How a Refrigerator Works
7 hours ago
- A refrigerator uses the vapor compression refrigeration cycle to transfer heat from the interior to the surrounding environment.
- The cycle includes four main components: compressor, condenser, expansion valve (or capillary tube), and evaporator.
- The compressor compresses refrigerant gas, raising its temperature and pressure, then pushes it into the condenser.
- In the condenser, the hot gas releases heat to the outside air and condenses into a warm, high-pressure liquid.
- The liquid passes through an expansion valve, dropping pressure and temperature, turning into a cold liquid-gas mixture.
- This cold mixture enters the evaporator, absorbs heat from the fridge interior, and vaporizes, cooling the air.
- The refrigerant returns to the compressor to restart the cycle, while a thermostat controls temperature by turning the compressor on and off.