Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle — Lesson 4

This lesson covers the vapor compression refrigeration cycle, a power absorbing cycle used in domestic refrigerators and air conditioners. It explains the working substance in the cycle, the refrigerant, and how it executes a cyclic process. The lesson also discusses the thermodynamic state at different stages of the cycle, including the compressor, condenser, throttling valve, and evaporator. It further illustrates the cyclic process executed by the refrigerant on a ts diagram or a ph diagram. The lesson concludes with a detailed work example of an ideal vapor compression cycle using a refrigerant R134a.

Video Highlights

03:12 - Explanation of how state 4 is evaluated
08:26 - Calculation of mean effective pressure
10:03 - Introduction to the air standard dual cycle
15:16 - Discussion on the advancements in IC engine technology
17:36 - Importance of fair comparison between IC engines and electric vehicles

Key Takeaways

- The vapor compression refrigeration cycle is a power absorbing cycle used in domestic appliances.
- The refrigerant is the working substance in the cycle and it executes a cyclic process.
- The cycle operates between two isobars, the condenser pressure and the evaporator pressure.
- The cycle includes different states such as the entry to the compressor, the condenser, the throttling valve, and the evaporator.
- The cyclic process executed by the refrigerant can be illustrated on a TS diagram or a PH diagram.