Believe it or not, heating repair and HVAC experts say that refrigeration devices like your air conditioner don’t actually create cool air. They actually just remove heat in a single area and move it elsewhere, reversing the natural flow of heat as the designated area cools off. How this occurs depends on the type of refrigeration system you have installed in your property.
Here are the four different kinds of refrigeration systems available:
Mechanical Compression Refrigeration System – According to heating service pros, the mechanical compression refrigeration system is the most widely-used refrigeration cycle method, as it has applications for both air conditioning and commercial and industrial refrigeration. Usually, systems like these transfer heat by mechanically compressing refrigerant into a low-pressure, cold liquid and expanding it into hot, high-pressure gas. Afterwards, it’ll absorb heat and release it when it condenses back into a liquid.
Evaporative Cooling – Unlike mechanical compression, evaporative cooling doesn’t use the traditional refrigeration cycle discussed above. Instead, it cools warmer outdoor air by blowing it over water-soaked pads as it enters your home. The water will then absorb heat from the air and evaporate, after which the cooler air is channeled into your home and the warm air is directed out of it.
Absorption Refrigeration – On the other hand, when it comes to absorption refrigeration, heat is also transferred by compressing and expanding refrigerant, similar to mechanical compression. However, unlike mechanical compression, this kind of refrigeration system relies on the process of absorption and heat to move the refrigerant from the low pressure side to the high pressure side, instead of electrically-powered mechanical compressors.
Thermoelectric Refrigeration – Finally, there are also thermoelectric refrigeration systems which are far more unique, as they don’t use any water or refrigerant. Instead, a thermoelectric refrigeration system uses an electric current and a thermocouple to do its job. The thermocouple is composed of two different metal wires that are united at both ends while the rest of the wires are separated by insulation. Once the current is directed to the thermocouple, one end will become hot, while the other becomes cooler. Typically, the hot end will be placed outside the area to be cooled, with a heat sink attached to it to keep it the same temperature as the surrounding air. The cool side, on the other hand, is placed in the area to be cooled, attracting heat from the air, making it perfect for small cooling loads that can be difficult to access like electronic systems.
If you’re planning to install a refrigeration system on your property, look no further than Air Comfort, the number one experts to approach when it comes to air conditioning installation and HVAC services. Give us a call at (409) 833-5665 or fill out our contact form to get in touch with us today!