REFRIGERATION AND AIR-CONDITIONING

Ventilation: Ventilation is
the process by which Temperature / Humidity Ranges for
‘Clean’ air (normally Comfort
outdoor air) is
Acceptable
intentionally provided to a
Relative Operating
space and stale air is Conditions
Humidity Temperatures
removed. This may be
accomplished by either °C °F
natural or mechanical
means. Ventilation is If 30%, 24.5 -
Summer
needed to provide oxygen then 28 76 - 82
light
for metabolism and to If 60%, 23 - 74 - 78
clothing
dilute metabolic pollutants then 25.5
(carbon dioxide and
If 30%,
odour). It is also used to Winter 20.5 -
then 69 - 78
assist in maintaining good warm 25.5
If 60%, 68 - 75
indoor air quality by clothing 20 - 24
then
diluting and removing
other pollutants emitted
within a space but should
not be used as a substitute
for proper source control
of pollutants. Good
ventilation is a major
contributor to the health
and comfort of building
occupants.

IHM Notes Site ©

Air infiltration and
exfiltration: In addition to
intentional ventilation, air Reco
inevitably enters a building mme
by the process of ‘air nded
infiltration’. This is the Relat
uncontrolled flow of air into Prod ive
a space through adventitious uct Hum
or unintentional gaps and idity
cracks –
in the building envelope. The RH -
corresponding loss of air from (%)
an enclosed space is termed
‘exfiltration’. Suga
Air re-circulation: Air re- r 20 -
circulation is frequently used in Stor 35%
commercial buildings to provide age
for thermal conditioning. Bre
35 -
Re-circulated air is usually weri
45%
filtered for dust removal but, since es
oxygen is not replenished and Coff
metabolic pollutants are not ee 30 -
removed, re-circulation should not Pow 40%
usually be considered as der
contributing towards ventilation Milk
needs. Pow
Air conditioning is the removal of heat 20 -
der
from indoor air for thermal comfort. In 35%
Stor
another sense, the term can refer to any age
Advantages of Air conditioning
Better quality of work environment
form of cooling, heating, ventilation, or
disinfection that modifies the condition of Seed Controlled humidity
35Reduces
- corrosive atmosphere
air. An air conditioner (often referred to as Stor Better psychological impact
45%
Better comfort level
AC or air con.) is an appliance, system, or age
Improves efficiency and activity
machine designed to stabilize the air Cleanliness
Low noise level
temperature and humidity within an area
(used for cooling as well as heating
depending on the air properties at a given
time), typically using a refrigeration cycle
but sometimes using evaporation,
commonly for comfort cooling in
buildings and motor vehicles.
A room air conditioner most commonly
fits into a window is a unitary system as

IHM Notes Site ©

opposed to a Central system, though there
are models that can be installed into an
exterior wall. Whether mounted in a
window or wall, this type of air
conditioner plugs into a standard electrical
outlet and doesn't need special wiring.
Maintaining Room Air- Keep the grill and condenser coil dry. Use a soft brush to remove dust. Bent grills
conditioners should be straightened. Wipe fan blades with cloth and keep dry.

A room air conditioner pulls hot air in from the outside and cools it with a fairly
complicated process that involves a refrigerant gas, compression, heat
absorption, condensation, coils and a fan that blows the cooled air into the
room. It's essential to determine the size of the area you want to cool: If you
buy too small a unit, it will keep running, increasing your electricity bills
without making you feel much cooler. If the unit is too large for the space, it
will cool but very inefficiently with humidity build-up, leaving you feeling cold
and clammy.
A central air conditioner cools your entire house at once using a condenser (usually
located outside) and a fan-and-coil system and ductwork that brings the cooled air to
each room and returns the air for cooling again. It usually works in tandem with a
forced-air furnace and its related ducting; for lack of that type of furnace, the cooling
coils and fan will be in the attic, with ductwork coming from it to deliver the cooled air.
Dry Bulb It is the temperature recorded by a thermometer which is
Temperature not affected by moisture.
Dew Point It is the temperature of air at which water vapour in air
Temperature starts condensing.
Specific It is the mass in kg. of water vapour contained in the air-
Humidity or water mixture per kg. of dry air. It is the ratio of mass of
Humidity Ratio water vapour to the mass of dry air in a certain volume of
mixture.
Wet Bulb The bulb is covered with muslin wick wetted with water is
Temperature moved past unsaturated air at velocity of 300 m/min. The
temperature reading obtained is wet bulb temperature.
Actual Humidity Actual quantity of water in a given amount of air.
Load on air- Amount of heat that must be removed from air of a given
conditioner space.

