Unit 9 Compression, Absorption, Refrigeration Flashcards
Refrigeration is the artificial production of
Cold, using mechanical means
First Fundamental principle of refrigeration
A substance must absorb or reject latent heat in order to change state
When latent heat is added to a liquid
It evaporates
When latent heat is removed from a gas
It condenses
What happens when an ice cube tray is placed into a freezer
First, the refrigerant removes sensible heat from the water, and then it removes latent heat of fusion
The evaporation of a liquid can lower a body’s temperature by the extraction of sensible heat, and the evaporation process can cause a change in state if;
The liquid evaporation occurs at a low enough temperature
The second fundamental principle of refrigeration
The pressure exerted on a surface of a boiling liquid affects the temperature at which the liquid boils
Saturation temperature
The temperature at which a substance is heat saturated, and additional heat causes a change in state, but no temperature change.
saturation temperature depends on
The pressure applied
Saturation pressure
The pressure applied to the boiling liquid surface when saturation temperature is reached
Third principle of refrigeration
For every saturation pressure, there is one corresponding saturation temperature
ASHRAE
American Society of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning engineers
The fourth principle of refrigeration
One of the physical properties of every pure liquid is a characteristic set of saturation pressures and temperatures
A physical property of every pure liquid is a set of
Saturation pressures and temperatures
Refrigerant
A liquid that is capable of boiling at low temperature
The temperature of a refrigerant can be controlled by
Varying the pressure in the vessel
The refrigerated space
Inside an insulated room
Refrigerated medium
The substance being cooled
The evaporator in a refrigeration system is in physical contact with
The refrigerated medium, so that heat May transfer to the refrigerant
A back pressure regulator, in the form of a throttling valve installed at the evaporator Outlet
By adjusting the valve, refrigerant Vapor flow can be adjusted, which changes the saturation pressure and saturation temperature in the vessel.
Vacuum pump at the evaporator Outlet
The vacuum pump can withdraw refrigerant Vapor faster than the rate at which it boils. So, the vacuum pump can lower the evaporator pressure to below atmospheric pressure
Liquid receiver
Reservoir of refrigerant to supply liquid to the evaporator. Continuously fed to replace the refrigerant boiled in the evaporator. Used in larger refrigeration systems
Metering device
Installed between the liquid receiver and the evaporator, to control refrigerant flow.
If too much refrigerant enters the evaporator
Both vapour and unboiled liquid will leave the evaporator. The liquid will damage the compressor
If the evaporator is fed to little refrigerant
The evaporator will starve or run dry. Heat flow to the evaporator will be reduced due to insufficient boiling liquid
Refrigerant Vapor must be
Recovered and reused
The refrigerant Vapor that leaves the evaporator is;
Compressed, and then cooled in a heat exchanger (the condenser). In the condenser, The Vapor gives off latent heat to a coolant or cooling medium and returns to its liquid state. The liquefied refrigerant then flows from the condenser to the liquid receiver until it’s reused in the evaporator
To get refrigerant Vapor to release its latent heat
The Vapor must be hotter than the cooling medium
Most condensers use a relatively warm cooling medium
Between 0 and 40 degrees Celsius
A compressor draws refrigerant vapour at a low pressure and discharges it at
A higher pressure and also raises the refrigerant Vapor temperature.
After the pressurized, high temperature vapour leaves the compressor
It enters the condenser, transfers heat to the surrounding coolant, and condenses. The liquid refrigerant drains to the receiver, and eventually returns to the evaporator, where the cycle repeats.
5 mandatory components in a refrigeration system
Refrigerant
evaporator
refrigerant metering device (control valve, orifice or capillary tube)
Condenser
Compressor
Optional components for a refrigeration system
liquid receiver
Condenser cooling fan
Evaporator fan
Metering device Inlet
Condenser Outlet
Evaporator Inlet
Metering device Outlet
Compressor Inlet
Evaporator Outlet
Condenser Inlet
Compressor Outlet
Energy is consumed in order to compress refrigerant. The energy consumed by the compressor results in
An increase in enthalpy, pressure and temperature
In the condenser, the refrigerant first gives off
The energy added by the compressor. Then, the saturated refrigerant Vapor gives off the latent heat it absorbed in the evaporator, condensing back to saturated liquid.
Batch process
A discrete mass of refrigerant circulates through the system, and repeatedly undergoes thermodynamic processes
Constant flow cycle
When the heat transfer is continuous in a refrigeration cycle
Subcooled
Cooled to below its saturation temperature
Thermostatic expansion valve
Small bulb located at the evaporator Outlet, monitors evaporator superheat and controls the opening of the metering device.
