Energy Efficient Refrigeration Technology - The Fundamentals

GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE 280
Energy efficient refrigeration

technology – the fundamentals
GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE 280
BEST PRACTICE
PROGRAMME
ENERGY EFFICIENT REFRIGERATION
TECHNOLOGY – THE FUNDAMENTALS
Prepared for the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme by:
ETSU
Harwell
Didcot
Oxfordshire
OX11 0RA
and:
Safety Services Refrigeration

Cool Concerns
© Crown copyright 2000

First published January 2000
Free, independent publications for
efficient and effective refrigeration
from the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme
The Fundamentals
• Cutting the cost of refrigerant leakage (GPG 178)
• Refrigeration efficiency investment – putting together a persuasive case (GPG 236)
• Energy efficient refrigeration technology – the fundamentals (GPG 280)
For Users
• Saving money with refrigerated appliances –
a guide for smaller retailers, pubs, clubs,
hotels and restaurants (GPG 277)
• Purchasing efficient refrigeration – the
value for money option (GPG 278)
• Running refrigeration plant efficiently – a
cost-saving guide for owners (GPG 279)
For Technicians
• Installation and commissioning for efficient
refrigeration plant – a guide for technicians
and contractors (GPG 281)
• Service and maintenance for efficient
refrigeration plant – a guide for technicians
and contractors (GPG 282)
For System Designers

• Designing energy efficient refrigeration
plant (GPG 283)
And there’s more ...

Further Guides, over a dozen Case Studies, Reports and other Guidance Leaflets including:
• Energy savings with electric motors and drives (GPG 2)
• An introduction to absorption cooling (GPG 256)
• The engine of the refrigeration system: selecting and running compressors for maximum efficiency (GIL 52)
Contact the Environment and Energy Helpline on

0800 585794
for your free copies.
Ask for the complete refrigeration publications list.
FOREWORD
This Guide is part of a series produced by the Government under the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme.
The aim of the programme is to advance and spread good practice in energy efficiency by providing independent,
authoritative advice and information on good energy efficiency practices. Best Practice is a collaborative
programme targeted towards energy users and decision makers in industry, the commercial and public sectors,
and building sectors including housing. It comprises four inter-related elements identified by colour-coded strips
for easy reference:
— Energy Consumption Guides: (blue) energy consumption data to enable users to establish their relative
energy efficiency performance;
— Good Practice Guides: (red) and Case Studies: (mustard) independent information on proven energy-saving
measures and techniques and what they are achieving;
— New Practice projects: (light green) independent monitoring of new energy efficiency measures which do
not yet enjoy a wide market;
— Future Practice R&D support: (purple) help to develop tomorrow’s energy efficiency good practice
measures.
If you would like any further information on this document, or on the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme,
please contact the Environment and Energy Helpline on 0800 585794. Alternatively, you may contact your local
service deliverer – see contact details below.
ENGLAND
London East NORTHERN IRELAND
Govt Office for London Environmental and Energy Awareness Branch IRTU Scientific Services
6th Floor Govt Office - Eastern Region 17 Antrim Road
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London Bedford BT28 3AL
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Tel 020 7217 3435 Tel 01234 796194
SCOTLAND
East Midlands South West Scottish Energy Efficiency Office
Energy and Environment Team Energy and Environmental Management Scottish Executive
Govt Office for the East Midlands Branch 2nd Floor
The Belgrave Centre Govt Office for the South West Meridian Court
Stanley Place The Pithay 5 Cadogan Street
Talbot Street Bristol Glasgow
Nottingham Avon G2 6AT
NG1 5GG BS1 2PB Tel 0141 242 5835
Tel 0115 971 2476 Tel 0117 900 1700
WALES
North East West Midlands Energy and Environment Office for
Environment and Energy Efficiency Team Environment and Energy Management Office Industry and Training
Govt Office for the North East Govt Office for the West Midlands National Assembly for Wales
Wellbar House 77 Paradise Circus Cathays Park
Gallowgate Queensway Cardiff
Newcastle-upon-Tyne Birmingham CF1 3NQ
NE1 4TD B1 2DT Tel 029 2082 3126
Tel 0191 202 3614 Tel 0121 212 5300
North West Yorkshire and the Humber

Energy and Environment Unit Environmental and Energy Office
Govt Office for the North West Govt Office for Yorks and the Humber
Washington House PO Box 213
New Bailey Street City House
Manchester New Station Street
M3 5ER Leeds
Tel 0161 952 4282 LS1 4US
Tel 0113 283 6376
South East
Energy and Environmental Management Unit Merseyside
Govt Office for the South East Transport and Environment Team
Bridge House Govt Office for Merseyside
1 Walnut Tree Close Cunard Building
Guildford Pier Head
Surrey Liverpool
GU1 4GA L3 1QB
Tel 01483 882316 Tel 0151 224 6402
CONTENTS
This Guide is divided into three main Sections:
Page No.
SECTION 1 BASIC REFRIGERATION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY 2
The Refrigeration Process Explained 2
This Section explains how a refrigeration system works. This is done

using both a hardware-based (the components) and a science-based
(a pressure/enthalpy chart) explanation.
Key Factors that Affect Efficiency and Coefficient of System 6

Performance (COSP)
Many factors affect the efficiency of a refrigeration system – they are

outlined here. This is the basis for the advice given in other Good
Practice Guides in this series.
SECTION 2 SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND REFRIGERANTS 9
You will find information about the components, including the

refrigerant, used in a refrigeration system in this Section and key
points to ensure efficient use of them.
SECTION 3 SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 34
Most refrigeration applications fit into one of eight system types.

They are described in these Sections. Each Section includes
information about the components used and the main factors to
consider regarding energy efficiency. You should find your
refrigeration system described here.
APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS 48
If you need to find the meaning of a technical term used in

refrigeration, you should find it in this Appendix.
APPENDIX B USEFUL CONTACTS 54
There are many organisations that can provide you with more information
about refrigeration. The most important are listed in this Appendix.
APPENDIX C SPECIFICATIONS, CODES OF PRACTICE AND 56

REFERENCE SOURCES
FIGURES Page No.
Figure 1 Pressure-temperature relationship for ammonia (R717) 3

and R134a
Figure 2 Refrigeration heat transfer 3
Figure 3 Simple pressure-enthalpy diagram for a typical refrigerant 4
Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a simple refrigeration system 5
Figure 5 Typical compressor performance curves 7
Figure 6 Refrigerant flow in an evaporator tube 10
Figure 7 Temperature graph of the refrigerant as it flows along the 10
evaporator
Figure 8 Evaporator with a distributor for more even refrigerant flow 10
Figure 9 Shell and tube evaporator 12
Figure 10 Plate heat exchanger 12
Figure 11 Baudelot cooler 13
Figure 12 Cutaway diagram of a reciprocating compressor 15
Figure 13 Cutaway diagram of a twin-rotor screw compressor 16
Figure 14 Cutaway diagram of a single-screw compressor 16
Figure 15 Graph of losses for a typical screw compressor, contrasting 17
the ideal (theoretical) with what occurs in practice
Figure 16 Cutaway model of a scroll compressor 17
Figure 17 COP data for a typical compressor derived from performance 18
data in Figure 5
Figure 18 Refrigerant flow in a condenser tube 19
Figure 19 Temperature graph of the refrigerant as it flows along the 19
condenser
Figure 20 Temperature change for a single-phase coolant flowing 19
across/around the condenser tube
Figure 21 Diagram showing approach temperature difference between 20
refrigerant and coolant in a condenser
Figure 22 Four common condensing systems, and typical design 20
temperature used, and their resultant condensing temperatures
Figure 23 Air-cooled condensing unit 21
Figure 24 Water-cooled condenser 22
Figure 25 Evaporative condenser 22
Figure 26 Diagram of a thermostatic expansion valve 25
Figure 27 Diagram showing a low-pressure float valve usage 26
Figure 28 Schematic diagram of a typical ice cream conservator-type
system 36
Figure 29 Integral retail display cabinet 36
Figure 30 Schematic diagram of an integrated refrigeration system 37
Figure 31 A roof-top hydrocarbon chiller 39
Figure 32 Refrigerated milk tank 41
Figure 33 Central plant compressor pack for frozen food display 42
Figure 34 Diagram of a blast freezer system (batch throughput) 43
Figure 35 Cutaway diagram of a single-drum spiral freezer 44
(continuous throughput)
Figure 36 Schematic diagram of a simple two-stage system with 46
an internally compounded compressor
Figure 37 Two-stage system – externally compounded 47
INTRODUCTION
In this Guide we introduce you to the energy efficiency fundamentals of refrigeration

technology – the concepts and the factors that will help you to buy, design, install or
service a good system. This Guide assumes no prior knowledge of refrigeration.
This Guide complements the Good Practice Guides (GPGs), Case Studies and
other Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme publications for the refrigeration
sector.
The following topics are covered:
● basic theory – how a refrigeration system works using simple scientific

principles;
● the components – their function and variations;
● common applications with example systems.
There is great scope for improving the energy efficiency of refrigeration systems. As
well as reducing energy costs, this almost always has the added benefit of
increasing reliability and hence reducing service and downtime costs throughout the
plant’s lifetime. For more information about how to apply the basic principles
outlined in this Guide, you should refer to the Good Practice Guides listed at the
front of this Guide.
Improving energy efficiency saves money, and usually also improves the
reliability of refrigeration systems. The information in this booklet helps
you understand energy saving technology – important information if you
own, design or service refrigeration plant.
Throughout this Guide:
A triangle is used to show information that is very important for

energy efficiency.
A signpost is used to show you where you can find more detailed
information about a topic, elsewhere in this Guide, or in another
publication.
1
ENERGY EFFICIENT REFRIGERATION TECHNOLOGY – THE FUNDAMENTALS
1 BASIC REFRIGERATION AND

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
This Section starts with some basic rules of heat transfer, and then describes how a
refrigeration system works using two different explanations. The first uses
thermodynamics and the second uses hardware. This is followed by the key factors
that affect the efficiency of a refrigeration system.
Page
1.1 The refrigeration process explained 2
1.2 Key factors that affect efficiency and Coefficient of 6

System Performance (COSP)
1.1 The refrigeration process explained

A refrigeration system transfers heat from a substance to be cooled to another area
(usually outside air). Most refrigeration systems use the vapour compression cycle.
Heat is absorbed through a heat exchanger as the refrigerant evaporates, for
example, in the fan coil unit in a cold store. Heat is rejected through another heat
exchanger as the refrigerant condenses.
See GPG 256 There are other types of system which can be used to obtain a cooling effect, for
example the absorption refrigeration system, which can be effective when there is
An introduction to plenty of waste heat available. GPG 256, An introduction to absorption cooling
absorption cooling covers applications of absorption systems.
You may wish to refer to the Glossary of Terms on page 48 to help you with this
Section first time through.
You need to know some basic rules of physics to understand the vapour
compression cycle:
Rule 1. Heat flows naturally from hot to cold.
Rule 2. Energy (in the form of heat) is required to change a substance from a liquid
to a gas (i.e. to boil or evaporate). When this happens the liquid absorbs
large amounts of heat. This explains why sweating cools the skin.
Rule 3. Energy is given out by a substance changing from a gas into a liquid (i.e.
liquefying or condensing). This explains why steam is particularly good at
heating things on which it condenses.
Rule 4. The boiling temperature and the condensing temperature change if the
pressure changes – Figure 1 shows this relationship for ammonia and
R134a. This principle explains why you can’t make good tea up a high
mountain – the water boils at only about 90°C because of the lower
pressure.
2
BASIC REFRIGERATION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
30
Pressure vs evaporating/condensing temperature