Refrigeration may be defined as lowering the temperature of an enclosed space

by removing heat from that space and transferring it elsewhere.A device that
performs this function may also be called a heat pump. This is the removal of
heat from a body to make it colder than its surroundings.
Laws of refrigeration: (i) Fluids absorb heat while changing from liquid to a
vapour state and vice-versa (called evaporation and condensation respectively).

IHM Notes Site ©

(ii) The temperature at which the change of state occurs is constant if pressure
remains constant.
Unit of Refrigeration: This is generally given in tons of refrigeration (TR).
One ton of refrigeration means one ton of water at 0oC converted to one ton of
ice at 0oC. (1 TR  3024 kcal/hr 50.4 kcal/min  12600kj/hr 3.517kW.)
(1cal  4.1868 J). A ton of refrigeration is approximately equal to the cooling
power of one short ton (2000 pounds or 907 kilograms) of ice melting in a 24-
hour period. The value is defined as 12,000 BTU per hour, or 3517 watts.
Residential central air systems are usually from 1 to 5 tons (3 to 20 kilowatts
(kW)) in capacity.
Coefficient of Performance: Cop (Heat removed in kcal per unit time) /
(Work supplied in kcal per unit time)

Methods of refrigeration:
Refrigeration in catering
(a) Ice Refrigeration: Ice is Preservation of food/ice-cream, Cooling of food to a
put around the object which is temperature suitable for serving, Cooling of drink, Ice-water,
to be cooled. In this the heat Cooling of food and drink for sale, Ice-making, Bakery, Fish
Storage, Vegetables cold storage.
is taken from the object by the
ice and it gets converted to
water.
(b) Evaporative System:
Volatile liquids absorb its
latent heat of vaporization
from the object that is to be
cooled and gives this heat to
the coolant in the condenser
and again becomes liquid.
(c) Gas / Air expansion system: First, compress a gas adiabatically (i.e. a
process in which no heat is transferred from the system) and then cool this high
pressure gas keeping pressure constant. Then cool this high pressure low initial
temperature gas to atmospheric pressure. It is found that the temperature of the
gas is less than 0oC.

Vapour-compression refrigeration system

The vapour-compression uses a
circulating liquid refrigerant as the
medium which absorbs and removes
heat from the space to be cooled and
subsequently rejects that heat
elsewhere. All such systems have four
components: a compressor, a
condenser, a Thermal expansion valve
(also called a throttle valve), and an
Components of Vapour Compression System
Compressor: Rotary, Centrifugal or
Condenser: Shell or Tube type
IHM Notes Site © Air Cooler: Natural, Forced or Water Spray Type
Expansion Valve: Automatic, Thermostatic
Evaporator: Shell and Tube, Double pipe type
evaporator. Circulating refrigerant
enters the compressor in the
thermodynamic state known as a
saturated vapor and is compressed to a
higher pressure, resulting in a higher
temperature as well. The hot,
compressed vapor is then in the
thermodynamic state known as a
superheated vapor and it is at a
temperature and pressure at which it
can be condensed with typically
available cooling water or cooling air.
That hot vapor is routed through a
condenser where it is cooled and
condensed into a liquid by flowing
through a coil or tubes with cool water
or cool air flowing across the coil or
tubes. This is where the circulating
refrigerant rejects heat from the system
and the rejected heat is carried away by
either the water or the air (whichever
may be the case).
The condensed liquid refrigerant, in the
thermodynamic state known as a
saturated liquid, is next routed through
an expansion valve where it undergoes
an abrupt reduction in pressure. That
pressure reduction results in the
adiabatic flash evaporation of a part of
the liquid refrigerant. The auto-
refrigeration effect of the adiabatic
flash evaporation lowers the
temperature of the liquid and vapor
refrigerant mixture to where it is colder
than the
temperature of the enclosed space to be refrigerated. The cold
mixture is then routed through the coil or tubes in the evaporator. A fan
circulates the warm air in the enclosed space across the coil or tubes carrying
the cold refrigerant liquid and vapor mixture. That warm air evaporates the
liquid part of the cold refrigerant mixture. At the same time, the circulating air
is cooled and thus lowers the temperature of the enclosed space to the desired
temperature. The evaporator is where the circulating refrigerant absorbs and

