REFRIGERATION AND AIR-CONDITIONING

Industrial Arts II
Group 4

Brief History of Refrigerator

Refrigeration as it is known these days is produced by artificial means. Though it is very
difficult to make a clear demarcation between natural and artificial refrigeration, it is generally
agreed that the history of artificial refrigeration began in the year 1755.
William Cullen the Scottish professor made the first refrigerating machine, which could
produce a small quantity of ice in the laboratory. This machine had a pump and a container of
diethyl ether. The pump made a vacuum in the container which lowered the boiling point of the
ether. Boiling ether absorbed the heat from the surrounding air.
In 1805 when American inventor Oliver Evans invented a closed vapor-compression
refrigeration cycle again based on ether which had its boiling point lowered by vacuum.
Jacob Perkins built the first working vapor-compression refrigeration system in the
world in 1834. His system had a closed cycle and could operate without waste. Although
practical, it did not succeed commercially.
John Gorrie an American physician built a working prototype in 1842 and planned to use
it for cooling the air in tropical homes, but this one was also a commercial failure.
James Harrison, a British journalist who had immigrated to Australia, built a mechanical
ice-making machine in 1851 and made the first commercial ice-making machine in 1854. He
patented it in 1856. This machine used ether, alcohol, or ammonia while later models used
ammonia dissolved in water, sulfur dioxide, and methyl chloride. These refrigerators were also
used in breweries and meat packing houses.
In 1913, Fred W. Wolf of Fort Wayne, Indiana produced refrigerators for home and
domestic use, which were typically a unit set on top of an ice box, and many others improved
on the concept.
In 1914, Nathaniel B. Wales of Detroit, Michigan, proposed a refrigeration device
powered by electricity. In 1916, Alfred Mellowes developed a refrigerator with a compressor
located at the bottom of the cabinet. His concept was purchased in 1918 by the Frigidaire
Company, which began mass-producing refrigerators. Kelvinator Company began making
refrigerators in the same year, based on Nathaniel B. Wales' refrigerators and the first to have
automatic temperature control. By 1923, they had 80% of the electric refrigerator market.
 Baltzar von Platen and Carl Munters of Sweden devised an absorption refrigerator in
1922, which employs a heat source to produce the energy required to drive the chilling
mechanism.
Mechanical parts, such as motors and compressors, were frequently housed in the
basement or an adjacent room, whereas the cold box was positioned in the kitchen. Frigidaire
introduced the first self-contained device without this notion and with all of its parts in one
enclosure in 1923. General Electric's "Monitor-Top" refrigerator, introduced in 1927, was the
first to gain widespread popularity. Its name refers to the gun turret of the ironclad cruiser USS
Monitor from the 1860s.

Refrigeration:
It can be defined as the process of transferring heat from a low temperature region to s
high temperature region.

Principle of Refrigeration:
Refrigeration is based on the second rule of thermodynamics. It states that heat cannot
go from a low-temperature body to a high-temperature one without the assistance of external
work.
Because heat must be moved from a low-temperature body to a high-temperature body
throughout the refrigeration process, some external work is required, as demonstrated by the
second law of thermodynamics. A refrigerator is a machine that uses this concept to provide
refrigeration.

Terms of Refrigerator
1. Refrigerator:
It is a machine that extracts heat from the body at an extremely low temperature and
returns it to the body at a higher temperature. Thus, it cools the entire body.
2. Refrigerant:
It is a material that functions as a fluid that works in refrigerators. The refrigerant has a
low boiling point, which means it vaporizes at low temperatures and absorbs heat from a
substance.
3. Capacity of Refrigerator:
It refers to the pace at which heat can be extracted from a cold body. It simply refers to
the rate at which refrigeration may be produced. Its unit of measurement is the ton of
refrigeration. A ton of refrigeration is defined as the amount of heat required to freeze one ton
of water into ice at 0°C in 24 hours. Its value is 3.5 KW.
4. Refrigerant Effect:
It is defined as the ratio of heat removed to the time required. And refers to the
quantity of heat absorbed by a refrigerant during a phase transition (evaporation) inside the
evaporator coils of a refrigeration system.
Refrigeration Effect = Heat removed/Time taken
5. Coefficient of Performance (COP):
 The coefficient of performance (COP) is a measure of the efficiency of a refrigeration
system or heat pump. It's defined as the ratio of the desired output (cooling or heating) to
the required input (work or energy). The COP formula varies slightly depending on whether
you're calculating it for a refrigeration system or a heat pump.