25 R717
20
Pressure bar (ABS)
15
10 R134a
0
-40 -20 0 20 40 60
Evaporating/condensing temperature (ºC)
Figure 1 Pressure-temperature relationship for ammonia (R717) and R134a
The refrigeration system uses a fluid – the refrigerant – which boils at a low
temperature (usually between -10°C and -45°C) when it is at a low pressure (the
saturation pressure, usually between 1 and 5 bar as shown in Figure 1). Its boiling
or evaporating pressure can be controlled so that it boils at a temperature lower than
that of the product to be cooled (e.g. ice cream) – Rules 4 and 1.
Note: Because the temperature and pressure of a refrigerant are related so closely,
the terms are often used interchangeably. You will hear people talk of a condensing
temperature of X°C, and of a condensing pressure of Y bar – these are alternative
ways to describe the same physical state of a particular quantity of refrigerant. It’s
a bit like a chocolate bar on a Channel ferry costing £1.10 or 11 Francs – there is a
standard way to convert between the two, and different people prefer different
measures. In this Guide, we have standardised on using condensing Air
temperature/evaporating temperature.
Heat
Product is usually cooled indirectly (as shown in Figure 2) – the refrigeration system
cools air, or a liquid known as a secondary refrigerant, which in turn is used to cool Refrigeration
the product. The product, via the cooling medium (air or the secondary refrigerant), system
provides the energy to evaporate the refrigerant – Rule 2.
Heat
The refrigerant vapour is then compressed to a higher pressure. Its saturated
temperature is then higher than the ambient air or water used to remove the heat
from the refrigerant. The consequent heat loss converts the vapour back into a
liquid – Rule 3. The ambient air or water will, as a consequence, warm up.
-20°C
The liquid returns to the evaporator via a pressure-reducing device.
Figure 2 Refrigeration heat transfer
Two explanations follow that show how a refrigeration system works.
The first is a ‘thermodynamics-based’ explanation, using a

refrigerant pressure/enthalpy chart.
The second is a ‘hardware-based’ explanation describing what

happens in the components of a refrigeration system. This
explanation also includes some information about factors which
affect the performance of a component and/or the system as a
whole.
3
How a refrigeration system There will also be a large increase in

temperature, because some of the energy of
works – the compression is transferred into the refrigerant
thermodynamics purely as heat, thus raising its temperature
(superheat).
The operation of a simple system is shown in Figure 3
which shows the pressure-enthalpy chart for a typical 4➔5 The very hot vapour loses a small amount of
refrigerant. The enthalpy (energy content) of the heat to ambient air in the pipework between
refrigerant varies with its pressure, temperature and the compressor and condenser. This is good
state. The curve is the saturation curve: for efficiency.
● On the left part of this curve, the refrigerant is 5➔6 The high pressure superheated vapour flows
just a pure (saturated) liquid. into the condenser. The initial part of the
cooling process (5 ➔ 5a) de-superheats the
● On the right part, it is a pure (saturated) vapour before it then turns back into saturated
vapour. liquid (5a ➔ 6). The cooling for this process is
usually achieved by using ambient air or
● Inside the curve the refrigerant is a saturated water.
mixture of liquid and vapour.
6➔7 A further reduction in temperature may occur
● In the area to the left of the curve the between the condenser and the expansion
refrigerant is a sub-cooled liquid (i.e. a liquid device, so that the refrigerant liquid is sub-
below its saturation temperature). cooled as it enters the expansion device. This
is good for efficiency.
● In the area to the right of the curve it is a
superheated vapour (i.e. at a temperature 7➔1 The high pressure sub-cooled liquid passes
above its saturation temperature). through the expansion device, which reduces
its pressure and results in the temperature of
the refrigerant going down. There is,
however, no energy loss or gain through the
6 5a 5 4 expansion device.
7
The outlet of the expansion device/inlet to the
Pressure (bar)
Saturated
evaporator does not lie on the saturated liquid line.
liquid line
This is because, at the lower temperature, the
refrigerant cannot contain as much heat. This excess
heat causes some of the refrigerant to evaporate (flash
off) in expanding.
1 2 3
Saturated How a refrigeration

vapour line
system works – the
Enthalpy (kJ/kg) hardware
Figure 3 Simple pressure-enthalpy diagram for a typical The operation of the main system components is
refrigerant shown in Figure 4 and briefly described below. All
systems must contain these components. More
The refrigeration cycle can be broken down into the detailed information on the type and variation of these
following stages: components is given in Section 1.2.
1➔2 Low pressure liquid refrigerant (1) in the 1➔2 Refrigerant absorbs a lot of heat in the
evaporator absorbs heat energy from its evaporator
surroundings (usually air, water or some other The evaporator contains refrigerant
process liquid), which fuels its change of state boiling at low pressure. As the
from a saturated liquid to a saturated vapour. refrigerant boils or evaporates it
In certain systems, at the evaporator exit (2) absorbs a lot of heat. This heat is
the refrigerant vapour is slightly superheated removed from whatever surrounds
as shown. See
the evaporator, usually air or a evaporators
2➔3 The slightly superheated refrigerant vapour secondary refrigerant. For example, page 9
picks up more heat energy from ambient air in cold stores and cabinets, heat
around the pipework between the evaporator is removed from the air (the air
and the compressor. This is bad for efficiency. is cooled) by the evaporating
refrigerant. The cooled air is
3➔4 The superheated vapour enters the circulated around the food.
compressor where its pressure is raised.
4
Compressor Heat absorbed

4
5 3 2 Evaporator
Condenser
Expansion device
6 7 1
Heat dissipated
Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a simple refrigeration system

There are a number of compressor types available
The cooling effect of the evaporator is governed by: with different enclosures and compression parts.
● The difference in temperature between the 4➔5 Refrigerant vapour loses some heat in the
medium being cooled and the evaporating discharge line
refrigerant. The wider the temperature
difference the greater the rate of heat The high pressure refrigerant vapour flows from the
transfer. compressor to the condenser, losing a small amount of
heat energy to ambient air. This should be maximised
● The size and design of the evaporator.
for best efficiency.
Different types of evaporator are used for air cooling 5➔6 Refrigerant loses a lot of heat in the
and for cooling a liquid. condenser
2➔3 Refrigerant vapour absorbs a little more The condenser contains

heat in the suction line refrigerant which is changing
from a superheated vapour See
The refrigerant absorbs heat from the ambient into a liquid at high pressure. condensers
temperature air around the suction line between the A lot of heat energy is page 19
evaporator and the compressor. This superheating released during this process,
should be minimised by insulation, to maintain which is either rejected to
efficiency. ambient air or to cooling water.
3➔4 Refrigerant vapour is compressed in the

compressor The condenser capacity is affected by:
The compressor compresses ● The temperature of the cooling air or water.

refrigerant vapour from the low ● The size and design of the condenser.
pressure of the evaporator to the
See higher pressure of the condenser.
compressors During compression, the refrigerant
page 14 vapour also heats up. 6➔7 Liquid refrigerant subcools in the liquid
line
Compressors are usually driven by
an electric motor and are the main The liquid refrigerant flowing between the condenser
power users in refrigeration systems. and expansion device usually loses heat to ambient
air. This subcooling is beneficial to the performance of
The compressor capacity is affected by: the system since it increases refrigeration capacity
without increasing the power input.
● The compressor displacement, usually
measured in cubic m/s (m3/s). 7➔1 Refrigerant pressure is dropped in the
expansion device
● The difference between the evaporating and
condensing temperature – also known as An expansion device maintains the pressure drop
the temperature lift. This is similar to the between the condenser and evaporator. The
compression ratio – the pressures in the refrigerant saturation temperature also reduces as the
evaporator and condenser are related to the pressure drops.
evaporating and condensing temperatures.
● The temperature of the superheated The expansion device is sized to pass the required
suction vapour. amount of refrigerant at the minimum likely pressure
drop across the system.
● The properties of the refrigerant.
5
1.2 Key factors that affect efficiency and Coefficient of

System Performance (COSP)
The refrigeration load

The cooling load on the refrigeration system determines the size of the refrigeration
plant and therefore its power consumption. (It does not affect COP or efficiency:
without a refrigeration load there would be no COP or efficiency.)
The smaller the load, the lower the power consumption.
The load is usually made up of a number of different components. You may be able
to be reduce or eliminate one or more of these.
In a storage application (e.g. a cold store or retail cabinet) the load comprises:
● heat gains through walls, floor and ceiling;
● heat gains from air changes through doors/lids/open fronts;
● heat from fan motors, lights and even solar radiation;
● heat from pumps and other electrical devices in the cold store;
● heat from people and handling equipment, such as fork-lift trucks, which
enter the store;
● possible heat load from product entering which is at a higher temperature

than the storage temperature.
You pay for some of these heat gains twice. For example, you pay to run the
evaporator fan motor, but you also pay for the refrigeration system to remove the
heat this puts into the cooled space.
In processing applications, the majority of the heat load is usually from the product
that is being cooled or frozen, although there may be extraneous heat gains as well.
Reducing
More information about reducing these heat loads is given in GPG 279 Cutting the
cooling loads see
cost of running your refrigeration plant.
GPG 279
COP and COSP

The energy efficiency of a refrigeration system is expressed as the Coefficient of
System Performance (COSP).
capacity (kW)
COSP =
power (kW)
The power input is that of the compressor and all other motors (e.g. fan motors and
pumps and controls) associated with the system.
Efficiency can also be expressed as COP – this is just the efficiency of the
compressor, it does not take into account the power input of other electrical
components such as fan motors and pumps.
The COP varies depending on the temperature lift of the system – the temperature
lift is the difference between the evaporating and condensing temperatures. The
example data in Figure 5 show that:
● the capacity of the compressor increases when the temperature lift

reduces;
● the compressor power input decreases when the condensing temperature

is lowered;
● the compressor power input increases when the evaporating temperature

is increased, but the increase in power input is not as great as the increase
in capacity (hence the COP still goes up).
6
18
60
Condensing temperature (°C)

16 B
55
Power input (kW)
50
14
A 45
12 40
C 35
10
6
-25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10
Evaporating temperature (ºC)
80
35
Condensing temperature (°C)

70 40
Capacity rating (kW)
45
60 50
55
50
A 60
40
B
30
C
20
10
-25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10
Evaporating temperature (ºC)
A to B is raising the condensing temperature, A to C is lowering the

evaporating temperature; both of these mean higher temperature lift, and
both reduce the system capacity.
The COP is greater at lower temperature lifts.
Figure 5 Typical compressor performance curves
The temperature lift reduces if:
● the condensing temperature is lowered;
and/or
● the evaporating temperature is raised.
An increase of 1°C in evaporating temperature or a reduction of 1°C in

condensing temperature will increase the compressor COP by 2 – 4%.
Or put another way:
A decrease of 1°C in temperature lift will cut running costs by 2 – 4%.
7
The condensing temperature will be lower if:
● A condenser with a high basic rating is used (this is usually a larger

condenser).
● The condensing temperature is allowed to float down with the ambient

temperature. The average ambient temperature in the UK is about 10°C –
taking advantage of this rather than holding the condensing temperature
artificially high saves a significant amount of energy – probably in excess of
25% for many systems.
See lowering ● Water is used instead of air as the condenser cooling medium (but don’t
condensing forget to include the fan motors and pumps associated with water-cooled
temperature condensers and cooling towers in your COSP calculation).
page 19
It is also important that condensers do not become blocked, or their flow of cooling
air or water becomes impeded in any other way.
The evaporating temperature will be increased if:
See evaporating ● An evaporator with a higher basic rating is used (this is usually a larger
process evaporator).
page 9
● The evaporator is defrosted when necessary.
When the evaporating temperature of an evaporator cooling air is below 0°C, ice will
build up on the coil block. This must be regularly removed through an effective
defrost procedure. It is also important to ensure the evaporator is clean.
Other factors also affect the COP of the system:
● The efficiency of different compressor types and manufacturers varies, and

not necessarily according to price – it is important that the most efficient
See compressor compressor for a particular application is carefully selected. This depends
efficiency on the size of the cooling load, the refrigerant used, the temperature of the
page 18 application and the average temperature of the cooling medium (i.e.
ambient air or water).
● The amount of refrigerant has a significant effect on temperature lift – too

much or too little refrigerant charge reduces efficiency. Systems that leak
refrigerant consume more power than necessary. On average this
costs UK refrigeration plant owners an extra 11% on the running costs
of their systems. Systems that are overcharged can, in certain cases,
also consume more power than necessary and have more refrigerant to
lose in the case of a leak.
● The refrigerant type also has an effect on energy use. The variation can be
See refrigerant as high as 10%, but this benefit can only usually be achieved when the
type hardware is optimised to suit the refrigerant chosen. The most efficient
page 27 refrigerant for an application depends on the compressor used, the
temperature of the application and the average temperature of the cooling
medium (i.e. ambient air or water).
● The superheat of the suction vapour should be as low as possible – warmer

vapour reduces the capacity of the compressor without reducing its power
input. On direct expansion systems, this is achieved by correctly controlling
the expansion device, and on all system types, by insulating the suction
line.
● The amount of subcooling of the liquid refrigerant entering the expansion

device should be as high as possible – this increases the capacity of the
system without increasing power input. The liquid line should not be
insulated and should not pass through hot areas (e.g. kitchens or direct
sunlight).
8
SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND REFRIGERANTS
SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND

REFRIGERANTS
This Section includes descriptions of the common components used in refrigeration
2
systems, and outlines the high efficiency issues associated with the main
components:
Page
2.1 Evaporators 9
2.2 Compressors 14
2.3 Condensers 19
2.4 Expansion devices 24
2.5 Refrigerants 27
2.6 Other system components and features 31
2.1 Evaporators Evaporators Page
Different evaporators are used for different applications. Particular differences will The evaporating process 9
occur between these for cooling air or for cooling liquid. The most common types are
described below. An explanation of the evaporating process is given below. Direct expansion (DX) air coolers 10
Flooded or pumped liquid air coolers 11
The evaporating process Shell and tube liquid coolers – flooded-type 11
Refrigerant liquid passes through the expansion device, dropping in pressure and Shell and tube liquid coolers – 12
temperature, and then enters the evaporator where it absorbs heat from the ‘hotter’ direct expansion-type
tubes and, therefore, begins to evaporate (boil). This creates the cooling effect, as
the heat absorbed from the tubes is, in turn, absorbed from the air or liquid flowing Plate heat exchanger liquid coolers 12
around the evaporator tubes, thus chilling it. Some refrigerant may, during
expansion, evaporate instantly – this is called flash gas, and will also often occur in Baudelot liquid coolers 13
the pipework between the expansion device and the evaporator and, therefore, may
Oil control in evaporators 13
not provide any useful cooling.
Evaporator efficiency issues 13
Once in the evaporator, the refrigerant boils off progressively along the evaporator
at the evaporating temperature, turning from a liquid to a saturated vapour at the
same temperature. Only when the evaporation process is finished, and the
refrigerant at that part of the evaporator is 100% vapour, does its temperature rise
further.
This further heating above the saturated evaporating temperature is called

superheating. Some superheating, as a safety margin, is necessary in direct
expansion (DX) systems to ensure that no liquid refrigerant can return to the
compressor. However, superheating is not a very efficient use of the evaporator –
much more heat is absorbed during the boiling process (latent heat) than is
absorbed by a vapour changing temperature (sensible heat). A sensible balance
must be found – superheat should usually be set to around 5°C above the
evaporating temperature.
The evaporating process is illustrated in Figure 6. Figure 7 shows how the

temperature changes for the refrigerant.
9
,, ,,
,, Fluid being cooled ,,
,, ,,
,, ,,
,, ,,
Saturated ,, ,,
liquid in Superheated
(with some vapour out
flash gas) ,, ,,
,, ,,
,, ,,
,, Subcooled liquid Liquid and 100%,,
,, vapour,,
,, ,,
(with some flash gas) saturated vapour
Figure 6 Refrigerant flow in an evaporator tube (not to scale – diagrammatic only)
Liquid evaporating Vapour being

into saturated vapour superheated
Temperature
Evaporating
temperature Superheat
Distance
Figure 7 Temperature graph of the refrigerant as it flows along the evaporator

(shown for the case of a single substance, not a blend)
Direct expansion (DX) air coolers

Most of these use finned tubes, usually with forced circulation of air. A typical finned
tube evaporator will have a number of parallel circuits designed to:
● maximise heat transfer;
● ensure good oil return;
● minimise pressure drop.
A distributor is used to ensure

refrigerant flows evenly between
the different parallel circuits. Figure
8 shows an evaporator with a
distributor.
Saturated refrigerant is fed through

the distributor into the evaporator
tubes where it is totally evaporated
before reaching the outlet. By
controlling the flow of refrigerant,
the expansion device ensures the
refrigerant leaving the evaporator is
superheated a little (usually by
about 5K). This ensures that the Figure 8 Evaporator with a distributor for
refrigerating effect is as high as more even refrigerant flow
possible while still protecting the
compressor from liquid refrigerant
returning down the suction line.
Small systems with a capillary tube have a simpler evaporator. The quantity of
refrigerant charge is critical to ensure efficient evaporation and to prevent liquid
flooding into the compressor.
10
Defrosting direct expansion evaporators

Ice will build up on the evaporator and so decrease efficiency when the evaporating
temperature is below 0°C (which it will be for most refrigeration applications). There
are three ways the ice can be removed:
● natural defrosting if the air temperature is above 4°C – when the

refrigeration system is off the fans remain running to allow the air to defrost
the fin block;
● electric defrosting – defrost heaters, embedded in the fin block, are

periodically switched on to defrost the fin block while the compressor is
switched off;
● hot or cool vapour defrosting – hot discharge vapour or warm saturated

vapour from the top of the receiver is circulated through the evaporator to
melt the ice.
In all cases there is a drain pan and line to allow the condensate to drain away.
When the air temperature is below 0°C, these are heated and insulated.
Energy efficient defrosting depends on the following factors:

● initiating a defrost operation only when it becomes necessary through
detectable loss of performance;
● using the most efficient method of applying the necessary heat;
● ensuring that the defrost heat is evenly distributed over the whole of the fin
block;
● stopping the defrost cycle as soon as the fin block is totally clear of ice;
● minimising the amount of defrost heat absorbed by the process fluid or

product;
● minimising the frost build-up by ensuring the evaporating temperature is as

high as possible and there is low humidity around the evaporator.
Defrost on demand (where sensors are used so that defrost is initiated only when
necessary and terminated just when the fin block is clear of ice) is always more
efficient than timed defrosting, as it adjusts to the varying levels of ice build-up that
will usually occur.
Flooded or pumped liquid air coolers

Flooded air coolers require locally mounted surge drums from which liquid
refrigerant is gravity-fed to the coils of the unit. With pumped circulation units, a
single remote mounted drum can serve a number of coolers. Rotary pumps
distribute the liquid refrigerant to the units. Both methods of liquid supply achieve a
fully wetted heat transfer surface, giving an increase in capacity over a direct
expansion-type cooler.
With flooded or pumped circulation coolers, a higher evaporating temperature than

that used with direct expansion-type units can be achieved as no unnecessary
superheat is required to prevent liquid flooding to the compressor.
Shell and tube liquid coolers – flooded-type

These are commonly used in larger applications. The fluid to be cooled is passed
through the tubes, with the evaporating refrigerant boiling off into vapour within the
body of the shell. The refrigerant level in the shell is maintained so that the top tube
is always covered with liquid. In this way, the most efficient heat exchange, liquid to
liquid, is achieved over the whole of the cooling interface. Figure 9 is an example
of this type of evaporator.
11
'Dry' gas to compressor
Surge/separation vessel
HP liquid supply
Process fluid
out
Process fluid
in
Straight-tube bundle
Liquid level control
Figure 9 Shell and tube evaporator
To ensure optimum efficiency, the liquid level is usually maintained by using a low
pressure float valve – see Section 2.4 for more details. Alternatively, an expansion
See low pressure device and level sensor can be used.
float valve
page 26 The space in the upper part of the shell allows any droplets of liquid to be separated
from the vapour returning to the compressor. This separation is sometimes
achieved in a different vessel called a surge drum.
Shell and tube liquid coolers – direct expansion-type

With a direct expansion shell and tube liquid cooler, the refrigerant is metered into
the tubes by a thermostatic expansion valve. The process fluid flows through the
shell side of the unit, over the tubes, between baffles that ensure the fluid is in ‘cross
flow’ to the refrigerant flow.
To achieve a fully wetted surface in the evaporator, the expansion valve sensing
phial is sometimes located downstream of a suction to liquid line heat exchanger.
The refrigerant vapour is superheated in this heat exchanger (by the liquid
refrigerant), rather than in the evaporator, thus increasing the capacity of the
evaporator.
Plate heat exchanger liquid coolers

In a plate heat exchanger, the refrigerant and the fluid to be cooled flow through
channels formed in an assembly of corrugated plates, either brazed or bolted
together, as shown in Figure 10. Plate heat exchanger evaporators can operate on
either the flooded principle or by direct expansion. Most suppliers offer a surge
drum to separate liquid and gas with the flooded-type.
The advantages of plate heat exchanger liquid coolers over shell and tube
evaporators are:
● higher heat transfer coefficients;
● a smaller temperature difference between the refrigerant and the cooled

liquid, resulting in higher evaporating temperatures and, therefore,
improved system efficiency;
● more compact units requiring less plant room space;
● smaller refrigerant charge;
● the ability to clean non-brazed assemblies, thus maintaining a good heat

Figure 10 Plate heat exchanger transfer capability.
12
Baudelot liquid coolers

This type of cooler is used to cool down a
fluid, most commonly process water, close
to freezing temperature, usually to within
0.5°C of the freezing point. The Baudelot
cooler is designed so that it will not be
damaged if the water freezes.
The usual type has the water running down

in a thin film over the outside of the
refrigerant tubes or plates (see Figure 11)
and collected in a storage tank at the base.
Several designs are used, with either the
refrigerant coil wound from steel tube (and
then galvanised), or vertically embossed
stainless steel plates.
Figure 11 Baudelot cooler
Oil control in evaporators

Compressor lubricating oil flows around the system with the refrigerant. It is
important that this oil returns to the compressor, but it can drop out of solution with
the refrigerant in the evaporator. Oil control in evaporators is, therefore, an
important issue.
In order to maintain the optimum system efficiency, it is important that oil is not
allowed to collect in the evaporator where it will coat the tubes and reduce heat
transfer.
In direct expansion evaporators an adequate refrigerant velocity must be maintained

to carry the oil through both the tube assembly and suction line and thus return it to
the compressor at all load conditions. With flooded evaporators the oil can be
removed if necessary – the method will depend on the refrigerant.
Evaporator efficiency issues

The evaporating temperature must be as high as possible to maintain
evaporator efficiency. Using a large evaporator achieves this, but in addition:
● in a direct expansion air cooler the fin block should be kept clear of dirt
and slime and adequately defrosted if necessary;
● the tubes in a shell and tube evaporator should be cleaned to prevent

fouling and corrosion (water may need to be treated to reduce such
problems);
● the cooling medium flow should be maintained – pump and fan motors
must work;
● oil should not be allowed to build up in the evaporator;
● the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator should be correctly

controlled to ensure full use of its capacity with minimum superheat.
13
Compressors Page 2.2 Compressors