Due to length of the pipe, internal roughness of the pipe and bends in the evaporator and condenser, the pressure of the refrigerant;
Drops from the metering device Outlet to the compressor Inlet, and from the condenser Inlet to the metering device Inlet
In both the high and low sides, pressures drop in;
The direction of refrigerant flow
The evaporator pressure drop reduces;
The compressor suction pressure, increasing the pressure ratio and making the compressor work harder
Internal combustion engines are compared according to
Boilers are compared according to
Refrigeration plants are compared according to
Kilowatt output
Horsepower
Tonnes of refrigeration
Evaporator capacity (evaporator tonnage)
Cooling capacity of the evaporator. Expressed in tonnes of refrigeration
The evaporator transfers less Heat than;
The condenser, because it does not need to handle the energy added to the refrigerant by the compressor. Therefore, evaporators often have smaller capacity than condensers
Condenser capacity
The heat rejection capability of the condenser. Must have greater heat transfer capability then the evaporator
Net refrigerating effect (NRE)
Heat absorbed per kilogram of refrigerant circulated through the evaporator (kj/kg)
Flash gas
The portion of refrigerant that evaporates.
Flashing occurs because
The liquid has higher enthalpy in the high side then it can have on the low side. This excess enthalpy is converted to latent heat in the evaporator, producing flash gas.
_____ reduces the amount of flash gas produced
Subcooling
The refrigerant that flashes into vapour
Will not take part in the actual Refrigeration process. Only the remaining liquid water absorbs heat from the surrounding medium for evaporation.
NRE is considerably less when
The liquid refrigerant entering the evaporator is at a temperature higher than the boiling point in the evaporator.
The amount of liquid that may flash into vapour can be as high as
30%
Coefficient of performance (COP)
The ratio of the amount of heat absorbed from the refrigerated medium by the evaporator, to the amount of energy used to drive the compressor.
A higher COP means
A more effective refrigeration system
COP formula
NRE/Compressor power in Kw
Pressure ratio
Absolute compressor discharge pressure/Absolute suction pressure
Refrigerants are categorized according to
Flammability and toxicity, then placed in a safety group.
Refrigerants are also classified according to
Their impact on the environment, chemical Origins, and operating temperature suitability
ASHRAE denotes refrigerants with the capital
“R” followed by a dash and a number
There are over ____ ASHRAE designated refrigerants and refrigerant blends
300
Leaks are inevitable. Leaking refrigerant may have considerable environmental impact on
The Earth’s ozone layer and on global warming
Refrigerants that contain chlorine
May have ozone-depleting potential (ODP).
Unlike combustion equipment, refrigeration systems do not produce
CO2 (carbon dioxide)
Global warming potential (GWP)
Refrigerants rated according to their global warming potential.
Natural refrigerants
Refrigerants that occur naturally in the environment.
EX; ammonia, water, carbon dioxide
Ammonia natural refrigerant
Desirable since it is an energy efficient refrigerant with zero ODP and zero GWP
Many refrigerants begin as hydrocarbon compounds, but are
Chemically modified to achieve certain physical properties
CFC’s
Chlorinated fluorocarbons. Because they are chlorinated, they have high ODP.
R-11 and R-12 refrigerants
Phased out chlorinated fluorocarbons, they have high ODP.
Halocarbons
Includes; CFC, HFC, HCFC
Thermodynamic properties are
The physical properties that directly affect the movement of heat
Examples of thermodynamic properties
6
Pressure, temperature, volume, density, enthalpy and entropy
Refrigerants with low evaporator pressure
Air May leak into the refrigeration circuit, therefore are purgers must be installed to continuously remove air from the system
Refrigerants operating pressures vary with temperature
Important, since it determines the strength of the equipment required, cost of construction, and operator Staffing requirements
When choosing a refrigerant it should have a
Low condensing pressure. As well, evaporators should preferably operate above atmospheric pressure to prevent air and moisture infiltration, which causes operational problems
Refrigerants with lower specific volume
The refrigeration compressor system can have a smaller displacement compressor, as well suction lines can be made smaller in diameter.
Refrigerant liquid density informs designers
About how heavy liquid lines will be. This helps determine the size of control valves and piping.
The NRE is the heat absorbed
In the evaporator, under standard operating conditions
Latent heat of evaporation formula
HFG=
HG-HF
Enthalpy of saturated vapour - Enthalpy of saturated liquid
6 important physical properties of refrigerants
Miscibility, leakage tendency, odour, toxicity, formability/explosiveness, moisture reaction
Miscibility
Refers to when two or more liquids are soluble in all proportions
Refrigerants come in contact with Lube oil in the
Compressor crankcase, cylinder walls and screws. Refrigerants carry some of this oil into other parts of the system
Miscibility is dependant on
The type of refrigerant and the type of lube oil
Lube oils are categorized as
Conventional mineral-based oils and synthetic polyester oils
Ammonia is not
Miscible with Lube oil
Oil miscible refrigerants dilute
Compressor crankcase oil, lowering its viscosity and lubricating ability
When non-miscible refrigerants are used
Oil tends to build up in the evaporator and condenser, reducing system capacity.
