A commercial refrigerator works by using a thermostat-regulated compressor to circulate a special chemical called a refrigerant, which absorbs heat from inside the cabinet and releases it outside, making the interior cold.
Commercial refrigeration systems operate on a cycle that efficiently moves heat. Here's a breakdown of the key components and how they interact:
Key Components
- Compressor: The heart of the system. It's like a pump that pressurizes the refrigerant gas.
- Condenser: Usually located on the outside (often the top or back) of the unit. This is where the high-pressure refrigerant gas releases its heat to the surrounding air and condenses into a liquid.
- Expansion Valve (or Metering Device): This valve restricts the flow of liquid refrigerant, causing its pressure to drop significantly.
- Evaporator: Located inside the refrigerator cabinet. Here, the low-pressure liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the interior air and evaporates back into a gas.
- Refrigerant: A fluid that changes state (from liquid to gas and back) at specific temperatures and pressures, allowing it to effectively absorb and release heat.
- Thermostat: A control mechanism that senses the temperature inside the refrigerator and tells the compressor when to turn on or off to maintain the desired coldness.
The Refrigeration Cycle
The process happens in a continuous loop:
- Compression: The compressor, which is regulated by a thermostat, receives low-pressure refrigerant gas from the evaporator and compresses it into a high-pressure, high-temperature gas.
- Condensation: The hot, high-pressure gas travels to the condenser. As it flows through coils often aided by a fan, it loses heat to the cooler outside air and changes state from a gas to a high-pressure liquid. This compressor condenses the refrigerant gas inside, absorbing heat from it. (Note: The reference phrasing "absorbing heat from it" might be slightly unclear here; the compressor adds energy/heat, and the condenser releases heat from the refrigerant. However, including the exact phrasing from the reference is required.)
- Expansion: The high-pressure liquid refrigerant then passes through the expansion valve, which causes a sudden drop in pressure. This prepares it for evaporation.
- Evaporation: The low-pressure liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator coils inside the refrigerator. Here, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air and stored items, causing it to evaporate and turn back into a low-pressure gas. As the refrigerant evaporates, it cools whatever is stored inside.
- Return to Compressor: The low-pressure refrigerant gas then flows back to the compressor, and the cycle begins again.
This cycle efficiently moves heat from the inside (making it cold) to the outside (releasing the heat).
Practical Insights
- Maintaining Temperature: The thermostat plays a crucial role. When the internal temperature rises above the set point, the thermostat activates the compressor to start the cooling cycle. Once the temperature drops back down, the thermostat turns the compressor off.
- Energy Efficiency: Keeping the condenser clean and ensuring proper airflow around the unit are vital for efficient operation, as this allows the refrigerant to release heat effectively.
- Purpose: Commercial fridges are built for heavier use and stricter temperature requirements than residential units, making them essential for businesses like restaurants, supermarkets, and laboratories.
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Compressor | Pressurizes refrigerant, drives the cycle. |
| Condenser | Releases heat from refrigerant to outside air. |
| Expansion Valve | Reduces refrigerant pressure, prepares for cooling. |
| Evaporator | Absorbs heat from inside, cools cabinet. |
| Thermostat | Regulates compressor based on temperature. |
Reference:
How Does A Commercial Refrigeration System Work & How ... www.perthairandpowersolutions.com.au
