human being. This is known as
comfort air conditioning.

For commercial use

To provide cooling or heating and conditioning air as per required in some engineering manufacturing and
processing. This is known as industrial air conditioning.

The comfort air conditioning means conditioning of air in such a way that the human being can feel good.

Principle of air conditioning

In air conditioning system, the device or unit provides air conditioning is called air conditioner. This device
continuously draws air from an indoors space which is required to cool, it cools in refrigeration system and
discharge back into the same indoor space. This continuous cyclic process of drawing, cooling, and
recirculation of the cooled air maintains indoor space cool at the required lower temperature which is
required for comfort cooling.

Components of air conditioning system

The basic components of air conditioning system are,

1. Fans: For circulation of air

2. Filters: For cleaning air
3. Heating element: Heating of air (It may be electric heater, steam, hot water)
4. Control system: It regulates automatically the amount of cooling or heating.
5. Grille: It adjusts the direction of conditioned air to the room.
6. Tray: It collects condensed water

Classification of Air conditioning system

1. According to arrangement of equipments
a. Unitary system

In this system different component of air conditioning system is manufactured and assembled as unit in
a factory. This unit is installed in or near to space to be conditioned.

Example : Window air conditioner and Split air conditioner

b. Central system
In this system different components are manufactured in factory and assembled at the site. This type of
system is used for conditioning of air in theatres, cinemas, restaurants, exhibition halls, big factory space
etc.
2. According to the purpose
a. Comfort air conditioning system
b. Industrial air conditioning system
3. According to season of year
a. Winter air conditioning system
b. Summer air conditioning system

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Window air conditioner

The window air conditioner mainly used for conditioning of air in the room. Commonly it is mounted in a
window, hence it is known as window air conditioner.

The window air conditioner unit consists of following components as shown in fig 10.6.

Refrigeration unit
Evaporator/cooling coil, condenser, compressor, expansion device

Air circulation fan

Fig. 10.6 window air conditioner

Working
The hot air coming from room is flowing on the evaporator (cooling coil), the cooling coil absorbs heat from
air. The moisture of air gets removed on the cooling coil surface by process of condensation of air. Thus the
air is cooled and dehumidified to meet the requirement comfort air conditioning in the room. The filter clean
the air coming from room before passes through the cooling coil. The tray is provided below the cooling coil
(evaporator) to collect moisture which condenses from recirculation of air.

The flow of hot air (from room) and cooled air (to room) is taking place by the evaporator blower. The
refrigerating unit provides cooling effect at evaporator. The condenser fan circulates air on outside of
condenser tubes, the refrigerant in condenser reject heat to outside atmospheric air. Necessary fresh air is
allowed to mix with the recalculated room air to meet the ventilation requirement. Ventilation air is
controlled by ventilation damper. The room -temperature is controlled by a thermostat using on-off power
supply to compressor motor.

Limitations
It produce noise in the room because of compressor is very near to the room.

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The evaporator and condenser are enclosed in single unit. Therefore evaporator cannot be used as an
interior of room because condenser requires outside air for cooling.

It requires appropriate size of window or hole in wall to fit the conditioner.

Split air conditioner

It is modification of window air conditioner.

Construction
This unit differs from window air conditioner. In terms of splits of unit into two parts. In split air conditioner,
the window air conditioner divided (split) into two parts.

First part: Includes the evaporator, filter, evaporator fan and grille (cooling coil). They placed inside the
room.

Second part: Includes condenser, condenser fan, and compressor. This placed outside the room.

Fig. 10.7 split air conditioner

First part (inside of room) and second part (outside of room) is connected by small diameter tubes.
Therefore, small hole required in wall for installation of split air conditioner.

The advantages of split air conditioner over window air conditioner

The compressor is outside of room, therefore no compressor noise in the room.

No window opening and fixing needed.

The compressor is outside of room, therefore no compressor noise in the room.

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