What are the four main steps of a mechanical refrigeration system?

The four main steps of a mechanical refrigeration system involve the processes of evaporation, expansion, compression, and condensation.

In the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant absorbs heat and evaporates in the evaporator coil. This process causes the refrigerant to change from a liquid to a vapor as it takes in heat from the environment, effectively cooling the area where the system is located.

Following evaporation, the vaporized refrigerant is then expanded, which lowers its pressure and temperature. This expansion process allows the refrigerant to flow into the compressor as a low-pressure vapor.

Next, the compressor plays a crucial role by compressing the refrigerant vapor, which raises its pressure and temperature significantly. This high-pressure vapor is then routed to the condenser.

In the condenser, the high-pressure vapor releases its heat to the surrounding environment and condenses back into a liquid state. This completed cycle is fundamental to the operation of a refrigeration system, enabling it to continuously cool an environment by repeating these steps. Understanding this cycle is essential for anyone working with refrigeration systems, as it underscores the principles that govern their operation.