COP = Refrigeration Effect/Work done

Types of Refrigeration
1. Vapor Compression Refrigeration (VCR)
2. Vapor Absorption Refrigeration (VAR)

1. Vapor Compression Refrigeration System (VCRS)

This particular type of refrigeration technology is most typically found in residential
refrigerators. During a cycle of VCRS, the vapor alternates between vapor and liquid phases. It is
also a highly compressed fluid that becomes cooler when allowed to expand.
Vapor Compression Refrigeration System has the following components at its basic
parts.
Compressor: The function of compressor is to compress the
input refrigerant of low pressure and low temperature. As a
result the pressure and the temperature of the refrigerant
increases.

Condenser: The condenser is a coil of tubes, which made of

copper. This is used to condense the refrigerant which is in
the form of vapor. And convert into liquid.

Expansion Valve: this is otherwise called throttle valve.

This valve is used to control the flow rate of the refrigerant
and also to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant.

Evaporator: This is the part in which the cooling takes

place. This kept in the space where cooling is required. It is
coil of tubes made up of copper.
Working Principle:
The refrigerant circulates through a system, changing its state from liquid to vapor. This
process absorbs and expels heat, lowering the conditioned space's temperature. The low-
pressure and low-temperature refrigerant flows into a compressor, where it is compressed and
converted into high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerants. These vapors pass through a
condenser, condensing into high-pressure liquid refrigerants. The high-pressure liquid
refrigerant then evaporates through an expansion valve, causing a drop in pressure and
temperature. It flows into an evaporator, where it is mostly evaporated and converted into low-
pressure vapor.
The low-
pressure
vapor

refrigerant enters the compressor, repeating the cycle, resulting in a material being cooled in a
vapor compression system
2. Vapor Absorption Refrigeration System:
A Vapor Absorption Refrigeration System (VARS) is a refrigeration technology that
absorbs refrigerant vapors after evaporation into an absorber solution. The basic VARS
configuration includes the following main components: absorber, pump, generator, pressure
relief valve, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator.

 Ammonia vapor is absorbed into water

 This mixture is pumped into a high-pressure cycle
 This solution is heated to produce ammonia vapor
The various parts of the Vapor Absorption Refrigeration System are:
1. Absorber: The absorber is a device that absorbs low-pressure refrigerant vapors from a
mixture of refrigerant and absorbent. It absorbs the weaker solution from the generator
and the low-pressure vapors from the evaporator, resulting in a more concentrated
solution. However, the refrigerant vapors release latent heat, causing a temperature rise
that can reduce the absorbent's absorption capacity. To counteract this, cooling water is
used.
2. Generator: The generator's major function is to raise the temperature of the concentrated
solution, which is accomplished by heating coils, solar energy, or waste heat utilization.
Because the refrigerant has a lower boiling point than the absorbent, it evaporates and
weakens the solution.
3. Pump: The pump is responsible for extracting the highly concentrated solution from the
absorber and delivering it to the generator at high pressure.
4. Condenser: The condenser converts high-pressure ammonia vapor from the generator into
high-pressure ammonia liquid through the circulation of cool water. This process results in
the transformation of the refrigerant vapors into high-pressure saturated liquid refrigerant.
5. Expansion Valve: This valve is also known as the throttling valve since the expansion that
occurs here is throttled. While flowing through this valve, liquid ammonia expands and is
turned into low-pressure, low-temperature ammonia.
6. Evaporator: The evaporator, situated in an enclosed chamber, is responsible for cooling by
absorbing heat from the surrounding environment, converting the low-pressure liquid
refrigerant into low-pressure refrigerant vapors through heat absorption.
Working Principle:
The process of a refrigeration system involves the absorption of low-pressure dry
ammonia vapor into cold water, forming a concentrated solution called Aqua Ammonia. This
solution is then heated by the hot, weak solution returning from the generator to the absorber.
The warm solution is further heated, causing ammonia vapor to separate from the solution. The
remaining weak ammonia solution, known as weak aqua, is recirculated to the absorber. To
prevent freezing and choked flow, any water vapor is intercepted before reaching the
condenser and expansion valve. The system includes analyzers and rectifiers to separate
ammonia from water vapor.
 The ammonia vapor then passes through a rectifier, which condenses the remaining
water vapor. The nearly pure ammonia vapor then proceeds to the condenser, where the latent
heat is transferred to cooling water, causing the ammonia vapor to condense into liquid form.
This partially evaporated liquid is directed to the evaporator, where it fully vaporizes. The low-
pressure ammonia vapor exiting the evaporator returns to the absorber, completing the
refrigeration cycle. This refrigeration cycle is repeatedly carried out to provide cooling.
Application of Refrigeration:

