LESSON

INTRODUCTION TO REFRIGERATION

LECTURE
SUB-OBJECTIVE
At the end of this Lesson the Trainee will be able to:
1.
Demonstrate an understanding of
refrigeration.
1.0

the basic systems of

INTRODUCTION
This lesson describes and illustrates basic refrigeration systems. Refrigeration
systems may be classified in several ways: by type of refrigerant control, type of
motor control, compression system, absorption systems and so on. Similar
systems will be grouped together.
EACH BASIC REFRIGERATION SYSTEM EXPLANATION:
1.

The name of the system

2.

Shows a schematic diagram of the system.

3.

Describes how the system works.

4.

Names some common uses of the system.

5.

Names the motor controls used.

It is important that one become familiar with the fundamental operating
principles of the common systems described in this lesson.

2.0

OPEN - EXTERNAL DRIVE - REFRIGERATING SYSTEM

In this system, the compressor is usually belt driven from an electric motor. The
speed of the compressor is usually considerably less than the speed of the motor.
Using a small pulley on the motor shaft and a larger pulley (flywheel) on the
compressor shaft does this. Most early refrigerating systems were like this Fig. 31.1. Illustrates an open system.
The liquid refrigerant flows through the thermostatic expansion valve into the
evaporator where it is under low pressure. It boils, vaporizes and absorbs heat in
the evaporator.
When the compressor is running, the vaporized refrigerant is drawn through the
suction line to the compressor. It is compressed to a high pressure before being

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discharged into the condenser. In the condenser, the vapor gives up its latent heat
of vaporization, is cooled and returns to a liquid. From here the cycle is repeated.
A pressure motor control is shown. The starting mechanism on external drive
(open) system motors is usually built into the motor. The system requires a
crankshaft seal on the compressor. The motor and the compressor drive are at
atmospheric pressure.
The pressure inside the crankcase will vary depending upon the refrigerant used
and the temperature. Sometimes it may be considerably above atmospheric
pressure; at other times, it may be below. Refrigerant vapor cannot be allowed to
flow out or air to flow into the crankcase. Either would quickly ruin the operation
of the system.

Fig. 3-1-1. Compression system using external drives (open) type compressor.
The Crankshaft seal is required at the place where the crankshaft extends through
the crankcase of compressor.
3.0

COMPRESSION
CONTROL

SYSTEM

USING

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LESSON 1 PAGE 2

HIGH-SIDE

FLOAT

REFRIGERANT

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BASIC REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS

The high-side float system is a flooded system. The evaporator is always filled
with liquid refrigerant.
Fig. 3-1-2 is a schematic diagram of this system. As the compressor runs, liquid
refrigerant flows from the liquid line into the high-side float mechanism.
As soon as enough liquid refrigerant has entered the high-side float mechanism, it
will raise the float ball. The refrigerant will then begin to flow through the control
to the evaporator. Since the evaporator is under low pressure, the tubing
connecting the high-side float and the evaporator should be insulated. A capillary
tube refrigerant line is frequently used.
If a different size line is used, it should have a weight valve at the evaporator to
prevent the refrigerant from evaporating in the connecting line. Fig. 3-1-2 shows 3
weight valve in the connecting line.
Refrigerant entering the evaporator is under low pressure (see green). It will
rapidly evaporate (boil) and absorb heat from the evaporator.
The vapor then flows thorough the suction line to the compressor, where it is
compressed (squeezed) to the high-side pressure (see blue). In the condenser,
the heat absorbed in the evaporator is removed and the refrigerant is returned to
the liquid state. It flows into the high side mechanism where the cycle is repeated.
It is easy to service but the amount of refrigerant charged into the system must be
very accurately measured.

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Fig. 3-1-2. Compression system using high side float refrigerant control.

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