Types of compressor housing 14 The purpose of the compressor is to draw the low-pressure refrigerant vapour from
the evaporator and compress it to a higher pressure. This enables the vapour to be
Types of compressor condensed back into liquid by some convenient low-cost source of cooling, such as
Reciprocating compressors 14 ambient air or water.
Screw compressors 15
Scroll compressors 17
Centrifugal compressors 17 Types of compressor housing
Compressor performance data 18 Most compressors are driven by an electric motor:
Compressor efficiency issues 18 Either hermetic/semi-hermetic:
● Built into the same housing as the compression parts. Hermetic

compressors are built into a welded shell, and there is no access to the
internal parts for servicing or repair. Semi-hermetic compressors are
assembled with removable covers, usually sealed by gaskets, enabling a
limited amount of access for on-site service. Hermetic compressors and
larger semi-hermetic (above about 8 kW motor power) compressors are
usually suction-gas cooled – i.e. the refrigerant cools the motor before
compression. This reduces the capacity of the compressor. Externally-
cooled types, where the vapour passes directly into the cylinders, are
usually about 8% more efficient than the equivalent suction-cooled models.
Or open-type:
● With the drive shaft passing through a rotating vapour seal (an open-type).
See GPG 2 The motor is connected to the external drive shaft either with a direct
Energy saving with coupling or via belts. The motor must be accurately sized for the
electric motors and compressor’s duty and starting torque requirement. Running a motor below
drives its design duty reduces its power factor and efficiency. When comparing
the input power of open and semi-hermetic compressors, the motor’s
efficiency and drive losses must be taken into account for open drive
machines. High efficiency motors are usually available and are now
approximately the same price as standard motors (see GPG 2).
Types of compressor
Reciprocating, screw, scroll and centrifugal compressors are all used in commercial
and industrial refrigeration. They are outlined in more detail below.
Reciprocating compressors
Reciprocating compressors are the most common type used today.
The suction vapour is compressed by pistons moving in a close fitting bore. The
suction and discharge valves are either simple flapper reeds (on smaller
compressors) or ring valves (on larger machines). Bearings are lubricated by
refrigeration oil from the crankcase.
Reciprocating compressors are commonly available in a very wide range of sizes,

from a small, single-cylinder type used in domestic refrigerators, to eight-cylinder
models used in industrial applications (although models as large as 24-cylinders are
used in a few, very large industrial systems). Figure 12 shows a cutaway of a semi-
hermetic reciprocating compressor.
14
Figure 12 Cutaway diagram of a reciprocating compressor
Capacity control in reciprocating compressors

Larger reciprocating compressors (typically above 7.5 kW nominal motor size) can
be supplied with capacity control. This is usually achieved by one of the following
methods:
● blocked suction vapour into one or more cylinders (the suction vapour is
stopped from entering one or more cylinders, thus reducing the pumping
rate of the compressor);
● suction valve lifting (the suction valve is raised, allowing the refrigerant
vapour to pass back into the suction chamber during the compression
stroke);
● discharge vapour recirculation (vapour discharged from the piston is

returned directly to the suction vapour, thus reducing the amount of
refrigerant pumped around the system, but not the amount pumped by the
compressor).
The latter method is the least efficient – the power input to the compressor is usually
the same on part-load as it is on full-load. With the other methods the power input
falls almost in line with the capacity reduction.
Screw compressors
The most widely used types of screw compressor are the oil-injected twin-rotor
machine (Figure 13) and the single screw machine in which a main rotor meshes
with two diametrically opposed star wheels (Figure 14). See applications
of screw
The screw compressor is a positive displacement machine with the ability to operate compressors
over much higher pressure ratios than those of a reciprocating machine. They are, page 46
by virtue of their few moving parts, ideally suited for arduous duties calling for
extended running under heavy loads. Unlike the reciprocating machine, the screw
machine operates on a specific internal pressure ratio determined by its physical
construction/geometry.
15
Figure 13 Cutaway diagram of a twin-rotor screw compressor

Courtesy of Howden Compressors Ltd
Figure 14 Cutaway diagram of a single-screw compressor
For optimum efficiency, the internal pressure ratio determined by the volume ratio of
the compressor should match the ‘external’ pressure ratio existing across the
refrigeration systems. Modern screw compressors have the ability to continually
adjust their internal geometry to provide a volume ratio which results in the internal
pressure ratio matching exactly the external pressure ratio under varying head
pressures.
Screw compressors are cooled by oil that is injected into the machine to seal
running clearances between rotors and casing. It absorbs a significant amount of
the heat of compression. For optimum efficiency the oil is cooled externally to the
machine in a shell and tube heat exchanger cooled by water or refrigerant or by
thermo-syphon cooling. Cooling by direct injection of refrigerant into the
compressor reduces available capacity of the machine with a corresponding loss in
efficiency.
Capacity control in screw compressors

The capacity of the screw compressor is controlled by adjusting the degree of
opening of a slide valve positioned in the housing encasing the rotors. With this
valve closed (100% capacity) all vapour entering the machine is compressed and
discharged to the condenser. With the valve fully open (minimum capacity)
approximately 90% of the vapour is allowed to flow directly back to suction
uncompressed. Due to the internal losses of the screw compressor (proportional
more to speed than capacity) part-load operation below 60% is relatively inefficient.
Figure 15 shows the variation in power over the capacity range of a typical screw
compressor operating with a ratio of condensing to evaporating pressure of 4:1.
Variable speed drive is now available as a method of controlling the capacity of a

screw compressor giving improved efficiency at part-load conditions.
16
100
90 Pc = Cond. press (ABS)
Pe = Evap. press (ABS)

80
70
Actual
Full load power (%)
60
50
Pc
=4
Pe
40 Ideal
30
20
10
0 20 40 60 80 100
Capacity (%)
Figure 15 Graph of losses for typical screw compressor, contrasting the ideal
(theoretical) with what occurs in practice
Scroll compressors
This type of compressor has two scroll components – one fixed and the other
orbiting. Refrigerant is progressively compressed as one scroll orbits. High
pressure refrigerant is continually discharged from the compressor. Scroll
compressors are hermetic types as shown in Figure 16.
The size range of scroll compressors is limited (they are widely available up to 12kW
motor size) – they are most likely to be used on small to medium-sized commercial
refrigeration applications such as cold stores, milk tanks, beer cellars, appliances
and supermarket packs.
Many scroll compressors are of the compliant type. These allow some movement
of the scroll radially and/or axially. They are, therefore, tolerant to some liquid return
and particle contamination. Scroll compressors are quieter and vibrate less than
reciprocating types. At high evaporating temperatures (typically above 0°C) they are
usually more efficient than reciprocating compressors, but this is not the case for
low-temperature applications.
Centrifugal compressors
Where large volumetric flows of refrigerant are needed, such as in large capacity
water chillers, centrifugal compressors are often used. Where wide variations in
load occur, the most common methods of capacity control are inlet valve throttling
or discharge to suction bypass. Both reduce efficiency.
These machines are usually specially selected and matched to evaporators and Figure 16 Cutaway model of a scroll
condensers by the manufacturer, then supplied pre-assembled on a skid (a compressor
packaged chiller). The machines are usually specified by the conditions required in
the fluid (usually chilled water). If operation at reduced loads for long periods is
expected, the manufacturer can take it into account when specifying the machine,
and mitigate the efficiency losses described above.
17
Compressor performance data

Figure 5 (page 7) shows a typical data sheet for a compressor. It shows how the
capacity and power vary over the range of evaporating and condensing
temperatures. This could also be represented as in Figure 17 as COP data.
COP
45ºC Condensing
temperature
60ºC Condensing
temperature
Evaporating temperature
Figure 17 COP data for a typical compressor derived from performance data
in Figure 5
The data are presented at specific suction and liquid conditions (the rating point).
These rarely match the conditions of a real system, so correction factors must be
used to calculate the accurate capacity and power input for a specific application.
Computer software provided by compressor suppliers makes this easier.
When comparing different compressors, the rating conditions should be the same.
To make an accurate comparison of the performance of various compressors, the
most prevalent operating conditions that the system will work at should be used –
this is rarely the ‘design’ condition.
Compressor efficiency issues

The efficiency of the different compressor types varies significantly, so accurate
comparisons are necessary to find the most appropriate for a particular
application. Some compressors need ancillaries which absorb power, such as
cooling fans. These should be taken into account when making comparisons.
For applications which have a large load, it is usually most efficient to split up the
Further guidance load between smaller compressors using a control system to match the total
on compressors compressor capacity to the load. If the compressors are unevenly sized, the
see GIL 52 degree of capacity control is increased. More frequent starting and stopping as
and GPG 283 a result of matching the capacity of an oversized compressor to a load can erode
efficiency and can reduce reliability.
Operation on in-built capacity control should be avoided or minimised wherever

possible. This can be achieved by:
● avoiding the use of a single, large compressor;
● selecting a combination of compressor sizes which avoids the need for

operation of one or more machines on capacity control;
● where multiple compressors are used, using a control strategy which

minimises the operation of compressors on part-load (in particular, does
not allow two compressors to operate on 50% capacity rather than one
compressor on 100% capacity).
More information is given in General Information Leaflet 52 The engine of the

refrigeration system: selecting and running compressors for maximum efficiency
and in GPG 283 Designing energy efficient refrigeration plant.
18
2.3 Condensers Condensers Page
The condensing process 19
The condensing process Air-cooled condensers 21
Superheated refrigerant vapour enters the condenser, where it loses heat by passing Water-cooled condensers 22
close (i.e. the thickness of a tube wall) to a coolant fluid. The coolant may be air,
water or other fluids. The refrigerant vapour is first cooled to its saturation Evaporative condensers 22
temperature (dependent on the pressure of the vapour) at which point condensation
begins. As it condenses to a liquid at constant temperature, latent heat is released. Condenser efficiency issues 23
Only when the condensation process is finished, does the refrigerant temperature
start to fall once more. This further cooling below the condensing temperature is
called subcooling and most commonly occurs in the liquid line. The condensing
process is illustrated in Figure 18. Figures 19 and 20 show how the temperatures
change for refrigerant and for coolant.
,, ,,
,, Coolant
,,
,, ,,
,, ,,
,, ,,
,, ,,
Superheated Saturated
vapour in liquid out
,, ,,
,, ,,
,, ,,
,, Superheated vapour Saturated 100% ,,
,, ,,
,, ,,
being cooled vapour and liquid liquid
Figure 18 Refrigerant flow in a condenser tube (not to scale – diagrammatic only)
Temperature
Superheated Vapour condensing into liquid
Exhaust
vapour (and so giving out heat) temperature Temperature rise
Temperature
being cooled (could be stated as (of coolant)

wet bulb or dry bulb)
Ambient temperature
(could be stated as
Condensing Coolant flow
wet bulb or dry bulb)
temperature
Distance across tube
Distance along tube Figure 20 Temperature change for a

single-phase coolant flowing across/
Figure 19 Temperature graph of the refrigerant as it flows along the condenser
around the condenser tube (The
(shown for the case of a single substance, not a blend)
coolant could be air, water or another
fluid)
In the case of evaporative condensers, the cooling effect is enhanced by allowing
water to evaporate in the air blown over the tubes. This cools the air to its weld bulb
temperature. This would give a slighly different coolant temperature graph from that
shown in Figure 20.
The Approach Temperature Difference (ATD)

In order to transfer heat from the refrigerant to the coolant, there must be a See Section 1.2
temperature difference between the two, and this is called the approach temperature (key factors that
difference (ATD), illustrated in Figure 21. This must be large enough to provide the affect efficiency
heat flow needed to achieve the required system capacity. However, for maximum and COSP)
efficiency, the ATD should be minimised, as this will reduce the temperature lift of the
system. A sensible balance between these two factors has to be made to ensure
adequate capacity, but at reasonable running cost and environmental impact.
19
Refrigerant
Condensing
Temperature
temperature Approach temperature
difference (ATD) Coolant
Rise in (air or water)
temperature
Coolant inlet of coolant
temperature
Distance
Figure 21 Diagram showing approach temperature difference between refrigerant

and coolant in a condenser
The inlet temperature of the coolant is usually not controllable (e.g. ambient air
temperature, or temperature of water available) but the coolant should be selected to
have as low a temperature as possible. The lower the coolant temperature, for a
given ATD, the more efficient the system will be. The coolant temperature naturally
rises as it cools the refrigerant – the magnitude of this temperature rise depending on
the flow rate and the type of coolant used. For maximum efficiency, this temperature
rise should be kept low, as that means the condensing temperature can also be
lower. However, the higher flow rates required would need larger fans and/or pumps,
which also consume energy. As ever with refrigeration systems, a sensible balance
(i.e. optimum design) must be found between conflicting requirements. Figure 22
shows some typical design values for ATD, coolant temperatures and resultant
condensing temperatures for four common types of condenser.
CONDENSER DIAGRAMMATIC TYPICAL

TYPE ARRANGEMENT CONDENSING TEMPERATURE
Refrigerant 40ºC condensing

Refrigerant
temperature
35ºC 30ºC 5ºC ATD1
AIR-COOLED 5ºC
temperature 30ºC (dry bulb)
rise air temperature
30ºC condensing
temperature
EVAPORATIVE 12ºC ATD

