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What is Domestic Electrolux refrigeration system
The Domestic Electrolux refrigeration system is a type of absorption refrigeration system used in domestic refrigerators and freezers. This system uses the principle of absorption to provide cooling, where ammonia is used as the refrigerant and water are used as the absorbent.
Also read: Rankine Cycle: Definition, PV Diagram, TS Diagram, HS Diagram, Efficiency, Working, Applications
Components of Domestic Electrolux refrigeration system:
- Generator: The generator is responsible for heating the mixture of ammonia and water to separate the ammonia vapor from the water.
- Condenser: The condenser cools the high-pressure and high-temperature ammonia vapor to convert it into a liquid state.
- Evaporator: The evaporator is responsible for absorbing heat from the surrounding environment, which is transferred to the refrigerant in the system.
- Absorber: The absorber absorbs the ammonia vapor into the water to form an ammonia-water solution.
- Refrigerant: The refrigerant is the working fluid that circulates through the system to provide cooling.
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| Domestic Electrolux refrigeration system |
Working of Domestic Electrolux refrigeration system:
In a domestic Electrolux ammonia refrigeration system, the refrigerant used is ammonia, and water is used as the absorbent. The system operates by circulating the refrigerant through a series of components, as follows:
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- The generator heats the mixture of ammonia and water to separate the ammonia vapor from the water.
- The high-pressure and high-temperature ammonia vapor then passes through the condenser, where it is cooled and condensed into a liquid state.
- The liquid ammonia then passes through the evaporator, where it absorbs heat from the surrounding environment.
- The ammonia vapor then passes through the absorber, where it is absorbed into the water to form an ammonia-water solution.
- The solution then passes back to the generator, where the cycle starts over again.
Applications of Domestic Electrolux refrigeration system:
- Domestic Electrolux ammonia refrigeration systems are used in household refrigerators and freezers.
- These systems provide cooling to the interior of the appliance, keeping food and other perishables fresh for extended periods.
- They are also designed to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly, making them a popular choice for residential use.
- Ammonia refrigeration systems are also commonly used in commercial and industrial applications, where larger cooling capacities are required.
FAQs of Domestic electrolux refrigeration system
1. Why does the Electrolux system not need a compressor?
Because it uses heat energy to circulate the refrigerant instead of mechanical compression — the ammonia vapor pressure changes are achieved through heating and absorption rather than a moving compressor.
2. If it runs on heat, can I use solar energy to operate it?
Yes, absolutely. Since it only requires a heat source, solar heaters or solar panels with heat exchangers can run this system efficiently — making it suitable for off-grid cooling.
3. Why is hydrogen gas used if it doesn’t take part in the reaction?
Hydrogen doesn’t react chemically; it helps lower the partial pressure of ammonia in the evaporator, which allows ammonia to evaporate at lower temperatures and thus produce cooling.
4. What happens if hydrogen leaks out of the system?
If hydrogen leaks, the evaporation process stops because the pressure balance gets disturbed — the cooling performance drops or stops completely.
5. Why is ammonia preferred as the refrigerant instead of other gases?
Ammonia has a high latent heat of vaporization, which means it can absorb a lot of heat during evaporation, providing strong cooling even with a small quantity.
6. What role does the analyzer and rectifier play in the system?
They purify the ammonia vapor before it reaches the condenser — removing water vapors to prevent freezing or efficiency loss in the evaporator.
7. Why is this system almost noiseless?
Because it has no moving mechanical parts like compressors or fans. The entire operation depends on the natural flow of gases and liquids under heat and pressure differences.
8. Can this system achieve freezing temperatures?
Not efficiently — it’s better suited for refrigeration (around 0°C to 10°C), not for deep freezing, because the cycle’s temperature difference is limited.
9. How is the pressure maintained between different sections of the system?
The design and gas mixture (hydrogen + ammonia) automatically balance the pressures — the system is sealed and works continuously once charged properly.
10. Why is the performance of this system lower than a vapor compression system?
Because converting heat energy to cooling energy involves more losses, while vapor compression systems directly use mechanical energy, which is more efficient.