4 Types Of Refrigeration Systems You Need To Know About

We might take it for granted that all refrigerators do one job- cooling and we might assume that they do this by giving rise to the cool air. It might surprise you that there are four different systems through which refrigerators function. Also, refrigerators do not actually give rise to the cool air but remove heat from an area. They do this by transferring heat around and reversing its natural flow with the application of energy. It is here that the four systems differ in the manner that it is done.

These refrigerators work by mechanically compressing a refrigerant which is a substance that can boil at a wide range of temperatures with the application or removal of pressure. It is compressed into a low-pressure cold liquid and expanded into a high-pressure hot gas. The refrigerant is moved from the low-pressure side of the closed system to the high-pressure side. At the low-pressure side, it boils at 40°F and absorbs heat from the warm indoor air. The heat travels from the 100°F vapour refrigerant to the cooler outdoor air on the high-pressure side. This cycle keeps repeating.

They also work on the principle of compressing and expanding the liquid but rely on the process of absorption and heat rather than an electrically powered mechanical compressor for the movement of the refrigerator. For example, ammonia can be used as the refrigerant and water as the absorber. Heat is also required to facilitate the movement of the refrigerant.

Evaporative cooling does not use any of the aforementioned systems. These units, also known as swamp coolers, cool warm outdoor air by blowing it over water-soaked pads as the air enters. The water absorbs heat from the air and evaporates after which the cool air is channelled into the home and warm air outside. These are best suited for dry climates and are less costly to install and use.

Neither refrigerant nor water is needed in this system. They use an electric current and a thermocouple made of two different metal wires that are united at both ends but separated by insulation. The current causes one end to become hot and the other to become cool. Reversing this current swaps the hot and cold junction. The hot end is usually placed outside the area to be cooled with a heat sink to keep it at the same temperature as the surrounding air. The cold side that is below room temperature can be placed in the area which has to be cooled attracting heat out of the air. 

Whichever type you plan on purchasing, ensure to buy only the best quality refrigerators from renowned companies like Friulinox that will function according to your needs and offer durability and longevity.

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