The core operating principle of a refrigeration unit is the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle. By utilizing phase changes of the refrigerant within a closed system, heat is transferred from a low-temperature zone to a high-temperature zone, thereby achieving continuous cooling.
Four Core Cycle Processes
Compression Process: Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas is drawn into the compressor and compressed into high-temperature, high-pressure superheated gas, providing the driving force for the entire cycle.
Condensation Process: High-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant enters the condenser; it dissipates heat via air or water and condenses into high-pressure liquid refrigerant.
Throttling Process: High-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through an expansion valve (throttling device), causing a rapid drop in pressure and temperature, transforming it into a low-temperature, low-pressure mixture of gas and liquid.
Evaporation Process: Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant enters the evaporator and absorbs heat from the surrounding medium (water, air, etc.), rapidly evaporating into a gas; this cools the medium, thereby completing the refrigeration process.