Parts of a refrigeration cycle
A refrigerator has four important parts, namely, evaporator, condenser, compressor, and expansion valves. Sometimes the first step in repairing your fridge is to understand the names and functions of its various components. Refrigeration process helps to preserve your food by delaying the effect of bacteria decay on your food. This is accomplished by keeping food items cool. In this article, we discuss the four most important parts of a refrigerator.
Compressor: It is the main part of a refrigeration unit. It transmits the power needed for converting the space from low temperature to high temperature. When the refrigerant enters the compressor it is subject to high pressure for compression. This also leads to a rise in its temperature. It leaves the compressor in the gaseous form.
Condenser: This helps to remove all heat absorbed by the refrigerant. This heat is given out to the surrounding environment. For refrigerators designed for household uses, the condenser is merely a coil made from copper which has been exposed to the atmosphere. When refrigerant passes through the condenser, it partially loses its heat to the surrounding environment, resulting in a fall in its temperature. However, its pressure does not change. Bigger refrigeration units use water cooled condensers.
Expansion valve: When the refrigerant at a low temperature and high pressure passes through your fridge’s expansion valve, it faces a sudden reduction in pressure along with a sudden and drastic temperature rise. In household refrigerators, a thin copper-made capillary tube is used to make the valve. The refrigerant turns into a partially liquid and partially gaseous state as it leaves the valve.
Evaporator: Evaporator is usually located inside the freezer. It is usually composed of aluminum or copper coil tubing. Many people commonly place foods or substances that are at a higher temperature to begin with, inside the freezer. As the refrigerant, which is now at a low pressure and temperature passes through the freezer, it absorbs the heat from inside the freezer, allowing the latter to cool down. By absorbing heat from food items that need to be cooled down, it helps to keep the food items cool. By absorbing the heat, the refrigerant’s pressure and temperature rises. As it leaves the evaporator, it turns into vapor state. It enters the compressor again and the whole cycle repeats.
Now, that you know the parts of a refrigeration cycle, you should be able to better diagnose symptoms and call for repair immediately. To find refrigerator repair Boca Raton, click here.