Design Activity

DOMESTIC REFRIGERATION
Course Code: ME 505
Course Title: ME LABORATORY 3
Section: ME51FA1
Students:
1. Destreza, Janine
2. Natividad, Richard Paul
3. Clores, John Ray
4. Uy, Mark Anthony
5. Manalansan, Ivan Jenroh

Program: BSME
Date Performed: November 9, 2016
Date Submitted: November 16, 2016
Instructor: Engr. Manuel Europeo

Objectives:
Explain the compression cycle of a domestic refrigerator.

Explain the operation of each component of a compression system

Discuss the parts of a hermetic compressor and its function in the compression system
Discuss the use of capillary tubes and determine its proper size to be used for specific applications

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

The students shall be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Learn the parts and operation of a domestic refrigerator.

Identify the various parts that compose a domestic refrigerator.
Explain the purpose and operation of refrigerant controls.
Develop professional work ethics, including precision, neatness, safety, and ability to follow
instruction.

Discussion:
Refrigeration is that branch of science that deals with the process of reducing and maintaining the
temperature of a space or material below the temperature of surroundings. Refrigerant is the working
substance in refrigeration system.
Refrigeration is classified into different categories that are domestic refrigeration, commercial refrigeration,
and industrial refrigeration. Domestic refrigeration units are usually small in size, having a power input
ratings of between 35 watts and 375 watts, and are of the hermetically sealed type. Examples of domestic
refrigeration are household refrigerators and home freezers. Next is commercial refrigeration, it is
concerned with the designing, installation, and maintenance of refrigerated fixtures of the type used by

retail stores, restaurants, hotel, and institutions for the storing, displaying, processing, and dispensing of
perishable commodities of all types. On the other hand, industrial refrigeration is larger in size than
commercial refrigeration. It requires having an attendant on duty, usually a licensed operating engineer.
Good examples of industrial refrigeration are ice plants, larger food packing plants (meat, fish, poultry, etc.),
breweries, creameries, and industrial plants, such as oil refineries, chemical plants, rubber plants, etc.
Domestic Refrigerators
A modern domestic refrigerator or freezer consists primarily of three parts that are the cabinet, the
mechanism, and the electrical circuit.
The mechanism consists of the condensing unit and the evaporator. In the evaporator, the liquid refrigerant
expands and become a vapor. This vapor absorbs heat from the foods and beverages in the cabinet. The
condensing unit removes the heat absorbed in the evaporator. The liquid refrigerant then returns to the
evaporator to repeat the refrigerating cycle.

1) Refrigerant: The refrigerant flows through all the internal parts of the refrigerator. It is the refrigerant
that carries out the cooling effect in the evaporator. It absorbs the heat from the substance to be
cooled in the evaporator (chiller or freezer) and throws it to the atmosphere via condenser. The
refrigerant keeps on recirculating through all the internal parts of the refrigerator in cycle.

2) Compressor: The compressor is located at the back of the refrigerator and in the bottom area. The
compressor sucks the refrigerant from the evaporator and discharges it at high pressure and
temperature. The compressor is driven by the electric motor and it is the major power consuming
devise of the refrigerator.
3) Condenser: The condenser is the thin coil of copper tubing located at the back of the refrigerator.
The refrigerant from the compressor enters the condenser where it is cooled by the atmospheric air
thus losing heat absorbed by it in the evaporator and the compressor. To increase the heat transfer
rate of the condenser, it is finned externally.
4) Expansive valve or the capillary: The refrigerant leaving the condenser enters the expansion
devise, which is the capillary tube in case of the domestic refrigerators. The capillary is the thin
copper tubing made up of number of turns of the copper coil. When the refrigerant is passed
through the capillary its pressure and temperature drops down suddenly.
5) Evaporator: The refrigerant at very low pressure and temperature enters the evaporator or the
freezer. The evaporator is the heat exchanger made up of several turns of copper or aluminum
tubing. In domestic refrigerators the plate types of evaporator is used as shown in the figure above.
The refrigerant absorbs the heat from the substance to be cooled in the evaporator, gets
evaporated and it then sucked by the compressor. This cycle keeps on repeating.
6) Temperature control devise or thermostat: To control the temperature inside the refrigerator there is
thermostat, whose sensor is connected to the evaporator. The thermostat setting can be done by
the round knob inside the refrigerator compartment. When the set temperature is reached inside
the refrigerator the thermostat stops the electric supply to the compressor and compressor stops
and when the temperature falls below certain level it restarts the supply to the compressor.
7) Defrost system: The defrost system of the refrigerator helps removing the excess ice from the
surface of the evaporator. The defrost system can be operated manually by the thermostat button
or there is automatic system comprising of the electric heater and the timer.
Simple Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle
1-2 - reversible and adiabatic compression from saturated vapor to the condenser pressure.
2-3 - reversible rejection of heat at constant pressure DE superheating and condensation.
3-4 - irreversible expansion at constant enthalpy from saturated liquid to the evaporator pressure.
4-1 - reversible addition of heat at constant pressure in evaporation to saturated vapor.