 In manufacturing ice
 For preserving perishable food materials
 For cooling water
 For preserving blood and medicines
 Other industries

DOMESTIC REFRIGERATOR:
There are two types of domestic
refrigerators: single-door fresh food
refrigerators and two-door refrigerator-
freezer combinations. They are self-
contained, easy-to-install devices that use R-
22 refrigerant. In the freezer, temperatures
are normally kept at 0°F, whereas in the
refrigerator, they are kept between 35°F and
45°F. Technicians must be competent in
conducting maintenance and repair duties on
home refrigerators, water coolers, and ice makers.
Single-Door Fresh Food Refrigerator
A single-door fresh food refrigerator
contains an evaporator and a condenser, with
cold air naturally circulating throughout the
refrigerated area. The shelves allow air to flow
freely, avoiding the requirement for a fan. The
refrigerator features a manual defrost function,
which requires occasional turning off to melt
frost buildup. The outside and inside finishes are
often baked-on enamel, with porcelain enamel
on steel cabinet liners. The interior comes with
shelves, lights, thermostats, and temperature
controls. The refrigerator's manual defrost
function necessitates repeated off-turning to
melt frost accumulation.
Single-door refrigerators are small units that store both fresh and frozen foods in one
compartment, typically less than 14 cubic feet. They have a small capacity and are accessible to
seated individuals, with freezer compartment doors opening on the side for easy access.

Two-Door Refrigerator-Freezer Combination

The two-door refrigerator-freezer
combo is a common type of refrigerator,
comparable to fresh food refrigerators but
with an evaporator in both the freezer and
refrigerator sections. Because of their
independent architecture, these units use
forced air circulation throughout both
chambers. The three types of evaporator
defrost systems are manual, automated,
and frost-free. Automatic defrosting uses
heat from the compressor discharge line
and condenser, whereas frost-free
refrigerator-freezers include an evaporator outside the refrigerated chamber. A fan draws air
over the evaporator and forces it into the freezer and refrigerator compartments while the
cycle is operating, and the evaporators defrost automatically when the cycle is turned off.

