Two main processes as for the refrigeration are (i) Vapour Compression Process and (ii) Vapour Absorption

Process. 1. Vapour Compression Process The refrigerant undergoes a cyclic process of four states: (a) Compression, (c) Expansion, (b) Condensation, (d) Evaporation.

During these four stages of the cyclic process, the refrigerant undergoes changes at pressure and temperature and hence, causes heat (and work) transfers. The desired effect of cooling the confined space, is obtained during a specific part of the cyclic process. The theoretical cycle adopted for the vapour compression process is a Reverse Constant Pressure Cycle. (a) The refrigerant is compressed to follow an adiabatic compression path 1-2. This compression is done at a reciprocating /rotary compressor 'R' which is driven by an electric motor. The work W' for transferring heat from low temperature is admitted here. The refrigerant leaving the compressor is high pressure high temperature (b) The high temperature compressed refrigerant is passed through the Condenser Coils 'C where it rejects the heat Q1 to the atmosphere; i.e., high temperature reservoir and gets cooled. The pressure remains unchanged. For this heat transfer, the temperature of the compressed refrigerant is required to be higher than atmospheric temperature. The condenser coils are simple heat exchanger coils open to atmosphere. At a domestic refrigerator, there coils are placed at the rear of the refrigerator. The process can be seen as 2-3 at the P- V diagram.