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REFRIGERATION AND AIR-CONDITIONING

Ventilation: Ventilation is the process by which
‘clean’ air (normally outdoor air) is intentionally Temperature / Humidity Ranges for Comfort
provided to a space and stale air is removed. This
may be accomplished by either natural or Acceptable Operating
mechanical means. Ventilation is needed to Relative Temperatures
Conditions
provide oxygen for metabolism and to dilute Humidity
metabolic pollutants (carbon dioxide and odour). °C °F
It is also used to assist in maintaining good
indoor air quality by diluting and removing other Summer If 30%, then 24.5 - 28 76 - 82
pollutants emitted within a space but should not light clothing If 60%, then 23 - 25.5 74 - 78
be used as a substitute for proper source control
of pollutants. Good ventilation is a major Winter If 30%, then 20.5 - 25.5 69 - 78
contributor to the health and comfort of building warmclothing If 60%, then 20 - 24 68 - 75
occupants.
Air infiltration and exfiltration: In addition to
intentional ventilation, air inevitably enters a
building by the process of ‘air infiltration’. This is
the uncontrolled flow of air into a space through Recommended
adventitious or unintentional gaps and cracks Product Relative Humidity –
in the building envelope. The corresponding loss of air from RH - (%)
an enclosed space is termed ‘exfiltration’.
Air re-circulation: Air re-circulation is frequently used in Sugar Storage 20 - 35%
commercial buildings to provide for thermal conditioning. Breweries 35 - 45%
Re-circulated air is usually filtered for dust removal but, Coffee Powder 30 - 40%
since oxygen is not replenished and metabolic pollutants are
not removed, re-circulation should not usually be considered Milk Powder Storage 20 - 35%
as contributing towards ventilation needs. Seed Storage 35 - 45%
Air conditioning is the removal of heat from indoor air for thermal
comfort. In another sense, the term can refer to any form of cooling,
heating, ventilation, or disinfection that modifies the condition of air.
An air conditioner (often referred to as AC or air con.) is an appliance, Advantages of Air conditioning
system, or machine designed to stabilise the air temperature and Better quality of work environment
humidity within an area (used for cooling as well as heating depending Controlled humidity
on the air properties at a given time), typically using a refrigeration Reduces corrosive atmosphere
cycle but sometimes using evaporation, commonly for comfort cooling Better psychological impact
in buildings and motor vehicles. Better comfort level
A room air conditioner most commonly fits into a window, is a Unitary Improves efficiency and activity
system as opposed to a Central system, though there are models that Cleanliness
can be installed into an exterior wall. Whether mounted in a window or Low noise level
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 Temperature It is the temperature recorded by a thermometer which is not affected by moisture.
Dew Point Temperature It is the temperature of air at which water vapour in air starts condensing.

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Specific Humidity or It is the mass in kg. of water vapour contained in the air-water mixture per kg. of dry air. It is
Humidity Ratio the ratio of mass of water vapour to the mass of dry air in a certain volume of mixture.
Wet Bulb Temperature The bulb is covered with muslin wick wetted with water is 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-conditioner Amount of heat that must be removed from air of a given 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 removel 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). (ii) The temperature at which the change of state occurs is constant if pressure
remains constant.
Unit of Refrigeration: This is generally given in tonnes of refrigeration (TR). One tonne of refrigeration means one tonne
of water at 0oC converted to one tonne 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: (a) Ice Refrigeration: Ice

is put around the object which is to be cooled. In this Refrigeration in catering
the heat is taken from the object by the ice and it gets Preservation of food/ice-cream, Cooling of food to a
converted to water. (b) Evaporative System: Volatile temperature suitable for serving, Cooling of drink, Ice-water,
liquids absorb its latent heat of vaporisation from the Cooling of food and drink for sale, Ice-making, Bakery, Fish
object that is to be cooled and gives this heat to the Storage, Vegetables cold storage.
coolant in the condenser and again becomes liquid.
(iii) Gas / Air expansion syatem: 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 0 oC.

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
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 Components of Vapour Compression System
valve where it undergoes an abrupt reduction in pressure. That Compressor: Rotary, Centrifugal or
pressure reduction results in the adiabatic flash evaporation of a Condenser: Shell or Tube type
part of the liquid refrigerant. The auto-refrigeration effect of the Air Cooler: Natural, Forced or Water Spray Type
adiabatic flash evaporation lowers the temperature of the liquid Expansion Valve: Automatic, Thermostatic
and vapor refrigerant mixture to where it is colder than the Evaporator: Shell and Tube, Double pipe type
temperature of the enclosed space to be refrigerated. The cold

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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 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 vapourized and its temperature decreases.
This low temperature ammonia is fed to an evaporator where it is vapourized 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:

Absorption system Compression System
Uses low grade energy like heat. Therefore, may be worked Using high-grade energy like mechanical work.
on exhaust systems from I.C engines,etc.
Moving parts are only in the pump, which is a small element Moving parts are in the compressor. Therefore, more wear,
of the system. Hence operation is smooth. tear and noise.
The system can work on lower evaporator pressures also The COP decreases considerably with decrease in
without affecting the COP. evaporator pressure.
No effect of reducing the load on performance. Performance is adversely affected at partial loads.
Liquid traces of refrigerant present in piping at the exit of Liquid traces in suction line may damage the compressor.
evaporator constitute no danger.
Automatic operation for controlling the capacity is easy. 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 (except bananas) 1.1 oC to 7.2 oC
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

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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.

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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

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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.
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.

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