How Does A Refrigerator Work?

The primary aim of a refrigerator is to keep its contents cool and fresh preventing them from rotting or decaying. A refrigerant gas is passed across the entire appliance through a compressor channel which absorbs heat from the stored food items and expels this heat outside.

So, while this consumer durable item has become of prime importance, it is crucial to take a look at the science behind the working mechanism of fridges.

How does a Fridge Work?

Be it a mini fridge or a large one, the appliance functions based on a single principle. It absorbs heat from the interiors, thereby, making it cooler. A coolant in the form of CFC carbon is passed through the framework of a refrigerator with the help of communicating pipelines. It absorbs heat from surrounding objects and dissipates the same externally through the rear of the fridge.

Here’s taking a look at the working constituents of a refrigerator:

1. Compressor:

A compressor sits at the heart of any single or double door refrigerator. It essentially consists of a motor which pulls in the refrigerant or coolant from the evaporator and transforms it into a high pressure and low-temperature gas through a forced compression mechanism.

2. Expansion valve:

This device holds responsibility for controlling the flow of the coolant into a refrigeration system. The expansion valve of a refrigerator is highly sensitive to fluctuating temperatures of the system, and due to its small size, it fits comfortably within the terminal of the compressor.

3. Condenser:

Heat absorbed from the interiors of a compact refrigerator needs to be dissipated to the surroundings, and this is done with the help of a condenser. It works by liquefying the existing gaseous refrigerant and thereby spelling this heat to the surroundings.

Converting this liquid to condensation temperature aids in circulating the liquid or CFC around the system.

4. Evaporator:

The evaporator consists of finned tubes which perform the exact job of cooling all materials inside a refrigerator. These finned tubes are made of metal that sports high thermal connectivity and facilitates easier heat absorption of materials. A coil sits at the end of these finned tubes which absorbs all the produced heat as it is blown through a fan.

As the evaporator absorbs all the heat from the interiors of a refrigerator, the liquid coolant gradually converts into vapour and moves to the condenser as mentioned in the above step.

5. Refrigerant:

All refrigerators, irrespective of their price or size, consist of a refrigerant or coolant that allows continuing their refrigeration cycle without hindrance. This specifically designed chemical projects possibilities of transforming from hot gas to a cool liquid and vice versa.

While CFC or Chlorofluorocarbons were a prevalent choice of refrigerant or liquid in the 20^th century, now, this CFC is being replaced by more affordable and environment-friendly options such as R-600A, R-290, etc.

Working Mechanism of a Refrigerator –

Initially, the coolant which is in a liquid state goes through the expansion valve and therefore, transforms into a cool gas due to the sudden decrease in pressure. This cool gas in a double door or single door refrigerator next passes through a chiller cabinet, where it gradually absorbs heat from the existing items.

Once done, this cool to hot gas is transported to the condenser where all the heat from this vapour is dissipated transforming the gas back into liquid and is ready for re-circulating.

How to Buy a Refrigerator?

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