The refrigeration cycle is a critical component of HVAC systems and is governed by the principles of thermodynamics. Before we dive in, let’s get an understanding of four key concepts:
Superheat and subcooling are critical to the refrigeration cycle, but can be tough concepts to visualize.
Let’s start with superheat:
Boiling is when a liquid gains heat and transforms into a vapor.
A packaged rooftop unit, or RTU, is a type of HVAC system that contains all the components needed to provide conditioned air in one concise unit.
Packaged rooftop units are commonly found in light and large commercial applications…
An air handling unit, or AHU, is a piece of HVAC equipment that is designed to regulate and circulate air throughout a space. Air handlers typically connect to a ductwork ventilation system that distributes the conditioned air throughout the building and returns it…
The purpose of the expansion device is to rapidly reduce the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle. This allows the refrigerant to rapidly cool before entering the evaporator.
Liquid entering a compressor can cause detrimental damage. Accumulators are simple, precautionary components installed in HVAC systems to help extend the life of the compressor. They work hand-in-hand with filter driers in trying to prevent liquid and other moisture from entering…
Cooling towers are used when systems have water-cooled — not air-cooled — condenser loops. These are most common with water-cooled chiller systems, groups of water-source heat pumps, and groups of vertical self-contained systems.
A chiller is designed to do one thing: make cold water for the facility’s air handlers. The amount and temperature is based on the application designed by the engineer. Like most things in HVAC, let’s think of chillers as a chain of heat absorption and rejection.
Filter driers are basic components of HVAC systems. They are designed to absorb any excess moisture in the refrigerant while also not impeding the refrigerant’s flow through the system. Moisture can quickly cause damage to various components in the HVAC unit, most notably the…
Evaporators are designed to cool the air being delivered to a space. This is accomplished when the heat from the air is transferred to the refrigerant, simultaneously cooling the surrounding air and heating the refrigerant inside the evaporator.
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