May need oil separators and oil return systems
Ammonia systems require oil
Separators and oil return systems. These remove oil from the piping and other low points in the system, and return the oil to the compressor
Refrigerants that have greater molecular mass, have larger molecules and are less likely
To escape through tiny openings (leaks)
4 Leakage tendency factors
Operating pressure, viscosity, density, and chemical effects on seals and gaskets
At high temperatures, refrigerants are capable of absorbing greater amounts of
Moisture than at low temperatures. When a warm moisture saturated refrigerant is cooled to a lower temperature, it will produce free water
Moisture in the refrigerant should be avoided for 3 reasons
May cause ice to form between valve and valve seat of metering device
May cause acid formation, resulting in corrosion
Water combining with ammonia
Ammonia combines with water to form
Ammonium hydroxide, which is highly corrosive to copper and alloys. Ammonia systems must never use components made of copper or copper alloys
By decreasing the pressure exerted on a refrigerant
It’s boiling point decreases, and it will absorb latent heat of evaporation from its surroundings. After evaporating, the refrigerant is pressurized and returns to its liquid state by discarding latent heat
Closed cycle refrigeration system
Vapour from the evaporator is collected continuously. The vapour is compressed, condensed, and returned to the evaporator so the same refrigerant is used over and over
Two classes of closed-cycle refrigerating systems
Compression system and absorption system
Closed cycle compression refrigeration system principal parts
5
Evaporator
Compressor
Condenser
Metering device (liquid refrigerant control/regulating valve)
Liquid receiver
Closed cycle compression system two sections;
High-side and low-side, divided by the centre line
Closed cycle Compression High side
Contains refrigerant at high pressure and temperature. Refrigerant leaving the compressor is high pressure superheated gas. Refrigerant in the condenser is both liquid and gas. In the condenser, refrigerant is at saturation temperature and pressure. Refrigerant leaving the condenser is high pressure, high temperature liquid. Refrigerant entering metering device is high pressure and temperature, but subcooled by a few degrees.
Closed cycle compression low side
Contains refrigerant at low pressure and temperature. Refrigerant leaving metering device is low pressure saturated liquid and Flash gas. Refrigerant in the evaporator is both liquid and gas, at saturation pressure and temperature. Refrigerant leaving the evaporator is low pressure, low temperature gas. Refrigerant entering the compressor is low pressure and temperature, but superheated to an extent
Closed cycle compression low side system
Includes all equipment Downstream of the metering device including;
The evaporator, suction side of compressor, all interconnected tubing and piping
Closed cycle compression
Design pressure of low side is determined by the;
Temperature requirements for the cooled medium
Closed cycle compression
The high side consist of;
Compressor discharge, condenser, liquid receiver, piping Upstream side of the metering device, connected tubing and piping
Closed cycle compression
High side design pressure is determined by;
Required condensing temperature of the refrigerant vapour, which depends on the temperature of the available condensing medium
Direct system- direct expansion systems or DX
The evaporator surface is in direct contact with the material or space being refrigerated.
Household refrigerators and air-conditioners are examples of
Direct systems
Evaporators used in DX systems
Are called; DX coils
Indirect system
Liquid, such as brine, glycol or water is cooled by the refrigerant and then circulated by means of a pump to the material or space being refrigerated.
Advantages of indirect systems
Hazardous refrigerants can be used to cool brine. They are also cost-saving, most of the system is filled with chilled water or brine, Which is far less costly. Chilled water or brine transfers heat from occupied space, reducing the amount of refrigerant required
Chillers
Evaporators used to cool water or brine
Packaged refrigeration unit advantages
Components designed to match each other for greatest operating efficiency. Compact since its on a single skid, less space requirements needed. Installed easily and quickly. Factory tested and manufacturer takes full responsibility for design and performance.
Economizer installed between a condenser and chiller
Serves 3 purposes;
Produces flash gas to cool the compressor motor
Increases the net refrigerating effect (NRE) of the evaporator
Reduces power consumption of the compressor
When evaporator flash gas is reduced
Net refrigerating effect increases, which increases the cooling capacity of the system
Compression system with economizer installed in between the condenser and chiller
Only the refrigerant Vapor produced by the evaporator goes through
2 compression stages
Economizer provides an _________ effect for the compressor
Intercooling.
