Refrigeration and Air Conditioning - Detailed Notes
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) - Detailed Notes
1. Introduction
Refrigeration is the process of removing heat from a substance or space to reduce its temperature below
ambient. Air conditioning involves the control of temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and distribution of air
within a space.
2. Basic Concepts
- Refrigeration Effect: Amount of heat removed per unit mass of refrigerant.
- Ton of Refrigeration: 1 Ton = 210 kJ/min = 3.5 kW.
- Heat: Energy in transit due to temperature difference.
- Sensible Heat: Causes change in temperature.
- Latent Heat: Causes phase change without temperature change.
3. Types of Refrigeration Systems
- Vapour Compression Refrigeration System (VCRS)
- Vapour Absorption Refrigeration System (VARS)
- Thermoelectric Refrigeration
- Gas Cycle Refrigeration
- Solar Refrigeration
4. Vapour Compression Refrigeration Cycle (VCRC)
Steps:
1. Compression: Low pressure vapour compressed to high pressure.
2. Condensation: High pressure vapour condensed to liquid in the condenser.
3. Expansion: High pressure liquid expanded through expansion valve.
4. Evaporation: Low pressure liquid absorbs heat and evaporates.
Main Components:
- Compressor
- Condenser
- Expansion Device (Capillary tube, Thermostatic expansion valve)
- Evaporator
5. Vapour Absorption Refrigeration Cycle (VARC)
- Uses heat energy instead of mechanical energy.
- Common refrigerant-absorbent pair: Ammonia-Water.
- Components: Generator, Condenser, Evaporator, Absorber, Pump, Expansion Valve.
6. Refrigerants
Properties of Ideal Refrigerant:
- Low boiling point
- High latent heat of vaporization
- Non-toxic, non-flammable
- Chemically stable
- Environmentally safe (Low ODP and GWP)
Types of Refrigerants:
- CFCs: R-11, R-12 (Phased out due to high ODP)
- HCFCs: R-22 (Transitional)
- HFCs: R-134a, R-410A (No ODP but high GWP)
- Natural: Ammonia (R-717), CO2 (R-744), Propane (R-290), Isobutane (R-600a)
7. Air Conditioning Systems
Types:
- Window AC
- Split AC
- Central Air Conditioning
- Package AC
- Ductable Systems
Functions:
- Cooling and Heating
- Humidification and Dehumidification
- Air Filtration and Ventilation
- Air Movement
8. Psychrometry
Study of moist air and its properties.
- Dry Bulb Temperature (DBT)
- Wet Bulb Temperature (WBT)
- Dew Point Temperature (DPT)
- Relative Humidity (RH)
- Specific Humidity
- Enthalpy
- Psychrometric Chart: Graphical representation of air properties.
9. Duct Design and Air Distribution
- Duct Types: Rectangular, Circular
- Air flow measurement: Anemometer, Manometer
- Losses: Frictional, Dynamic
- Air terminals: Diffusers, Grilles, Registers
10. Load Calculation
- Sensible and Latent Loads
- External Loads: Solar radiation, ventilation, outside air temp
- Internal Loads: People, lights, equipment
- Cooling Load Temperature Difference (CLTD) method
11. Controls in HVAC
- Thermostats
- Pressure switches
- Humidistats
- Relays and Contactors
- Electronic Controllers
12. Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Common Issues:
- Refrigerant leakage
- Compressor failure
- Dirty filters and coils
- Electrical faults
- Thermostat malfunction
Maintenance Tips:
- Regularly clean or replace filters
- Check refrigerant levels
- Clean evaporator and condenser coils
- Inspect fan motors and belts
13. Environmental Considerations
- Montreal Protocol: Phase-out of CFCs/HCFCs
- Global Warming Potential (GWP)
- Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
- Shift towards eco-friendly refrigerants
14. Applications of RAC
- Domestic: Refrigerators, Room AC
- Commercial: Cold storage, Supermarkets
- Industrial: Food processing, Pharmaceuticals
- Transportation: Reefer trucks, Railway coaches
- Special: Data centers, Hospitals, Clean rooms
15. Safety in RAC
- Use of PPE (gloves, goggles)
- Proper ventilation
- Handling refrigerants carefully
- Electrical safety during servicing