Actual Vapor Compression Cycle

As the refrigerant flow through the system there will be pressure drops in the condenser, evaporator, and
piping. Heat losses or gains will occur depending on the temperature difference between the refrigerant and
the surroundings. Compression will be polytrophic with friction and heat transfer instead of isentropic. The
actual vapor compression cycle may have some of all of the items of departure form the simple saturation
cycle.
Operation of Compression Cycle

In any compression refrigeration system, there are two different pressure conditions. One is called the low
side and the other side is called the high side. The evaporator is in the low side. Heat is absorbed in the low
side. The accumulator, suction line, and entrance to the compressor suction valve are also on the low side.
The condenser is in the high side. This is where the heat is released from the refrigerant. The compressor
exhaust valve and liquid receiver are on the high side. The liquid line filter-drier, liquid line, and the
refrigerant control are also on the high side.
A thermostat maintains correct operating temperature by controlling the motor electrical circuit.

Evaporator
There are two main types of evaporators, a dry system and the flooded system. Dry system evaporators
are fed refrigerant as quickly as is needed to maintain the desired temperature. In the flooded system, the
evaporator is always filled with liquid refrigerant. The type of refrigerant control used determines the type of
evaporator to be used.
Evaporators are made in four different styles:
1. Shell-type
2. Shelf-type
3. Wall-type
4. Fin tube-type

Accumulator
The accumulator is a safety device. It prevents liquid refrigerant from flowing into the suction line and into
the compressor. Liquid refrigerant, flowing into the compressor, may cause considerable knocking and
damage to the compressor.
Suction Line
The suction line carries the refrigerant vapor from the evaporator to the compressor. The line must be large
enough to carry the vaporized refrigerant with minimal flow resistance. It should slope from the evaporator
or accumulator down to the compressor. If it does not slope, pockets of oil collect.
Low-Side Filter-Drier

Some systems include a low-side filter-drier at the compressor end of the suction line. These may be a part
of the original system. They may also be placed in the system for a short time to clean it. The filter-drier
used in the suction line should offer little resistance to vaporized refrigerant flow. The pressure difference
between the evaporator and the inlet to the compressor should be small.

Compressor Low-Side or Suction Service Valve

This valve is connected to the compressor at the compressor inlet union. The suction line from the
evaporator is attached at the low-side inlet. Sealing caps protect the charging and gauge opening port and
valve stem when the valve is not in use. More domestic models do not have service valves.
Compressor
The refrigeration compressor is a motor-driven device, which removes the heat-laden vapor refrigerant from
the evaporator. The compressor compresses the vapor intro a small volume at a high temperature.

Hermetic Compressor
The hermetically sealed reciprocating compressor is widely used for the refrigeration and air conditioning
applications. In such systems, hermeticity is a level specified for a particular test method under specific
conditions of usage.
A hermetic unit is usually spring-mounted inside the hermetic dome. This prevents most of the compressor
vibration from being felt outside the dome. The exhaust and suction lines inside the dome are made
flexible. A connection through the dome allows fastening the compressor lines to the remaining system.
Parts of Hermetic Refrigeration Compressor

