How Your Refrigerator is Supposed to Work

Refrigeration Cycle diagrams are often confusing when first introduced to. Thermodynamic or Thermodynamics are the mathematical and conceptual models for refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumping systems. A heat pump is simply a physical device that enables for the transportation of heat from one place to another place at a lower temperature. This transfer of energy takes place at a constant temperature. A Refrigeration Cycle works on this same premise, but instead of transferring heat from a location to a location the system allows the transfer of cold from a location to a location.

This process of converting air into a liquid form or from a solid to a non-solid form, makes use of a number of thermodynamics principles. The Refrigeration Cycle includes many of these principles as it influences how an appliance operates. This is in comparison with the principles that govern how an air conditioner or freezer functions

A Refrigeration Cycle begins by an element being heated up to its boiling point. The heated element is then pushed by a pressure vessel into a cooled container. This process of heating and cooling consumes heat energy. Heat energy is absorbed by the compressor, which in turn pushes cold air out into the cold fluid medium. The process continues until the refrigerant reaches its dew point, which happens when the coolant reaches its boiling point as well.

The Refrigeration Cycle in an ice machine operates similarly to the Refrigeration Cycle in your refrigerator. In an ice machine, the compressor warms up water in the reservoir until it reaches its boiling point. The water is then pumped into the evaporator coil where it absorbs heat energy. Once the water reaches its dew point, it then releases the heat into the air where it warms the surrounding air. This service is best offered by an experienced firm.

The Refrigeration Cycle in your home refrigerator functions almost the same way except for one important detail. Your refrigerator will have two different compartments: one place for the cooling liquid and one place for the heating liquid. Your evaporator coil is one place where both liquid elements come together. All that changes in this case is the location of the heating element.

When it comes to the Refrigeration Cycle, most refrigerators are designed with a system where the compressor warms up a fluid (in this case, water) while the colder fluid flows past an end (in this case, a fan). This creates a pumping effect where a great deal of pressure is created and directed into a lower temperature of the fluid. The end result is that a relatively small amount of heated fluid is produced, which is then released into the lower temperature of space.

Check out this post that has expounded on the topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refrigeration#History.