IHM Notes Site ©

removes heat which is subsequently rejected in the condenser and transferred
elsewhere by the water or air used in the condenser.
To complete the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant vapour from the evaporator
is again a saturated vapor and is routed back into the compressor.
Vapour Absorption Refrigeration
Systems: (VARS) belong to the
class of vapour cycles similar to
vapour compression refrigeration
systems. However, unlike vapour
compression refrigeration systems,
the required input to absorption
systems is in the form of heat.
Hence these systems are also called
heat operated or thermal energy
driven systems. Since conventional
absorption systems use liquids for
absorption of refrigerant, these are
also called as wet absorption
systems. Since these systems run on
low-grade thermal energy, they are
preferred when low-grade energy
such as waste heat or solar energy is
available. As absorption systems use
natural refrigerants such as water or
ammonia they are environment
friendly. In the absorption
refrigeration system, refrigeration
effect is produced mainly by the use
of energy as heat. In such a
system, the refrigerant is usually dissolved in a liquid. A concentrated solution
of ammonia is boiled in a vapour generator producing ammonia vapour at high
pressure. The high pressure ammonia vapour is fed to a condenser where it is
condensed to liquid ammonia by rejecting energy as heat to the surroundings.
Then, the liquid ammonia is throttled through a valve to a low pressure. During
throttling, ammonia is partially vaporized and its temperature decreases.
This low temperature ammonia is fed to an evaporator where it is vaporized
removing energy from the evaporator. Then this low-pressure ammonia vapour
is absorbed in the weak solution of ammonia. The resulting strong ammonia
solution is pumped back to the vapour generator and the cycle is completed. The
COP of the absorption system can be evaluated by considering it as a
combination of a heat pump and a heat engine

Comparison between Vapor Compression and Absorption system:

IHM Notes Site ©

 Absorption system
Uses low grade energy like heat.
Therefore, may be worked on exhaust
systems from I.C engines,etc.
Moving parts are only in the pump,
which is a small element of the
system. Hence operation is smooth.
The system can work on lower
evaporator pressures also without
affecting the COP.
No effect of reducing the load on
performance.
Liquid traces of refrigerant present in
piping at the exit of evaporator
constitute no danger.
Automatic operation for controlling
the capacity is easy.
Compression System
Using high-grade energy like
mechanical work.
Moving parts are in the compressor.
Therefore, more wear, tear and noise.
The COP decreases considerably with
decrease in evaporator pressure.
Performance is adversely affected at
partial loads.
Liquid traces in suction line may
damage the compressor.
It is difficult.

Properties of Refrigerants: The refrigerants should be,

Non-poisonous, Non-toxic, Non-corrosive, Non-explosive, Non-inflammable,
Low boiling point, Condensing pressure low, High latent heat of vaporization,
Low specific heat, Inert to oil, Easy availability.

Temperatures recommended for storage of perishables

Type of Food Optimum
Temperature
Fruits and vegetables 1.1oC to 7.2oC
(except bananas)
Dairy products 3.3 oC to 7.8 oC
Meat and poultry 0.6 oC to 3.3 oC
Fish and shell fish 5.0 oC to 1.1 oC
Frozen foods 1.8 oC to 6.7 oC

Precautions in refrigeration systems: Keep the refrigerator well away from

boilers and cooking appliances. b) Keep the air condenser cooled by keeping the
system away from walls for better circulation of air. c) The goods while keeping
inside the refrigerator should not be hot, they should be at room temperature
(i.e. about 17 oC to 23 oC) c) Keep the fins of the condenser clean and free of
lint & dust accumulation d) Keep the door gaskets clean and dent free.