Wet air
18ºC (wet bulb)

air temperature
Refrigerant Cooling 30ºC condensing

25ºC Refrigerant
water temperature
SHELL AND TUBE
WATER-COOLED 5ºC ATD
5ºC
(supplied from temperature 20ºC
a river)2 20ºC rise water temperature
Refrigerant Condenser Cooling tower

28ºC 33ºC condensing
temperature
SHELL AND TUBE
WATER-COOLED 5ºC ATD
23ºC
(supplied from a 5ºC rise (dry bulb)
cooling tower) 23ºC
cooling Cooling 23ºC Wet air 5ºC ATD
18ºC
water tower
Wet bulb air temperature
Notes:
1 The ATD for air-cooled compressors is often as high as 15°C, but this is not strictly
necessary with good design.
2 Temperature of borehole water can be as low as 10ºC. Condenser supplied thus would
achieve condensing temperature of 10ºC + 5ºC rise + 5ºC ATD = 20ºC.
Figure 22 Four common condensing systems, and typical design temperature

used, and their resultant condensing temperatures (See Figure 21 for an
explanation of the temperature diagrams)
20
There are three types of condenser in widespread use:
● air-cooled (using ambient air);
● water-cooled (using mains, river or cooling tower water);
● evaporative-cooled (using ambient air and recirculated water).
The two latter types take advantage of the lower wet bulb ambient temperature and
the greater heat transfer effect of water, and therefore operate with lower
condensing temperatures. When comparing different condenser types, the power
requirements of associated fans, pumps and heaters should be taken into account.
In general, systems under 100 kW capacity use air-cooled condensers unless there
is a space or noise restriction.
Air-cooled condensers
In an air-cooled condenser the refrigerant condenses inside finned tubes over which
air is forced by fans.
If air-cooled condensers are being used in a corrosive atmosphere (for example,

near the sea or in polluted air) the fins are made of copper, or the fin block is tinned
or coated with PVC.
Air-cooled condensers are susceptible to blockage by airborne debris such as dust,

feathers, packaging, and so on. They must be regularly cleaned to prevent a build-
up of contamination, as this will reduce the air flow and hence increase the
condensing pressure. Also, if the condenser is in a vulnerable position, the face of
the fin block must be protected to prevent damage, but there must still be free
circulation of air.
For smaller systems, the air-cooled condenser is built onto a base frame with the
compressor and receiver, as shown in Figure 23. Packaged water chillers are also
available up to very large sizes, where the whole assembly, including air-cooled
condensers, are mounted on one base plate.
Figure 23 Air-cooled condensing unit
21
Water-cooled condensers
In a shell and tube water-cooled condenser, the refrigerant vapour is cooled then
condensed in the shell of the unit, by cooling water flowing through the tubes (see
Figure 24). Water-cooled condensers are commonly used in conjunction with water
cooling towers or with free cooling water of suitable quality in certain circumstances
where this is available.
Figure 24 Water-cooled condenser
Plate heat exchangers are also used as water-cooled condensers.
Condensers which use water from a borehole, sea or river operate with low
condensing pressures, and are therefore the most efficient. When used with water
from a cooling tower, the level of energy efficiency is comparable with that of an
evaporative condenser, both taking advantage of the ambient wet bulb temperature
as a means of cooling. The cooling water must be treated to prevent the formation
of Legionella bacteria.
Evaporative condensers
The evaporative condenser utilises both ambient air and the evaporation of water to
remove heat from the refrigerant vapour flowing inside the coils of the unit. Ambient
air is blown up over the condenser into water sprayed down from a sparge system
mounted above the condenser (see Figure 25).
Figure 25 Evaporative condenser
22
The water absorbs heat from the refrigerant and evaporates into steam at the
prevailing wet bulb temperature. This steam is rapidly removed by the circulating
air. This improves the cooling effect because the surface temperature of the
condenser pipes approaches wet bulb temperature, increasing the efficiency of the
unit. A continuous make-up of the circulated water is required to replenish that lost
by evaporation.
The big advantage of evaporative condensers over shell and tube condensers and
cooling towers is that the circulating water pump is much smaller. However, an
evaporative condenser needs to be placed close to the compressor, to avoid long
runs of refrigerant pipework.
Condenser efficiency issues

The three types of condenser most commonly used in refrigeration all have
associated levels of energy consumption which must be taken into account:
● air-cooled – fan power;
● water-cooled – circulating pump power and, usually, cooling tower

components;
● evaporative – fan and pump power.
The more surface area a condenser has, the closer the condensing temperature
is to the temperature of the cooling medium, whether air or water. This lower
condensing temperature results in lower energy consumption.
The heat transfer of all condenser types is reduced if they are dirty:
● air-cooled condenser fin blocks should be free of debris and in good

condition;
● water-cooled condenser tubes should not be fouled, corroded or scaled-

up (cooling water will usually need to be treated to avoid this).
Air or other non-condensables in the system will increase the condensing

temperature which results in lower efficiency. Good installation procedures (i.e.
evacuation) will prevent this happening. In large systems which work with a
suction pressure below atmospheric pressure, air can be drawn into the system
during operation. This should be removed automatically using a refrigerated air
purger (this type prevents loss of refrigerant to atmosphere when the air is
removed).
The condensing pressure should be allowed to float with ambient temperature to

take advantage of the lower ambient temperatures overnight and during winter.
This causes the pressure ratio to vary significantly, and can cause problems with
some types of commonly used expansion valve. To avoid this, more sophisticated
expansion devices should be used, such as electronic or balanced port types, or
liquid pressure amplification should be considered (see Section 2.6).
23
Expansion devices Page 2.4 Expansion devices

Capillary tubes and orifice plates 24 The purpose of the expansion device is to reduce the pressure of the liquid
refrigerant after the condenser so that evaporation can take place. Some types of
Thermostatic expansion valves 24 expansion valve also control the flow of liquid refrigerant into the evaporator in order
to:
Balanced port valves 25
● vary system capacity to meet demand;
Electronic expansion valves 25
● prevent liquid refrigerant leaving the evaporator and causing damage to the
Float valves 25
compressor.
High-pressure (HP) float valve 26
Low-pressure (LP) float valve 26 The correct selection and installation of an expansion device are very important. If
it does not control correctly, the efficiency and reliability of a system will be reduced.
Manually adjusted expansion valve
and level switch 26 There are four types of expansion device widely used in commercial and industrial
refrigeration:
Expansion devices efficiency issues 27
● capillary tubes (small systems) and orifice plates;
● thermostatic, electronic or balanced port expansion valves;
● float valves (high and low side);
● hand expansion valve and level switch.
Capillary tubes and orifice plates

A capillary is simply a length of small bore-tube – its length and bore are selected
to achieve the required pressure drop. It is normally used only on small factory-
produced systems, e.g. display cabinets, bottle coolers, ice-making machines, etc.
These types of system usually have constant loads, and any small variations result
in a reduction of system efficiency.
As a capillary tube cannot control flow, the refrigerant charge in such systems is
critical in order to avoid compressor damage and to achieve maximum efficiency.
System cleanliness is also very important to avoid any blockage in the capillary tube.
Some large water chillers use an orifice plate in exactly the same way. The same
disadvantages apply.
Thermostatic expansion valves

Thermostatic expansion valves are used on most commercial systems. A typical
example is shown in Figure 26. The refrigerant pressure is dropped through an
orifice, and the flow of refrigerant is regulated by a needle valve and diaphragm
arrangement. The diaphragm is moved by pressure generated inside the controlling
phial, which senses the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the evaporator. This
should be approximately 5°C above the evaporating temperature to ensure there is
no liquid refrigerant returning to the compressor.
This temperature difference (the superheat) is set by adjusting the pressure exerted
by the spring. Correct setting is vital to the efficient and reliable operation of the
system. If the load on the evaporator changes, the temperature of the refrigerant
leaving the evaporator also changes. The controlling phial senses this and
automatically adjusts the refrigerant flow to accommodate the load change.
A major disadvantage of thermostatic valves is that they cannot work as well if the
pressure difference across them reduces significantly, e.g. when the condensing
pressure floats down with falling ambient temperature. To cope with such
conditions, balanced port and electronic expansion valves can be used.
24
Thermostatic
diaphragm
Inlet Valve body

strainer
Needle valve
Temperature
serving phial
Superheat
setting spindle
Figure 26 Diagram of a thermostatic expansion valve
Balanced port valves

Balanced port valves are very similar in design and operation to the conventional
thermostatic valve, apart from a special internal balanced port design. This allows
the valve to control the flow of refrigerant accurately over a wider range of
pressures. These valves cost approximately 20% more than a conventional valve,
and are available only in a limited range of sizes.
Electronic expansion valves

Electronic valves work in a similar way to thermostatic valves, except that the
temperature is sensed electronically and this signal is used to open and close the
orifice by applying heat to a fluid (similar to a thermostatic expansion valve) or by
driving a small electric actuator. This form of control is much more precise and the
valve can, therefore, operate with a wider range of condensing and evaporating
pressures. A further advantage is that they can be easily integrated into an
electronic or microprocessor control system.
Electronic
Electronic valves are more expensive than other types and the payback may only be
expansion valves
attractive on larger systems. Good Practice Case Study 302 Improving refrigeration
see GPCS 302
performance using electronic expansion valves explains the benefits, and
demonstrated that using this type of valve with direct expansion evaporators in a
medium-sized cold store gave a payback in 1.4 years.
Float valves
There are two main types of float valve used in refrigeration:
● the high-side or high-pressure float, operating at the high-side pressure;
● the low-pressure float which operates at the low-side pressure.
The high-pressure float usually has the expansion valve integral within the float
chamber, the low-pressure float can have either an integral expansion valve or one
remotely mounted in the liquid line controlled via a pilot line.
25
High-pressure (HP) float valve

With this type of valve fitted in the liquid line directly from the condenser, or from the
receiver itself, the refrigerant charge is minimised because the receiver can operate
empty. This valve is only suitable for systems incorporating a single evaporator.
Extreme care is required when charging a system fitted with this type of valve as all
liquid refrigerant entering the valve is passed to the low side of the system. The
system is said to have a ‘critical charge’ and to ensure safe operation (avoiding
over-charging which results in ‘liquid carry-over’ to compressors) a liquid level
gauge must be fitted to the evaporator or the vessel from which the evaporator is
fed.
Low-pressure (LP) float valve

This valve controls the flow of liquid refrigerant to the ‘low side’ of the plant by
monitoring the liquid level in the evaporator (or in the vessel from which the
evaporator is fed). It varies the degree of opening of an integral expansion valve,
or on large systems varies the pressure in a pilot line to modulate the opening of an
expansion valve in the liquid line.
With this type of valve, a level of liquid must be maintained in the receiver under all
levels of load. A level gauge is necessary to enable the liquid level in the receiver
to be monitored.
Pilot solenoid valve

(de-energised closed)
closes expansion valve
To compressor suction
HP liquid
Expansion valve
Process fluid out
Pilot lines
LP float valve
Process fluid in
Figure 27 Diagram showing a low-pressure float valve usage
Manually adjusted expansion valve and level switch

An alternative method of feeding flooded evaporators (to the modulating type of
expansion valve) is that of a float level switch. This opens and closes a solenoid
valve positioned in the liquid line immediately upstream of a manually adjusted
expansion valve.
This arrangement can be used for both HP and LP float-type systems.
With this arrangement, the manually adjusted expansion valve is set at a degree of
opening that ensures the required rate of feed of liquid refrigerant is maintained at
maximum load with minimum head pressure. At all other conditions, the period of
time that the solenoid valve is open is reduced.
26
Expansion devices efficiency issues