Housing with connectors and baseplates

Top Cover to protect the top part of the compressor.
Block with stator bracket
Stator (with screws) Stationary part of electric motor.
Rotor Rotating or turning part of a mechanism.
Valve unit (screws, cylinder cover, gaskets, valve plate)
Crankshaft with grommet - is a mechanical part able to perform a conversion between
reciprocating motion and rotational motion
Connecting rod with piston - Together with the crank, they form a simple mechanism that converts
reciprocating motion into rotating motion.
Oil pick-up tube

Springs with suspensions

Internal Discharge tube - (screw, washer, gasket)
Start equipment - (PTC device, cover, cord relief)

Compressor High-Side Service Valve

The compressor high-side service valve provides a shutoff between the compressor and the condenser. It
also provides an opening for a high-pressure gauge or a gauge manifold. With the valve closed, the
compressor may be disconnected from the condenser without refrigerant leakage. When valve stem is all
the way out, the opening for the gauge is closed.
Oil Separator
Refrigeration compressors get their lubrication from a small amount of special lubricating oil. This oil is
placed inside the compressor crankcase or housing. It is circulated to various compressor parts. In a
hermetic system, this oil also lubricates the motor bearings. When the compressor operates, small amounts
of oil are pumped out with the hot, compressed vapor. A small amount of oil throughout the system does no
harm. Too much oil entering the condenser, refrigerant controls, evaporator, and filters interferes with their
operation.

Condenser
The condenser in the refrigeration cycle removes the condensation heat from the refrigerant vapor. This
heat is picked up in the evaporator. Domestic refrigerators commonly use the following types of
condensers:
1. Finned-static
2. Finned-forced convection
3. Wire-static
4. Plate-static

Liquid Receiver
The liquid receiver is a storage tank for liquid refrigerant. Refrigerant is pumped out of various parts and
stored in liquid receiver during servicing. Its use makes the quantity of refrigerant in a system less critical.
Occasionally, a liquid receiver is built into the bottom of the condenser.
Capillary tube systems do not use liquid receivers. There has been greater use of hermetic systems and
capillary tube refrigerant controls. This has reduced the need for liquid receivers in domestic systems and
many small commercial units.
Liquid Line
Copper tubing is commonly used to carry the liquid refrigerant from the condenser to the evaporator.
However, domestic units often use steel. These lines are mounted in back of the refrigerator cabinet. They
may also be hidden behind the breaker strip at the refrigerator doorjamb.
Liquid Line Filter-Drier
It is common practice to install a filter-drier in the liquid line. This tank-like accessory keeps moisture, dirt,
metal, and chips from entering the refrigerant flow control. The drying element in the filter removes
moisture. This moisture might otherwise freeze in the refrigerant flow control. Moisture is also harmful when
mixed with oil in a system since it forms sludge and acids. Moisture is especially harmful to hermetic units.
Types of Refrigerant Flow Control
The refrigerant flow control has two jobs. It allows the liquid refrigerant to enter the evaporator. At the same
time, it maintains the required evaporating pressure in the evaporator. There are five principal types of
refrigerant flow controls:
1. Capillary Tube (CAP)
2. Automatic Expansion Valve (AEV)
3. Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TEV)
4. Low-Side Float (LSF)
5. High-Side Float (HSF)
Automatic Expansion Valve
One of the dry systems uses an AEV as refrigerant flow control. This valve may be used only with the
temperature-operated motor control. As pressure drops on the low side, the expansion valve opens and the
liquid refrigerant flows into the evaporator. It absorbs heat then while evaporating under low pressure. The

valve maintains constant pressure in the evaporator when the system is running. This system operates
independently of the amount of refrigerant in the system.
Thermostatic Expansion Valve
Many units, especially commercial ones, are equipped with TEV. This valve has a temperature-sensing
bulb mounted on the outlet of the evaporator. The bulb controls the opening of the thermostat valve needle.