IHM Notes Site ©

Air Conditioning: Air-conditioning is achieved by a cycle of expansion and compression of a refrigerant,
where the compression converts cold gas to high pressure hot gas and the expansion converts liquid refrigerant
to cold gas which in turn cools the desired area. This cycle continues until your thermostat reaches the desired
temperature. An air conditioner is basically a refrigerator without the insulated box. It uses the evaporation of a
refrigerant, like Freon, to provide cooling. The mechanics of the Freon evaporation cycle are the same in a
refrigerator as in an air conditioner. The term Freon is generically "used for any of various nonflammable
fluorocarbons used as refrigerants and as propellants for aerosols."
This is how the evaporation cycle in an air conditioner works:
The compressor compresses cool Freon gas, causing it to become hot, high-pressure Freon gas (shown in the
diagram).
This hot gas runs through a set of coils so it can dissipate its heat, and it condenses into a liquid.
The Freon liquid runs through an expansion valve, and in the process it evaporates to become cold, low-pressure
Freon gas (shown in the diagram).
This cold gas runs through a set of coils that allow the gas to absorb heat and cool down the air inside the
building.
Mixed in with the Freon is a small amount of lightweight oil. This oil lubricates the compressor.
Air conditioners help clean your home's air as well. Most indoor units have filters that catch dust, pollen, mold
spores and other allergens as well as smoke and everyday dirt found in the air. Most air conditioners also
function as dehumidifiers. They take excess water from the air and use it to help cool the unit before getting rid
of the water through a hose to the outside.
Expansion Valve converts liquid Freon
to cold low pressure Freon gas

Heat is dissipated Cold Freon gas runs through these

by the hot Freon in this coils, cooling the air outside area.
coil and becomes cold liquid Freon

Area / Space to be cooled

Hot Freon gas at Cold Freon gas at

High pressure Low pressure
Compressor converts cool
Freon gas to hot, high pressure gas

IHM Notes Site ©

Central chilled water air conditioning systems - All Air Systems
 An all-air system provides complete sensible and latent cooling capacity in the
cold air supplied by the system. Heating can be accomplished by the same air
stream, either in the central system or at a particular zone. All-air systems can
be classified into 2 categories:-
-Single duct systems
-Dual duct systems
 System Advantages
 1. The central plant is located in unoccupied areas, hence facilitating operating
and maintenance, noise control and choice of suitable equipment.
 2. No piping, electrical wiring and filters are located inside the conditioned
space.
 3. Allows the use of the greatest numbers of potential cooling seasons house
with outside air in place of mechanical refrigeration.
 4. Seasonal changeover is simple and readily adaptable to climatic control.
 5. Gives a wide choice of zonability, flexibility, and humidity control under all
operating conditions.
 6. Heat recovery system may be readily incorporated.
 7. Allows good design flexibility for optimum air distribution, draft control,
and local requirements.
 8. Well suited to applications requiring unusual exhaust makeup.
 9. Infringes least on perimeter floor space.
 10. Adapts to winter humidification.
 System Disadvantages
 1. Requires additional duct clearance which can reduce the usable floor space.
 2. Air-balancing is difficult and requires great care.
 3. Accessibility to terminals demands close cooperation between architectural,
mechanical and structural engineers.

IHM Notes Site ©

Central chilled water air conditioning systems - All-water Systems
 All-water systems are those with fan-coil, unit ventilator, or valance type room
terminals with unconditioned ventilation air supplied by an opening through the
wall or by infiltration. Cooling and dehumidification is provided by circulating
chilled water through a finned coil in the unit. Heating is provided by supplying
hot water through the same or a separate coil.
 System Advantages:
 1. Flexible and readily adaptable to many building module requirements.
 2. Provides individual room control.
 System Disadvantages
 1. No positive ventilation is provided unless wall openings are used.
 2. No humidification is provided.
 3. Seasonal change over is required.
 4. Maintenance and service work has to be done in the occupied areas.

In air conditioning systems, chilled water is typically distributed to heat

exchangers, or coils, in air handling units, or other type of terminal devices
which cool the air in its respective space(s), and then the chilled water is re-
circulated back to the chiller to be cooled again. These cooling coils transfer
sensible heat and latent heat from the air to the chilled water, thus cooling and
usually dehumidifying the air stream. A typical chiller for air conditioning
applications is rated between 15 to 1500 tons (180,000 to 18,000,000 BTU/h or
53 to 5,300 kW) in cooling capacity, and at least one company has a 2,700 ton
chiller for special uses. Chilled water temperatures can range from 35 to 45
degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 to 7 degrees Celsius), depending upon application
requirements.

The Potential for Raising Chilled Water Temperature: Chilled water

systems are commonly designed to provide full cooling load with a chilled
water temperature of about 42°F (i.e. 5.5°C). Plant operators typically leave the
chilled water temperature fixed at this value or some other. This is inefficient
for most applications, such as air conditioning, where the load is well below its
maximum most of the time. Typically, you can raise the chilled water
temperature by 5°F to 10°F for much of the time. Even at full load, the typical
oversizing of airside components (air handling units, fan-coil units, etc.) usually
allows some increase in chilled water temperature.

IHM Notes Site ©