Where capillary tubes or orifice plates are used, the refrigerant quantity is critical
to capacity and efficiency. If a capillary tube is damaged or partially blocked it
will not control the system correctly and the efficiency will reduce.
With thermostatic expansion valves the superheat setting has a significant effect
on efficiency and reliability:
● if the superheat is too low, liquid refrigerant may return to the

compressor, causing damage or failure;
● if the superheat is too high (usually above 5K), capacity and efficiency
are unnecessarily reduced.
Thermostatic expansion valves do not control well over widely varying pressure
differences so, to take advantage of floating head pressure, balanced port or
electronic valves should be used.
The high pressure float has one advantage over all the other types of expansion
device because it is fitted with a vent tube so that when the plant stops, the
pressure differential across the valve equalises. Thus, on start-up, the
compressor drive motor absorbs less power than during a normal start-up.
2.5 Refrigerants Refrigerants Page
All substances that exist in liquid and vapour states absorb heat during evaporation Hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerant issues 29
and could therefore be used as refrigerants. Water, for instance, could even be
used, but its boiling point is too high to be of practical use. A refrigerant should Ammonia issues 29
evaporate at the required cooling temperature at a reasonable pressure, and must
be able to be condensed by a readily available cooling medium (usually ambient air) Standards 29
at a practical pressure.
Secondary refrigerants 30
Refrigerants used in refrigeration and air conditioning are usually one of:
Refrigerant efficiency issues 30
● CFCs – chlorofluorocarbons;
● HCFCs – hydrochlorofluorocarbons;
● HFCs – hydrofluorocarbons;
● HCs – hydrocarbons;
● NH3 – ammonia.
CFCs deplete stratospheric ozone and, following the Montreal Protocol, are no
longer produced. They were very widely used in the past, and are therefore still in
older systems. HCFCs also deplete ozone, but to a lesser extent. They will be
phased out of production in Europe in 2015 (Note – negotiations underway at time
of print may alter this schedule. Refer to the British Refrigeration Association,
Appendix B). Their use in some (larger) new systems is controlled under European
Union regulations. HFCs have been developed during the 1990s to replace CFCs
and HCFCs. HCs are also being used as replacements.
Refrigeration plant contributes to global warming indirectly due to the energy it

consumes, as power stations emit carbon dioxide when they generate electricity;
efficient plant will use less electricity and so have less indirect impact. In addition,
many refrigerants are powerful greenhouse gases which contribute directly to global
warming if they leak, and certain refrigerants also damage the ozone layer; good
design and installation will minimise leakage.
The total of a refrigeration system’s direct and indirect global warming impact is
called its Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI) value. The British Refrigeration
Association has published guidelines to help calculate this (see page 57).
A summary of the characteristics of these refrigerant groups is shown in the table

overleaf.
27
Type Examples ODP * GWP ** Uses Other issues
CFC R12 High High Widely used in most Now phased out of
R502 applications until 1990. production.
R11
HCFC R22 Low High Widely used in many To be phased out of

R409A applications. production in 2015.
R411B Not recommended for use Their use is also regulated
after 1999. increasingly strictly.
NH3 R717 Zero Very low Used in industrial systems Toxic and flammable, reacts
Ammonia since the birth of refrigeration. with copper.
HFC R134a Zero High Started to be used in place of Different compressor oil
R404A CFCs from about 1990. needed, performance of
R407C some HFCs not as good as
R410C CFCs. Some reliability
R507 problems.
HC R600a Zero Very low R290 used in some industrial Flammable, but are very good
e.g. propane, R290 systems for decades. R600a refrigerants with few changes
iso-butane Care 30 now used in domestic systems. needed to a CFC/HCFC
Care 50 Care 30 and Care 50 now system.
R1270 used in some commercial
applications.
CO2 Zero Very low Widely used before the 1950s, Not yet in widespread
Carbon but superseded by halocarbons. commercial use as a primary
dioxide Now being ‘rediscovered’ as a refrigerant, but an interesting
primary and secondary prospect. (High operating
refrigerant. pressures require special
materials and construction.)
* ODP = ozone depletion potential ** GWP = global warming potential
Many of the new refrigerants are blends of different substances which fall into two
categories:
● those with a low ozone depleting potential (ODP) which are used as
transitional substances, these are usually based on the HCFC R22 (e.g.
R409A, R411B);
● those with zero ODP which have a longer term future, these are usually
based on HFCs (e.g. R404A, R407C), or HCs (e.g. Care 30, Care 50).
The transitional substances are primarily used to convert existing systems – they
should not be specified for new equipment. Because they include HCFC R22
they can operate with the existing (mineral) oil in the system and the conversion
procedure is therefore usually fairly simple – a ‘drop-in’ procedure.
The blends based on HCFCs or HCs can be used to replace the HCFC or CFC
refrigerant in existing systems without changing the oil. Blends based on HFCs are
usually only used in new systems because otherwise an oil change would be
needed.
The new blends described above are mostly blends of two or three substances and
are usually given the number R4XX, e.g. R404A, R407C.
Blend issues: Zeotropic blends
Some blends behave differently in a system to a single substance like R22 or

R134a. At a constant pressure, a pure refrigerant will have a single
evaporating/condensing temperature, however, some blends evaporate and
condense across a small temperature range. Such blends are said to have
‘temperature glide’, and are called zeotropic blends. For zeotropic blends:
● when the refrigerant is a saturated liquid (e.g. about to start evaporating) it

is at the ‘bubble temperature’;
● when the refrigerant is a saturated vapour (e.g. about to start condensing)

it is at the ‘dew temperature’.
28
The difference between bubble temperature and dew temperature is the

temperature glide, which varies depending on the refrigerant, but is usually between
1K and 8K.
This means that the evaporating temperature increases (from the bubble to the dew
temperature) as the liquid boils; conversely, the condensing temperature decreases
(from the dew to the bubble temperature) as vapour condenses. The practical
effects of this are:
● increased capacity where the refrigerant and air/water/secondary

refrigerant flows are in counter-flow;
● uneven ice build-up may occur (for example, affecting defrosting);
● blends must be removed from the cylinder as a liquid to retain the correct
blend composition.
It is wise to check with the manufacturers of the refrigerant before using a zeotropic
blend in a flooded evaporator system as it may affect the system’s performance.
Blend issues: Azeotropic blends
It is also possible to have a blend for which there is no temperature glide (i.e. the
bubble and dew temperatures are the same). These are called azeotropic blends,
and include R502 and R507. They behave like single substances.
Hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerant issues

The HC refrigerants are flammable. This affects where they can be used safely, and
how systems are designed and installed. However, they can and have been safely
and successfully applied in a wide range of refrigeration systems, and their use
increasing because of their good efficiencies.
Ammonia issues
The most commonly used refrigerant in flooded-type industrial refrigeration systems
is anhydrous ammonia (chemical symbol NH3, refrigerant number R717).
Anhydrous ammonia has a high latent heat resulting in a low mass flow of refrigerant
around the circuit and, therefore, reduced energy consumption.
The density of liquid ammonia is less than that of compressor lubricating oil. Thus
oil removal is simply a matter of draining from low points of the system (for safety,
on the low-pressure side of the system – and into an oil collection vessel). Ammonia
vapour is approximately two-thirds the density of air and thus air is easily purged
from the highest point on the condenser when the refrigeration plant is stopped or
by automatic purging equipment. As both these contaminants can drastically affect
the energy efficiency of an ammonia system, their removal is very important.
Ammonia has good heat transfer properties in both the liquid and vapour phase.
Ammonia is toxic at high concentrations. COSHH occupational exposure limits

control exposure to ammonia at 25 ppm, at which point the smell is quite obvious.
Concentrations of vapour up to 250 ppm can be tolerated by most people, causing
only irritation and discomfort with no cumulative effect. At 3,500 ppm, ammonia is
quite quickly lethal (30 minutes). A 16 – 27% (by vol.) ammonia air mixture can, with
difficulty, be ignited. Ammonia also attacks copper, zinc, tin, cadmium and their
alloys.
Standards
The revised British Standard 4434:1995 Safety and environmental aspects in the
design, construction and installation of refrigerating appliances and systems, which
covers safety in all types of refrigeration system, gives guidelines on how all
refrigerants (including HCs and ammonia) should be applied safely. This Standard
will be superseded by the European Standard EN 378.
29
Secondary refrigerants
Systems using secondary refrigerants, known as indirect systems, are described in
Section 3.4. In principle, this just means that the refrigeration plant operating on its
own (primary) refrigerant is used to cool an intermediate (secondary) refrigerant
which is pumped to the point where cooling is required. Secondary refrigerants are
used in many applications, often to reduce the amount of toxic, flammable or
environmentally-damaging primary refrigerant used, or to prevent product
contamination by the primary refrigerant in the event of a leak. The use of indirect
See indirect
systems is increasing to enable flammable/toxic refrigerants (which are usually
systems page 39
more energy efficient) to be safely used in more applications.
Most secondary refrigerants absorb sensible heat, i.e. change temperature, as they
cool the product. Some, however, absorb latent heat by changing from liquid to gas,
or solid to liquid, and so have a higher capacity per unit mass flow. The temperature
of the secondary refrigerant may, therefore, not change and so the temperature
difference is maintained for good heat flow. Secondary refrigerants using latent heat
include carbon dioxide and slurry-ice.
Refrigerant efficiency issues

The type of refrigerant can affect the efficiency of a system by up to 10%.
The relative performance and efficiency of a refrigerant is affected by the type of

compressor and the operating conditions.
Zeotropic blends can give advantages in capacity and efficiency when used in
the correct way (i.e. advantage is taken of temperature glide in the evaporator).
The amount of charge is important – too much and especially too little refrigerant
See GPG 178 can reduce efficiency.
Cutting the cost of
refrigerant leakage It is important that systems do not leak refrigerant – insufficient refrigerant
reduces evaporator wetted surface area and results in increased superheat.
This reduces the suction pressure and increases the temperature lift, thus
reducing efficiency. See Good Practice Guide 178 Cutting the cost of refrigerant
leakage.
If refrigerant is contaminated, e.g. with air, the efficiency of the system is

reduced.
30
2.6 Other system components and features Other system components Page
and features
There are other important components and features used in some or all systems to
improve operation or performance. These are described below. System control 31
Insulation 31
System control Heat recovery 31
Systems are usually controlled either by a thermostat in the cooled space or Liquid receiver 32
secondary refrigerant, or by the suction pressure. It is important that these controls
do not allow the system to operate at a lower evaporating temperature than Suction/liquid heat exchanger 32
necessary (thus increasing the temperature lift and the duration of operation).
Oil separation systems 32
There will also be safety devices on most systems. These can include:
Filter drier 33
● a high pressure switch connected to the compressor discharge which will
Sight glass 33
switch off the system if the high pressure exceeds the setting (i.e. a safe
level);
Pipework 33
● a pressure relief device on the receiver which will open and allow the
Liquid pressure amplifier (liquid line pump) 33
refrigerant to escape if the pressure exceeds the setting (i.e. before it builds
up to a dangerously high level).
Some systems may have a control (often another high pressure switch) to regulate
the condensing pressure and maintain it at a high level regardless of ambient
temperature. This forces the system to always operate at a high temperature lift,
thus reducing system efficiency.
A low-pressure switch is used on many systems to control the pump-down system

and shut off the compressor when the application is down to temperature. A
solenoid valve in the liquid line closes when the system has achieved the desired
temperature. The system carries on running until the suction pressure reaches the
setting of the low-pressure switch – the compressor then stops with the liquid
refrigerant safely contained in the high side of the system. In this way there is no
possibility of liquid refrigerant flooding into the compressor and causing damage.
Insulation
Insulation is important in reducing heat loads on a refrigeration system. In particular
it will be used to:
More guidance on the
● reduce heat gains into cooled spaces such as cold stores and cabinets; specification of insulation
is given in Fuel Efficiency
● reduce the heat gain into the suction vapour between the evaporator and Booklets 8 and 19
the compressor (process 2 —> 3 of Figures 3 and 4).
Heat recovery
The condensing refrigerant in a refrigeration system is warmer than ambient
temperature. The amount of heat rejected in the condenser is the cooling effect plus
most of the compressor input power. Heat can be recovered from:
● The discharge vapour, which can be as hot as 150°C. The heat is removed
in a de-superheating vessel between the compressor and condenser. The
amount of heat available is, however, relatively small.
● The condenser, which is normally 10 to 30°C above ambient temperature.
● The oil used on oil-cooled compressors, which can be between 60 and