The cool vapour from the intermediate chamber cools the first stage compressor discharge gas, reducing power required for compression in the second stage
Refrigeration compressors are cooled without
Fins
Refrigeration compressors are designed specially to prevent or inhibit
Refrigerant leakage
Refrigeration compressor three main functions
Draws refrigerant gas from the evaporator as it’s produced.
Raises the refrigerant gas pressure so refrigerant can flow from the high side to the low side
Raises the saturation temperature of the gas to above the temperature of the condensing medium
Three types of refrigeration compressors
Reciprocating, rotary, centrifugal
Reciprocating compressors
A piston travels back and forth in a cylinder, drawing in and compressing the vapour
Rotary compressors
Use helical rotors or an eccentric rotor with vanes to compress the vapour
Centrifugal compressors
Rapidly revolving impellers to draw in the vapour and discharge at high velocity by centrifugal force. High velocity, low pressure vapour is converted to low velocity, high pressure vapour before it leaves the compressor
Compressor safety head
Entire head lifts when the pressure in the cylinder becomes too high, due to liquid refrigerant in the cylinder. Lifting action allows liquid to pass into the discharge line without doing serious damage
Rotary compressors in compound refrigeration systems
The compressor is called a booster. Produces very low evaporator pressure for deep freeze applications
Helical rotor compressor design is primarily in
Medium and high capacity Refrigeration
New compressors must be able to efficiently operate over
A pressure range, rather than a single evaporator or condenser pressure
Heat exchange results in one process fluid
Gaining Heat and the other losing Heat
Two main heat exchangers used in a refrigeration system
Evaporator and condenser
Evaporator is the part of the refrigeration system in which
Liquid refrigerant is vaporized by the absorption of heat from the medium to be cooled
Three types of evaporators
Direct expansion “or dry” evaporator
Flooded evaporator
Liquid recirculating (or liquid overfeed) evaporator
They differ in the method of refrigerant circulation
Dry evaporator (direct expansion)
Expansion valve admits only enough liquid refrigerant to maintain desired temperature. Amount of liquid refrigerant entering, balances the amount of refrigerant Vapor leaving, with no recirculation. Evaporator only contains a small amount of liquid refrigerant at any time
Flooded evaporator
Kept almost completely filled with liquid refrigerant regardless of load demand. Respond rapidly to changes in load as refrigerant has already gone through a pressure reduction and is awaiting exposure to heat.
________ has a higher heat transfer rate than the dry evaporator
Flooded evaporator
Flooded evaporator is applicable for
Pasteurization processes where on Startup, fluid must not pass through without being cooled.
Flooded evaporator disadvantages
Requires a relatively large refrigerant charge and is bulky
Liquid recirculating evaporator (liquid overfeed)
Used in overfeed refrigeration systems. Has a constant flow of liquid refrigerant regardless of load demand. Has a pump that feeds around three times the amount of liquid then the evaporator requires.
Critical element of the liquid recirculating evaporator
The low pressure receiver. Separates liquid and Vapor returning from the evaporators, so that the vapour can be re compressed or condensed. Without it, liquid would enter and damage the compressor
Low pressure receiver is also called
A surge drum or accumulator
Recirculating evaporator advantages
Higher heat transfer since it is completely wetted with liquid. Respond rapidly to changes in load as refrigerant has already gone through a pressure reduction and is awaiting exposure to heat.
Liquid recirculating evaporator is applicable for
Quick freeze and loads that swing from almost no load to full load quickly.
Liquid recirculating evaporator disadvantages
Requires a relatively large and costly refrigerant charge
Needs additional equipment such as surge drum, pumps, level controller. Adds to initial cost
Classes of evaporators according to their Construction
4
Bare tube, plate surface, finned tube, Shell & tube
Bare tube evaporator
Single coil bent in various shapes, or various coils placed in parallel and connected to Common headers. Steel or copper tubing. Used in any type of evaporator
Bare tube evaporators can be used where
Temperature is maintained below 1°C, such as coolers and freezers. Can be submerged in liquid
Plate surface evaporator
Uses a coil and two plates. Can be used individually or in Banks. Usually used as a direct expansion evaporator
Plate surface evaporator is widely used in
Refrigerators, freezers, display cases and Locker plants because it can be easily cleaned with manual scraping.
Finned tube evaporator
Bare tube evaporator coil with fins attached. Used as a direct expansion evaporator.
Finned tube evaporator is the most widely used in
Air conditioning applications. Also used in walk-in coolers and display cases
Shell & tube evaporator
Cylindrical steel Shelf with multiple straight bare tubes in parallel. Used for almost any type of liquid cooling application.