Refrigeration works by using a refrigerant to absorb heat from inside the refrigerator and release it outside, creating a cooling effect inside. This process relies on the principles of thermodynamics and phase changes of the refrigerant.
Here's a breakdown of the refrigeration cycle:
- Evaporation:
- The refrigerant starts as a low-pressure liquid.
- It flows into the evaporator coils inside the refrigerator.
- Here, it absorbs heat from the refrigerator's interior, causing it to change from a liquid to a gas. This phase change requires energy, which it pulls from the surroundings, cooling the inside of the fridge. Think of it like putting alcohol on your skin - as the alcohol evaporates, it cools your skin.
- Compression:
- The now gaseous refrigerant is drawn into a compressor.
- The compressor increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant.
- Condensation:
- The high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant flows into the condenser coils, typically located on the back or bottom of the refrigerator.
- In the condenser, the refrigerant releases the heat it absorbed from inside the fridge to the surrounding air.
- As it releases heat, the refrigerant cools and changes back into a liquid.
- Expansion (or Throttling):
- The liquid refrigerant flows through an expansion valve or capillary tube.
- This valve restricts the flow of the refrigerant, causing a significant drop in pressure and temperature.
- The low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant is now ready to enter the evaporator again, restarting the cycle.
In summary, a refrigerator cycles refrigerant between liquid and gas states to transfer heat from the inside compartment to the outside environment, thereby maintaining a low temperature inside.