80°C.
It is essential that the effect of heat recovery on the performance of the refrigeration
See GPG 141
system is carefully analysed. In many cases, recovering useful heat from the
Waste heat
condenser forces the system to operate less efficiently (i.e. at a higher condensing recovery in the
temperature), and the savings in heating costs are usually less than the added process industries
refrigeration costs.
31
A de-superheater recovers high temperature heat from the discharge vapour

leaving the compressor. The discharge temperature depends on the operating
conditions of the system and the refrigerant. R22 and ammonia operate with
significantly higher discharge temperatures than most other refrigerants.
In a well designed refrigeration system the condensing temperature should be as

low as possible. Any heat recovered from the condenser will be at a very low
temperature and is very rarely useful.
In oil-flooded screw compressors much of the motor heat is dissipated into the
lubricating oil. The oil usually enters the compressor at about 40°C and leaves it
at 60 to 80°C. For an R22 system, about 38% of the motor power would be
absorbed by the oil and consequently be available for recovery. For ammonia
systems this figure increases to about 60%.
Liquid receiver
A liquid receiver is used on all systems, except those with a capillary tube expansion
device, to:
● hold a buffer of refrigerant to ensure there is always liquid available if the

load on the evaporator changes;
● hold all the refrigerant charge safely during a pump-down operation.
The receiver is a pressure vessel and must usually be protected by pressure relief
devices. For more information see the British Standard 4434:1995 Safety and
environmental aspects in the design, construction and installation of refrigerating
appliances and systems, the Pressure Equipment Directive and the Pressure
System and Transportable Equipment Regulations.
Suction/liquid heat exchanger

The cooling effect of an evaporator is proportional to the length of the line between
points 1 and 2 in the pressure-enthalpy diagram of Figure 3. Cooling capacity is
increased by lowering the temperature of the liquid at the inlet to the expansion
device (i.e. increasing the liquid subcooling).
The temperature of the refrigerant leaving the evaporator is lower than that of the
liquid entering the expansion device. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the liquid
temperature by using a heat exchanger between these two points (between points
2 and 7 on Figures 3 and 4).
There will be a corresponding increase in the suction vapour temperature entering

the compressor. This will reduce the compressor’s capacity as the vapour will be
less dense and therefore less refrigerant will be pumped. In general, the gain
outweighs the loss at evaporating temperatures above -15°C.
Care must also be taken when using these heat exchangers on systems with
refrigerants R22 and R717 (ammonia), where the increased suction temperature
could result in an excessive compressor discharge temperature.
Oil separation systems

Refrigeration compressors pump a small amount of oil with the refrigerant. The
installation should be designed to ensure that this oil circulates around the system
and returns to the compressor. Oil logging in components such as evaporators can
significantly reduce their efficiency and a shortage of oil in a compressor will
decrease its reliability and eventually result in a mechanical failure.
Some refrigerants do not carry oil around the system reliably, so it is necessary
when using these refrigerants (or when there are significant variations in the system
load) to install an oil separator in the discharge line just after the compressor. The
oil separator will remove the majority of the oil from the discharge vapour and return
it to the compressor’s crankcase.
32
Where compressors have been installed in parallel (e.g. to meet a large load) an oil
management system is required to ensure that oil is returned only to the
compressors that need it – failures and loss of efficiency can occur if a compressor’s
crankcase is overfilled with oil as well as if there is too little. Each compressor is
fitted with a valve which senses the crankcase oil level. As the level drops so the
valve opens, allowing a flow of oil from the reservoir to enter the crankcase to
maintain the optimum level.
Filter drier
It is critical to the efficient and reliable operation of any refrigeration system that the
refrigerant is kept free from moisture and particles. Moisture can freeze at the
expansion device, restricting or completely blocking the flow of refrigerant. Small
particles can have a similar effect and can damage the internal working parts of
valves and compressors. To prevent this happening, a filter drier is installed in the
liquid line. These are fitted with a fine mesh filter and are filled with a desiccant to
absorb moisture.
Sight glass
A sight glass is fitted in the liquid line of all but small commercial systems. It gives
a visual indication that the refrigerant in this line is liquid. It is used:
● to gauge the correct charge during installation;
● to check that the system is fully charged during operation and maintenance
(although vapour bubbles in the sight glass also occur if the filter drier in the
liquid line is blocked).
A shortage of refrigerant, e.g. due to a leak, significantly reduces the system

efficiency. More information is given in Good Practice Guide 178. Most sight
Refrigerant leakage
glasses also incorporate a visual indicator which responds to the dryness of the
see GPG 178
refrigerant. Any moisture present will change the colour of the indicator.
Pipework
Copper or steel pipework is used to join the system components to make a complete
circuit. The pipework is designed and installed to:
● minimise pressure drops, thus keeping the compressor compression ratio

as low as possible to maintain efficiency;
● allow oil to return to the compressor by ensuring the refrigerant’s velocity is

sufficiently high.
Both the pipe sizing and its routing will have an impact on these requirements.
Liquid pressure amplifier (liquid line pump)

Liquid pressure amplification (LPA) is used to increase effectively the level of
subcooling at the expansion valve and reduce the amount of work needed by the
compressor. This is achieved by using a liquid pump between the receiver outlet
and the expansion valve. The pump raises the pressure of the liquid into the
expansion valve, so the valve will control well even when the head pressure floats
down with falling ambient temperature. Significant energy savings and
improvements in reliability have been reported by users of LPA systems.
33
3 SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS

Refrigeration is very widely used in most industry sectors – many companies rely on
refrigeration for producing and/or storing products. There are few modern industrial
processes that do not, at some stage, require the extraction of heat to effect a
change in temperature and/or state. Most refrigeration systems are used in the
following industry sectors:
● food and drink retailing;
● chemicals manufacture;
● refrigerated transport;
● food and drink processing;
● cold storage.
Air conditioning and domestic refrigeration are not covered by this Guide.
Most commercial and industrial refrigeration systems fit into one of eight categories
and they are described in this Section.
Page
Efficiency issues relevant to all systems 35
3.1 Commercial integral appliances 35
3.2 Cold stores 37
3.3 Packaged water chillers 38
3.4 Indirect systems (including bespoke water chillers) 39
3.5 Milk tanks 41
3.6 Supermarket direct expansion central plant systems 42
3.7 Blast freezers (including freezing tunnel or spiral freezers) 43
3.8 Low temperature applications and two-stage systems 45
34
SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS
Efficiency issues: for ALL systems the following

golden rules apply:
✓ The load should only be that which requires mechanical cooling (as
opposed to that which can be pre-cooled using cooling fliuds at ambient
temperatures, e.g. ambient air). The load should be as low as possible.
✓ The condensers and evaporators should be sized to maintain the lowest

practical condensing temperature and the highest effective evaporating
temperature.
✓ Head pressure control should be avoided or minimised.
✓ The compressor/refrigerant combination should be the most efficient for

the application.
✓ The suction line should be insulated.
✓ The system should contain the correct type and amount of refrigerant
and be leak-free.
✓ The condenser and evaporator should be cleaned regularly.
✓ The evaporator should be defrosted as necessary.
Additional efficiency issues associated with each system category are

included below.
3.1 Commercial integral appliances

Commercial appliances are used in retail and catering outlets and in licensed
premises for the storage and/or display of frozen and chilled food and drinks. Such
appliances include:
See GPG 277
● display cabinets for chilled and frozen food; Saving money with
refrigerated
● ice cream conservators; appliances
● fridges and freezers for commercial kitchens;
● bottled and canned drink chillers;
● ice-makers;
● beer coolers.
They are self-contained, i.e. the refrigeration system is integral to the cabinet, and
they are always produced in a factory. (Some display cabinets have remote
refrigeration systems – these are covered in Section 3.6 on supermarket central
plant systems.)
Component Type
Compressor Hermetic reciprocating or scroll, up to 4 kW nominal motor

size.
Condenser Air-cooled, usually with a fan. Ice cream conservators

have a skin condenser (i.e. copper coil wound around the
outer cabinet skin) as well as a dynamic condenser.
Receiver Fitted to appliances using a thermostatic expansion valve.
Expansion device Capillary tube or thermostatic expansion valve.
Evaporator Fin and tube with fan in most cases. Defrost, where
necessary, is usually by heaters. Ice cream conservators
have a copper coil or Bundy tubing wrapped around the
inner skin of the cabinet and rely on manual defrosting.
Refrigerant R134a, R404A, hydrocarbons.
Additional Capillary tube systems usually include a simple suction to

components liquid line heat exchanger.
35
Specific efficiency issues for commercial integral

appliances
If you are buying or using such appliances, refer to GPG 277 Saving money with
refrigerated appliances.
● Product should not be loaded beyond the load line, and should not be
loaded at a temperature above the storage temperature.
Buying integral
appliances ● Thermostats should not be set lower than necessary.
see GPG 277
● The condenser air flow should not be restricted – this usually means
the appliance should be sited a minimum distance from walls and
other obstructions.
● The appliance should not be located in direct sunlight, or near

heaters.
● The appliance should be regularly cleaned and debris removed from

air flow inlets/outlets.
Night blinds and ● On open fronted appliances such as retail display cabinets, night
PVC strip curtains blinds or PVC strip curtains should be used to reduce heat gain.
see GPCS 223 and (Note: The control circuits must be designed for use with night blinds
GPCS 350 otherwise there is a serious risk of plant short cycling due to the dramatic
reduction of load when the night blind is in use.)
Compressor
Fan-cooled
condenser
Capillary
Evaporator tube
Skin
condenser
Filter drier
Figure 28 Schematic diagram of a typical ice cream conservator-type system
Figure 29 Integral retail display cabinet
36
3.2 Cold stores

Cold stores are used in many shops and most supermarkets and in many catering
and retail premises for the storage of chilled and frozen food, and chilled beer and
Cold store systems
other drinks. On a larger scale, there are public and distribution cold stores. Most
see GPCS 230
are designed to suit the particular application and are assembled on-site. Some
modular cold store packages are available.
Component Type
Compressor Most common, semi-hermetic reciprocating compressors.

Also used, hermetic reciprocating and scroll, and semi-
hermetic and open screw.
Size range: all.
Condenser Usually air-cooled with a fan, occasionally water-cooled

using cooling tower water.
Receiver Fitted on all systems.
Expansion device Thermostatic expansion valves are most commonly used,

occasionally balanced port or electronic types are used.
Very large systems will use pumped refrigerant and low -
pressure float valves.
Evaporator Fin and tube with up to four fans. Defrost, where

necessary, is usually by electric heater, but warm/cool gas
is also used. Higher temperature applications, e.g. beer
cellars, use natural defrosting.
Refrigerant R134a, R404A, R407C. Ammonia for large stores.
Additional In larger stores, several evaporators will be used with

components either a central plant system or separate systems.
The diagram in Figure 30 (from GPCS 230) shows a typical large cold store system.
Superheat
sensing phial
Reciprocating De-superheater
compressors
Chilled Air
air
TEV PC
Evaporator 1
Air-cooled
condenser
Air
Chilled
air
Suction Receiver
pressure
controller
Evaporator 2
Thermostatic
expansion valve (TEV)
Figure 30 Schematic diagram of an integrated refrigeration system
37
Specific efficiency issues for cold stores

● Ensure product is loaded so that it does not impede the air flow
to/from the evaporators.
● Ensure product is not warmer than the store temperature when it is

loaded.
● The thermostat should not be set lower than necessary.
● Keep doors closed except when necessary.
● Use door strips or an air lock to minimise heat gain when doors are
open.
● Maintain door seals in good condition.
● On large, low-temperature stores use of an air lock significantly

reduces the latent load.
3.3 Packaged water chillers

The two main applications of water chilling are:
● chilling water to around 5°C for use in fan coil units applied to space
cooling, as shown in Figure 31, or for process cooling;
● chilling water to around 0.5°C for use, for example, in the final stage of milk
cooling subsequent to pasteurisation.
Loads of all sizes can be handled by packaged water chillers, for temperatures down
to about 5°C. For lower temperatures and special applications, bespoke chillers will
be designed (see Section 3.4).
Packaged water chillers are supplied as complete units, usually mounted on a single
base frame.
Component Type
Compressor All types. All sizes.
Condenser Air-cooled or water-cooled.
Receiver Fitted.
Expansion device Thermostatic expansion valve (smaller sizes), orifice plates

