How Does Refrigerant Work in Refrigeration System

Here are some typical operating conditions. As pressures differ from refrigerant to refrigerant, we must commit temperatures to memory.

LP Side (Low pressure)

Temperature of the air at the evaporator inlet: Tai ~ 24°C.

ΔTtotal at the evaporator ~ 18°C (normal value 16 to 20°C).

Evaporation temperature To = Tai – ΔTtotal = 23 – 18°C = 5°C.

Low pressure shown on LP gauge: Pg ~ 4.8 bar which is only applicable for R22 refrigerant.

Superheat = 5K (normal value 5 to 10K)

HP Side (High pressure)

Temperature of the air at the condenser inlet: Tai ~ 30°C.

ΔTtotal at the condenser ~ 15°C (normal value 10 to 20°C).

Condensation temperature Tk = Tai + ΔTtotal = 30 – 15°C = 45°C.

High pressure shown on HP gauge: Pg ~ 16.3 bar which is only applicable for R22 refrigerant.

Sub-cooling = 5K (normal value 4 to 7K)

As we’ve already seen, the compressor’s role is to draw refrigerant from the LP side and discharge it on the HP side.

You must understand that the compressor doesn’t control the LP and HP pressures. Instead, pressures depend on ΔTtotal of the evaporator (for the LP) and ΔTtotal of the condenser (for the HP). And the air temperature at the inlet of each of these heat exchangers.

During the 80s, piston compressors were typical in comfort air conditioning. Since then, other types, such as rotary and scroll compressors, have become predominant because of noise levels and for performance and reliability reasons.