A two-door refrigerator includes two distinct doors for opening and storing food,
allowing you to easily access the freezer without having to open the main door. These larger
refrigerators are perfect for families of 4-5 people.
 AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
Brief History of Air Conditioning
In 1902, Willis Haviland Carrier invented the first modern air conditioner, a system that
used cold water coils to cool air and remove moisture from room humidity. This system was
adapted from mechanical refrigeration concepts and was developed by the Carrier Air
Conditioning Company of America in 1933. This device became the model for air-cooling
systems in the growing U.S. marketplace.
Willis Haviland Carrier, an American inventor, is credited with creating contemporary air
conditioning, which employs the same fundamental physics as Carrier's 1933 system but
integrates advances in vapor compression, diagnostics, controls, electronic sensors, materials,
and energy efficiency.
In 1945, Massachusetts-based Robert Sherman produced a portable air conditioner that
chilled, heated, humidified, dehumidified, and filtered air, opening the way for widespread use
in the second half of the twentieth century.
Air Conditioning
It is the process of controlling and preserving air qualities such as temperature,
humidity, purity, and flow direction in a closed space. Air conditioning allows one to create the
desired environment.
Air conditioning systems consist of various components that work together to provide cooling,
ventilation, and humidity control. Here are some key components:
1. Compressor: The compressor is the heart of the air conditioning system. It is responsible
for compressing the refrigerant gas, increasing its pressure and temperature before it
flows to the condenser.
2. Condenser Coil: The condenser coil is located in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. It
receives the high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant vapor from the compressor and
converts it into a high-pressure liquid by dissipating heat into the outdoor air.
3. Evaporator Coil: The evaporator coil is located in the indoor unit of the air conditioner. It
receives the high-pressure liquid refrigerant from the condenser and allows it to expand
and evaporate into a low-pressure gas. This process absorbs heat from the indoor air,
cooling it down.
4. Expansion Valve: Also known as the metering device, the expansion valve regulates the
flow of refrigerant into the evaporator coil. It controls the pressure and temperature of
the refrigerant as it enters the coil, ensuring optimal cooling performance.
5. Refrigerant: Refrigerant is the substance circulating through the air conditioning system,
absorbing and releasing heat to provide cooling. Common refrigerants include R-410A, R-
22 (phased out due to environmental concerns), and R-134a.
 6. Blower Fan: The blower fan is located in the indoor unit and is responsible for circulating
air over the evaporator coil. It blows cooled air into the ductwork to distribute it
throughout the building.
7. Thermostat: The thermostat is a control device that allows users to set and maintain the
desired temperature inside the building. It senses the temperature and signals the air
conditioning system to turn on or off accordingly.
8. Ductwork: Ductwork is a network of channels or pipes that distribute cooled air from the
air conditioning system to different rooms or areas within a building. It also returns air to
the system for reconditioning.
9. Air Filter: The air filter traps dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from the indoor air
as it passes through the air conditioning system. It helps improve indoor air quality and
prevents debris from entering the system's components.
10. Condenser Fan: The condenser fan is located in the outdoor unit and helps dissipate heat
from the condenser coil into the outdoor air. It improves the efficiency of the
condensation process by increasing airflow over the coil.

Working on an Air Conditioning System

An air conditioning system comprises dampers, an air filter, a cooling coil, a spray
humidifier, a heating coil, and a fan. The dampers regulate the quantity of airflow, while the air
filter eliminates dirt and pollutants. The cooling coil brings the air below its dew point
temperature, eliminating water vapor in the form of droplets. To achieve dehumidification, the
cooling coil's surface temperature must be kept below the dew point. The evacuated water is
collected in the sump and drained. The air temperature leaving the cooling coil is lower than
the ambient temperature, making it more comfortable. In dry weather, a spray humidifier
raises humidity, whereas in wet weather, the heating coil regulates high relative humidity. A
comfortable temperature is 23°C and 60% relative humidity is required. The conditioned air is
supplied to the conditioned space by a fan and ducts.

Types of Air Conditioning System

 Central air conditioning systems
 Split air conditioning systems
 Window air conditioner systems
 Portable air conditioners
 Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTAC)

 Central air conditioning systems - which are often

installed outside a building, are used to cool entire buildings or
 numerous rooms by distributing cooled air all over, making them common in larger
residential residences, commercial buildings, and industrial sites.

 Split air conditioning systems

outside unit with the compressor and condenser coil. These
adaptable systems are popular in both home and small
commercial settings.

 Window air conditioners - are self-contained systems that fit directly into window
openings. They include a compressor, condenser, evaporator,
and blower fan. They are great for cooling individual rooms or
tiny spaces, as seen in condominiums, workplaces, and single-
room expansions.

 Portable air
hose to vent hot air outdoors through a window or wall
opening, which makes them a practical alternative to typical
air conditioning systems.

 Packaged Terminal Air

complexes that are installed via an outer wall. They provide
individual room control and are normally controlled by a
thermostat located in the room.

References:
History of refrigerators - Evolution of the refrigerator. (n.d.).

http://www.historyofrefrigeration.com/refrigeration-history/history-of-refrigerator/
Murthy, R. (2016). Lesson 1 History of refrigeration. www.academia.edu.

https://www.academia.edu/27556080/Lesson_1_History_Of_Refrigeration

Testbook. (2023, October 4). Vapour absorption Refrigeration System- diagram, parts, working.

Testbook. https://testbook.com/mechanical-engineering/vapour-absorption-refrigeration-

system

Global Cooling: The History of air conditioning. (n.d.).

https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/global-cooling-the-history-of-air-

conditioning

Wikipedia contributors. (2024b, March 26). Air conditioning. Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_conditioning#History

Wikipedia contributors. (2024c, March 26). Air conditioning. Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_conditioning#Types