How a Refrigerator Works

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2

Evaporator coils inside a freezer

Slide 8

Step 4 continued

The refrigerant expands (gets bigger) as it goes through the expansion valve

It also decreases in pressure and temperature

The refrigerant absorbs (takes in) heat from inside the refrigerator because it as a lower temperature

The refrigerant is now ready for step 1 again!

Remember: P1 P2

T1 T2

If pressure goes down, temperature goes down

=

Slide 9

Summary of the 4 steps

Step 2: The refrigerant goes through the condenser coils. It gives off heat to the surrounding air and condenses to a liquid

Step 4: The refrigerant goes through the evaporator coil and absorbs (takes in) heat from inside the refrigerator

Step 1: The compressor squeezes the refrigerant gas. Pressure. ↑, Temp.↑,

Step 3: The refrigerant liquid goes through the expansion valve and turns back into a gas. Pressure ↓, Temp.↓