Thermodynamics, Mike Beacham

1. Thermodynamics and
Refrigeration: Simplified
Mike Beacham

2. Thermodynamics and Refrigeration:
Simplified
Mike Beacham, refrigeration energy expert,
summarizes the thermodynamic energy processes
involved in everyday refrigeration.

3. Thermodynamics and Refrigeration:
Simplified
Refrigeration is based on heat transferring from a
low-temperature region to a high temperature
region. To accomplish this, a refrigerator has four
main parts: a compressor, condenser, expansion
valve, and evaporator that work together like this:

4. Thermodynamics and Refrigeration:
Simplified
1. The compressor, powered by electricity, (when
you plug your refrigerator in) compresses the
refrigerant gas. This gas expands and moves to the
condenser (coils) as a super-heated vapor.

5. Thermodynamics and Refrigeration:
Simplified
2. The condenser coils dissipate the heat and cool
down the refrigerant vapor into liquid at high
pressure.

6. Thermodynamics and Refrigeration:
Simplified
3. The expansion valve regulates the pressurized
refrigerant as it enters the evaporator. This sharp
change in pressure causes the refrigerant to
immediately boil and evaporate, taking heat from
the surrounding evaporator.

7. Thermodynamics and Refrigeration:
Simplified
4. The refrigerant flows back into the compressor
and the cycle starts over.

8. Thermodynamics and Refrigeration:
Simplified
These transfers of heat from one area to another
are what essentially cause the cooling on the inside
of your refrigerator.