Domingo, Joshua Eduard C.
Refrigeration System
BSME 5-0 MEEN 3484
Chapter 1: METHODS OF REFRIGERATION
Discuss and create a schematic diagram for other methods of refrigeration.
Absorption Refrigeration
Absorption refrigeration is a type of refrigeration system that uses a heat source to produce cooling. Unlike
conventional refrigeration systems that use a compressor to compress a refrigerant, absorption refrigeration uses a
combination of a refrigerant and an absorbent to achieve cooling.
The basic principle of absorption refrigeration is that a refrigerant is evaporated by absorbing heat from its
surroundings. This process requires energy, which is typically provided by a heat source such as natural gas,
propane, or waste heat from an industrial process. The refrigerant and absorbent are circulated through a series of
heat exchangers to transfer heat between the two fluids and produce the desired cooling effect.
The most commonly used refrigerant in absorption refrigeration systems is water, which has a high heat of
vaporization and is readily available. The absorbent is typically a solution of lithium bromide or ammonia, which has
a strong affinity for water and can easily absorb it as a vapor.
In operation, the absorption refrigeration cycle starts with the refrigerant being evaporated by absorbing heat from
the surrounding environment. The resulting vapor is then absorbed by the absorbent, which releases the absorbed
heat to the heat source. The absorbed refrigerant and absorbent solution are then separated, and the refrigerant is
condensed back into a liquid using a condenser. The condensed refrigerant is then returned to the evaporator to
repeat the cycle.
One of the main advantages of absorption refrigeration is that it can use waste heat as a heat source, which makes
it an energy-efficient and cost-effective option for industrial applications. It is also a quiet and low-maintenance
system that does not require a compressor, which makes it an ideal option for certain applications.
However, absorption refrigeration does have some disadvantages, including a lower cooling capacity compared to
conventional refrigeration systems, and a larger physical size due to the need for additional components such as the
absorber and generator. It is also less efficient than compression refrigeration when operating at low temperatures,
which limits its use in certain applications.
Overall, absorption refrigeration is a viable alternative to conventional refrigeration systems, particularly for
industrial applications that require a reliable and cost-effective cooling solution.
Steam Jet Refrigeration
Steam jet refrigeration is a type of refrigeration system that uses steam as the working fluid to produce a cooling
effect. The system operates based on the principle of the Joule-Thomson effect, which states that when a gas
expands, its temperature decreases. The basic components of a steam jet refrigeration system include a steam
generator, an ejector, a condenser, and an evaporator.
The steam generator produces the steam that will be used as the working fluid in the system. The steam then
passes through the ejector, which operates by using high-pressure steam to create a vacuum that draws in the
refrigerant vapor from the evaporator. The high-pressure steam and refrigerant vapor mix in the ejector and then
pass through a diffuser that increases the velocity of the mixture. This causes a drop in pressure, which results in
the refrigerant vapor condensing into a liquid in the condenser.
The liquid refrigerant then passes through an expansion valve and into the evaporator, where it evaporates and
absorbs heat from the surrounding environment. The low-pressure steam produced by the evaporation process is
then sent back to the steam generator to be re-heated, completing the refrigeration cycle.
One advantage of steam jet refrigeration is that it can be used with a variety of refrigerants, including water,
ammonia, and Freon. Additionally, the system can operate using waste heat from other processes, making it an
energy-efficient option. However, the system does have some limitations, including a relatively low coefficient of
performance compared to other refrigeration systems and a high cost for initial installation.
Overall, steam jet refrigeration is a viable option for certain applications, such as in industrial settings where waste
heat is readily available, but it may not be the most practical choice for general-purpose refrigeration.
Air Cycle Refrigeration
Air cycle refrigeration is a cooling process that uses air as the working fluid. It is based on the principle of the
Brayton cycle, which is commonly used in gas turbine engines. In an air cycle refrigeration system, air is compressed
and then cooled before it is expanded through a turbine, which drives a compressor that circulates refrigerant
through the system.
The refrigeration cycle is initiated when air enters the compressor and is compressed to a higher pressure. As the
compressed air flows through a heat exchanger, it is cooled, and the resulting heat is removed by a heat sink. The
cooled and compressed air is then expanded through a turbine, which drives a compressor that circulates
refrigerant through the system.
One of the primary advantages of air cycle refrigeration is that it is environmentally friendly, as it does not use any
refrigerants that contribute to ozone depletion or global warming. Additionally, air cycle refrigeration is well-suited
for applications where there is a need for cooling in remote or inaccessible locations, such as on airplanes or in
spacecraft.
However, air cycle refrigeration is less efficient than other refrigeration systems, such as vapor-compression
refrigeration, and is generally not suitable for large-scale cooling applications. Furthermore, air cycle refrigeration
systems require high-pressure air compressors, which can be expensive to operate and maintain.
In conclusion, air cycle refrigeration is a viable cooling solution for certain applications, particularly those where
environmental concerns and mobility are important factors. However, it may not be the best option for large-scale
or high-efficiency cooling applications.