Motor Control
Most electric refrigerators are designed with more cooling capacity than needed. Therefore, under normal
use, they do not run all of the time. To get correct refrigeration temperature, the motor must be turned off
upon reaching the desired low temperature. It is turned again when the evaporator has warmed to a certain
temperature.
Capillary Tube
The capillary tube type of refrigerant controls simply a length of seamless tubing with a small and accurate
inside diameter. It acts as a constant throttle on the refrigerant. It usually is equipped with a fine filter or
filter-drier, which removes any moisture or dirt from the refrigerant at tube inlet.
Pressure decreases as the small liquid flow moves through the tube, which restricts fluid flow. The liquid
starts to evaporate in the tube. This vapor formation provides a sudden pressure and temperature drop in
approximately the last quarter of the tube length. The refrigerant is finally cooled to evaporator temperature
and its pressure is reduced.
This vapor formation in the capillary tube is called vapor lock. The design of the capillary tube depends on
four variables:
1. Tube length
2. Inside diameter
3. Tightness of tube windings

4. Temperature of tubing
The capillary tube refrigerant control has no moving parts. Therefore it has several advantages. First, there
are no parts to wear or stick. Second, the pressures balance in the system when the unit stops.
The capillary tube may be coiled for part of its length. It is usually attached to the suction line. This permits
suction line vapor to cool the liquid refrigerant in the capillary tube.
Recent designs of capillary tubes use a larger diameter and a longer tube. The larger diameter is less likely
to become plugged with dirt, ice, or wax. These larger diameter capillary tubes are normally used on air
conditioning applications.
Capillary Tube Capacities
Popular capillary tube sizes are shown in the table below.
Outside Diameter
0.083
0.094
0.109
0.114
0.120
0.130

Inside Diameter
0.031
0.036
0.042
0.049
0.055
0.065

Tubing 0.114 OD by 0.049 ID is often used for refrigerant R-12 in domestic units. This is suitable for
average temperatures and frozen food temperatures. Approximate sizes for capillary tube installations for
R-12 are shown in the table below
Horsepower

1/8
1/5

1/4

1/3

Temp
H
M
L
H
M
L
H
M
L
M
L

Required Length of Capillary Tubing in Feet

0.031ID
1.1
4
9

0.036ID
2.2
8
18

0.040ID
3.5
13
29

0.042ID
4.5
16
36

0.049ID
9
32
72

2.2
5.2

4.4
10.5

7.0
17

9
21

18
42

1.1

2.2

3.5

4.5

0.055ID
15
26
126
10
31
73
5
15

0.065ID

7.5
1.75

3.5

5.6

14

9.5
2.5

Capillary Tube Fittings

The capillary tube connections are often brazed at both the condenser and evaporator end. In other
applications, the capillary tube is attached to the evaporator and condenser or drier. Fittings must be leakproof and able to withstand vibration.
Mechanical Connections of a Domestic Refrigeration System
The refrigerant at low pressure and temperature enters the evaporator of the system. It is used to absorb
the heat from the substance to be cooled, and then gets sucked by the compressor. The compressor is
then located at the bottom rear area of the refrigerator. It sucks the refrigerant from the evaporator then
discharges it at high pressure and temperature.
The refrigerant then enters the thin coil of copper that is usually located at the back of the refrigerator. It is
cooled by the atmospheric air surrounding it causing it to lose heat absorbed by the evaporator and
compressor. The refrigerant leaving the condenser goes inside the expansion device, which is the capillary
tube in domestic refrigeration systems. It is a thin copper tubing made up of turns of copper coil. The
refrigerant passes through the capillary tube, decreasing its pressure and temperature.
Definition of Terms:
1. Domestic Refrigeration System
A refrigeration system for household use which typically has a compression machine designed for
continuous automatic
operation and for conservation of the charges of refrigerant and oil, and is usually motor-driven and
air-cooled.
2. Expansion Devices
a. Thermostatic Valve (TX Valve) - which expands the liquid refrigerant to lower its
pressure and temperature before the refrigerant enters the evaporator.
3. Hermetic Sealed Refrigeration Compressor The hermetically sealed reciprocating compressor is
widely used for the refrigeration and air conditioning applications. In such systems, hermeticity is a
level specified for a particular test method under specific conditions of usage.
4. Parts of Hermetic Refrigeration Compressor
1. Housing with connectors and baseplates
2. Top Cover to protect the top part of the compressor.
3. Block with stator bracket
4. Stator (with screws) Stationary part of electric motor.
5. Rotor Rotating or turning part of a mechanism.
6. Valve unit (screws, cylinder cover, gaskets, valve plate)
7. Crankshaft with grommet - is a mechanical part able to perform a conversion between
reciprocating motion and rotational motion
8. Connecting rod with piston - Together with the crank, they form a simple mechanism that
converts reciprocating motion into rotating motion.
9. Oil pick-up tube
10. Springs with suspensions

