The Refrigeration Cycle: Controls for Every Phase
Cold can’t be given to an object or space. Heat must be removed. Refrigeration is the process of continuously removing this heat from one place and transferring it to another. The refrigeration cycle has four basic parts – all regulated by PENN controls.
- The compressor pumps refrigerant through the system at a specified flow rate and pressure. Refrigerant enters as a low-pressure gas. As it is compressed, it absorbs heat; its temperature and pressure rise.
- In the condensing unit, the gas is cooled by air or water. The gas releases the heat it had picked up and returns to liquid form.
- In the refrigerant storage area, a metering device reduces the pressure and controls the flow of the liquid refrigerant en route to the evaporator.
- In the evaporator, the liquid absorbs heat from the surroundings and changes back to a gas. This gas returns to the compressor to repeat the cycle.