The working principle of a refrigerator is based on the process of heat transfer using a refrigeration cycle. This cycle relies on the principle of evaporation and condensation to remove heat from the inside of the refrigerator and release it outside. The main components involved in this cycle are the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator.
Here’s how a refrigerator works:
- Compression: The refrigerant gas, typically a chemical compound like Freon, enters the compressor as a low-pressure, low-temperature gas. The compressor compresses the gas, which increases its pressure and temperature.
- Condensation: The high-pressure, hot gas then moves to the condenser coils located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator. As the gas moves through the coils, it releases heat to the surrounding air and cools down, turning into a high-pressure liquid.
- Expansion: The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows into the expansion valve, which reduces its pressure. As the pressure drops, the refrigerant expands and cools, turning into a cold liquid-gas mixture.
- Evaporation: The cold refrigerant enters the evaporator coils inside the refrigerator. As the refrigerant evaporates, it absorbs heat from the inside of the fridge, lowering the temperature. The refrigerant, now a low-pressure gas, returns to the compressor to repeat the cycle.
This continuous cycle of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation efficiently removes heat from the refrigerator’s interior, keeping it cool. The process is powered by electricity and enables refrigerators to store food at a safe temperature, slowing down the growth of bacteria and preserving freshness.
In summary, a refrigerator works by circulating a refrigerant through a cycle of compression and expansion, transferring heat from inside the unit to the outside, thus maintaining a cold environment inside for food preservation.