11. Internal Discharge tube - (screw, washer, gasket)

12. Start equipment - (PTC device, cover, cord relief)

Observation:
Domestic Refrigeration systems are the one usually found in homes for food storage. The system has parts
that are located inside the refrigerator itself. The internal parts of the refrigerator are ones that carry out
actual working of the refrigerator. Some of the internal parts are located at the back of the refrigerator, and
some inside the main compartment of the refrigerator.
Apart from the parts of the ideal vapor compression system, the domestic refrigerators have other parts
which help the cycle carry out its purpose.
In the operation of a domestic refrigerator, the expansion valve that is widely used is the capillary tube. In this
tube, the pressure of the liquid decreases before it enters the evaporator. After passing through the evaporator,
there is a safety device called accumulator in which it prevents the entrance of liquid refrigerant to the
compressor to avoid damage.
Interpretation:
As the refrigerant goes into the compressor, the pressure is increased. Then it goes into the condenser
which changes if from vapor form into liquid form, releasing heat during the process. This is the reason why
the condenser during operation is very hot when touched by human skin. From the condenser, the
refrigerant goes into the expansion valve that decreases its pressure. After this, the refrigerant goes into the
evaporator in which it gains heat from the region that needs the cooling. This then causes the refrigerant to
go back into vapor form. The vaporized refrigerant then goes back into the compressor to do another round
of the vapor compression system.
Conclusion:
In this activity, the students were able to explain the compression cycle of a domestic refrigerator. Also,
operations of each component of the compression cycle were discussed. One of the more important parts
of the cycle, the hermetic compressor and its function, and its function in the compression cycle was also
mentioned in this activity. Additional discussions for the capillary tubes and its proper size for specific
applications were also discussed above.
Upon accomplishing the objectives of this activity, the students were able to learn the various parts and
operation of a domestic refrigerator. The students involved in this activity were also enlightened with the
purpose and operation of different refrigeration tools and controls that make up the refrigeration system.

Assessment Rubric:

CRITERIA

T I P - V PAA 0 5 4 D
Revision Status/Date:0/2009 September 09
TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES
RUBRIC FOR LABORATORY PERFORMANCE
BEGINNER
ACCEPTABLE
PROFICIENT
SCORE
1
2
3

Laboratory Skills
Manipulative Members do not
Skills
demonstrate needed
skills.
Experimental Members are unable to
Set-up
set-up the materials.

Members occasionally
demonstrate needed
skills.
Members are able to
set-up the materials
with supervision.
Members occasionally
demonstrate targeted
process skills.

Members always
demonstrate needed
skills.
Members are able to
set-up the material with
minimum supervision.
Members always
demonstrate targeted
process skills.

Process
Skills

Members do not
demonstrate targeted
process skills.

Safety
Precautions

Members do not follow

safety precautions.

Members follow safety Members follow safety

precautions most of the precautions at all
time.
times.

Members do not finish

on time with incomplete
data.

Members finish on time

with incomplete data.

Work Habits
Time
Management/
Conduct of
Experiment
Cooperative
and
Teamwork

Members finish ahead

of time with complete
data and time to revise
data.
Members do not know
Members have defined Members are on tasks
their tasks and have no responsibilities most of and have
defined responsibilities. the time. Group
responsibilities at all
Group conflicts have to conflicts are
times. Group conflicts
be settled by the
cooperatively managed are cooperatively
teacher.
most of the time.
managed at all times.
Neatness and Messy workplace during Clean and orderly
Clean and orderly
Orderliness
and after the
workplace with
workplace at all times
experiment.
occasional mess during during and after the
and after the
experiment.
experiment.
Ability to do
Members require
Members require
Members do not need
independent supervision by the
occasional supervision to be supervised by the
work
teacher.
by the teacher.
teacher.

Other Comments/Observations:
TOTAL SCORE
RATING=

x 100%