(older designs for large sizes), or HP and LP float.
Evaporator Shell and tube.
Refrigerant R134a, R22, R407C.
Additional Chilled water tank and pumps.

components
Specific efficiency issues for packaged water chillers

● Compressors should be sized and controlled to minimise part-load
operation.
● Water pump flow rate should be variable to match the load closely.
38
3.4 Indirect systems (including bespoke water chillers)

The use of indirect systems is increasing as some users are moving away from
traditional central plant systems. Indirect systems use a primary system to cool a
secondary fluid which cools the display cases, cold stores etc. The advantages of
such a system are:
● The primary refrigerant charge is significantly smaller, thus reducing the

potential for leakage. Refrigerant is restricted to the plant room area,
therefore leak detection is simplified and repairs more easily carried out.
● The primary refrigerant no longer has to travel through very long pipe runs,
so the pressure drops are significantly lower.
● Room and case coolers are more efficient since 100% of the cooler tubing
is in contact with the cooling medium. This increase in cooler efficiency
negates the need to evaporate at a lower temperature than a conventional
DX system.
● The more environmentally benign refrigerants such as ammonia and

hydrocarbons can be safely used as they will normally be contained in plant
on the roof and will not circulate in public areas.
A disadvantage of this system is that there is an additional heat exchange needed

which results in some heat loss. This can cause a higher temperature lift compared
to direct systems, although this disadvantage can be outweighed by the reduction in
pressure drop.
Packaged water chillers can be used for secondary refrigerants, but they become
less appropriate as the temperature falls below 0°C. Generally, bespoke chillers are
more appropriate for these duties.
Figure 31 shows a typical indirect commercial system.
Figure 31 A roof-top hydrocarbon chiller
This chiller operates with a secondary refrigerant distributing to the display cases on
the shop floor below
Courtesy of Tesco
39
Component Type
Compressor All types. All sizes.
Condenser Evaporative or air-cooled.
Receiver Fitted.
Expansion device Direct expansion or low-pressure float valve.
Evaporator Shell and tube, plate or Baudelot (water only).
Refrigerant R22, R407C, R410A, ammonia, hydrocarbons.
Additional Chilled water tank and pumps.

components
Specific efficiency issues for indirect systems

● Compressors should be sized and controlled to minimise part-load
operation.
● High efficiency motors should be used on open drive compressors.
● Select a secondary refrigerant which absorbs as much heat as

possible for a low flow rate.
● Reduce the mass flow of secondary refrigerant by selecting one which

absorbs latent heat.
● Select a secondary refrigerant which has a suitable viscosity over the

operating range (to reduce pump power).
● Size the circulating pump carefully to avoid throttling an oversized

pump.
● Utilise variable speed drive/multiple pumps to maintain energy

efficiency over a range of secondary refrigerant flow rates.
● If possible, the secondary refrigerant supply to the consumers should

be varied. Where water is the secondary refrigerant, this may require
a separate, constant-flow loop to prevent freezing in the evaporators.
40
3.5 Milk tanks

Milk tanks are used on all dairy farms to cool the milk immediately after milking.
They usually use a condensing unit with a specially designed evaporator/milk tank.
These two main components are assembled on-site.
Component Type
Compressor Most common, hermetic reciprocating or scroll compressors.

Also used, semi-hermetic reciprocating compressors.
Size range 1 to 7 kW.
Condenser Air-cooled with fan.
Receiver Fitted on all systems.
Expansion device Thermostatic expansion valve.
Evaporator Most common, thermoplate with channels formed by

welding two sheets together – the evaporating refrigerant
flows through the channels formed. The evaporator is the
bottom section of the milk tank.
Sometimes used, ice blank tank where evaporating refrigerant
flows through copper tubes immersed in a water/ice tank.
Refrigerant R134a, R22, R407C.
Additional Heat recovery from the discharge vapour is fairly

components common.
Figure 32 Refrigerated milk tank
Specific efficiency issues for milk tanks

● Ensure the condensing unit is sited in an area where there is plenty of
air flow and out of direct sunlight.
● If heat recovery is used, ensure it does not force the refrigeration

system to work less efficiently than it should.
41
3.6 Supermarket direct expansion central plant systems

Most supermarkets use a central plant system to provide liquid refrigerant for display
cases on the shop floor and for cold stores and preparation areas. The load is large,
so two or more compressors are fitted in parallel. They discharge into a common
header and the vapour is taken to a common condenser and receiver. The liquid is
then distributed to a header with connections to each evaporator.
Usually the high temperature (chilled food) and low temperature (frozen food) loads
are handled with two separate packs. The ice cream is also often separate.
Component Type
Compressor Semi-hermetic reciprocating, hermetic scroll or semi-

hermetic screw. Size range 5 to 50 kW nominal motor
power.
Condenser Air-cooled remote condenser.
Receiver Always fitted.
Expansion device Most common, thermostatic expansion valve.

Sometimes used, electronic expansion valve.
Evaporator Fin and tube evaporators in display cases, cold stores and
preparation areas. Where defrosting is necessary, it is by
electric heater or cool/warm vapour.
Refrigerant R22, R134a, R404A.
Additional An oil management system will be necessary.

components
Figure 33 shows a typical central plant for frozen food.
Figure 33 Central plant compressor pack for frozen food display
Specific efficiency issues for supermarket direct

expansion central plant systems
● Ensure the compressors are controlled to minimise operation on part-
load.
● Ensure the suction pressure control is not set lower than necessary.
● These systems are prone to leakage because of the long pipe lengths
and high number of joints – make sure they are leak tested regularly
and thoroughly.
42
3.7 Blast freezers (including freezing tunnel or spiral

freezers)
Blast freezing is carried out with large volumetric flows of air chilled to temperatures
of around -30°C. To achieve this, an evaporating temperature of the order of -35°C
is required, thus two-stage compound cycles (see 3.8) are usually used, as shown
in Figure 37.
The freezing can be a batch process where a quantity of product is loaded into the
freezer and the ‘batch’ is frozen, usually overnight, for removal to store the following
morning. Freezing can also be a continuous process using a conveyor belt system
arranged along a tunnel, or in a more compact box enclosing a spiral conveyor
system (spiral freezer). ‘Hardening tunnels’ used in ice cream manufacture are also
a form of blast freezer.
Component Type
Compressor Two-stage reciprocating compressor or screw type with

economiser.
Size: all.
Condenser Evaporative.
Receiver Fitted.
Expansion device Usually float valve.

Sometimes thermostatic expansion valve.
Evaporator Flooded, floor-mounted finned tube-type.
Refrigerant Usually ammonia.

Sometimes R22.
Additional Pumping station and oil management system.

components Large systems may use a two-stage refrigeration system
with multiple compressors.
Evaporator
Refrigerant
out
Refrigerant
in
Figure 34 Diagram of a blast freezer system (batch throughput)
43
Figure 35 Cutaway diagram of a single-drum spiral freezer (continuous throughput)

Courtesy of Jackstone Food Systems
Specific efficiency issues for blast freezers

● Ensure air flow does not bypass the product.
● Maintain air velocity below 3 m/s (higher velocities require more fan
motor power for little improvement in cooling effect).
● Ensure minimum ingress of air/moisture.
● Minimise internal heat loads during the freezing period.
● Ensure effective defrost.
● Ensure optimum product throughput rate (too short means un-frozen

product, too long means excessive run-times).
● Where possible, maximise air cooling of product at higher evaporating

temperatures prior to entry into the tunnel.
44
3.8 Low temperature applications and two-stage systems

Applications requiring low evaporating temperatures, such as ice cream hardening
at -45°C, or storage of frozen products at -35°C, result in correspondingly low
pressures at the compressor suction, which means a very high overall compression
ratio. For practical and efficiency reasons this can be met by:
● a two-stage reciprocating compressor system with an intercooler;
● a two-stage screw compressor system, preferably with an intercooler;
● a single-stage screw compressor, preferably with an economiser.
These alternatives are described below.
Using reciprocating compressors

In low-temperature applications, using a reciprocating machine to compress the
vapour in one ‘squash’ from a low suction pressure up to the condensing pressure
is ineffective. This is because the compressed gas left in the clearance volume at
the end of the compression stroke would re-expand on the down stroke, and leave
little room for drawing in more suction gas for the next stroke. In addition,
compression over a wide pressure differential can cause excessive discharge
temperatures. For these reasons, the compressor manufacturers set operating
limits for single-stage operation which are refrigerant dependent (usually of the order
of 10:1). For low-temperature applications, compression has to be carried out in two
stages.
In between the two stages of compression, it is necessary to cool the refrigerant gas
to avoid compressor failure. On smaller systems, this can be done by injecting liquid
refrigerant leaving the condenser directly into the refrigerant gas between stages.
The alternative is to use an intercooler, which achieves the cooling of inter-stage gas
using a pool of refrigerant at an intermediate pressure and temperature.
There are two additional benefits to using an intercooler:
● it subcools the liquid going to the low-temperature evaporators, which

reduces the work that the low-stage compressors are required to do;
● higher temperature cooling loads can be served from the intercooler and
hence by the high-stage compressor only – reducing the load on the low-
stage machines.
There are two types of intercooler.
a) Open-type intercoolers
The simplest type of intercooler is an open pressure vessel (i.e. nothing inside),
with an HP or LP float valve admitting the liquid refrigerant from the condenser.
The hot gas from the first stage of compression is bubbled through the liquid, and
thus cooled. The second (high) stage compressor draws its gas from the
intercooler. This type of intercooler has the advantage that all the refrigerant
liquid passes through it, and thus is subcooled to the intercooler temperature
before the evaporator. The disadvantages of this type of intercooler are:
● for systems with widely or rapidly varying loads, the level in the
intercooler can be hard to control;
● liquid refrigerant passes through two expansion valves before reaching

the evaporator, both sized for the whole refrigerant flow.
b) Closed-type intercoolers
In a slightly more complex arrangement of an intercooler (closed-type), most of

the liquid flowing from the condenser passes through a coil submerged in a bath
of liquid in the shell of the intercooler. A small proportion of the liquid flowing
from the condenser is bled off to maintain the liquid bath. This bath is constantly
being evaporated by the heat given up, by both:
● the high-pressure ‘hot’ liquid flowing through the coil (being subcooled
prior to flowing to the low stage);
45
● the superheated gas from the first stage of compression bubbled

through the pool of liquid to cool (i.e. de-superheat) it prior to entering
the high-stage cylinders.
The closed-type intercooler is less sensitive to load changes than the open-type
unit. The liquid passes through only one expansion valve, thus most of the
pressure differential between the condenser and evaporator is available across
the evaporator expansion valve. In the open type it expands twice; initially from
condensing pressure to intermediate pressure, and finally, from intermediate
pressure to evaporating pressure. With the closed-type unit, the liquid is
subcooled, usually to within 5°C of the intermediate saturation temperature.
Liquid leaves the shell side of an open-type intercooler, saturated, at a
temperature equal to the intermediate saturation temperature.
3 6
Process fluid
out 2 4 5 6
3 7
2-stage
Process fluid
compound
in
compressor
8
1 8
8 7 6
P 4
5
3
1 2
Figure 36 Schematic diagram of a simple two-stage system with an internally

compounded compressor
Two of the most common types of two-stage (or compound) systems are shown in
Figures 36 and 37.
This basic system (Figure 36) solely addresses the problem of high vapour
temperature at minimum capital cost. A minimum level of condensing pressure
must be maintained. The inter-stage pressure may not be most efficient for a
specific application.
The system in Figure 37 provides an increase in energy efficiency primarily by

subcooling the liquid going to the evaporators, usually to within 5°C of the inter-
stage saturation temperature. This system also ensures full de-superheating of the
low-stage discharge. It enables side loads (i.e. higher temperature loads) of any
magnitude to be supplied at intercooler temperature, or allows the optimum inter-
stage condition to be utilised. The capital cost, however, is relatively high.
Using screw compressors

A screw compressor can operate at higher pressure ratios as it has a relatively small
See screw clearance volume and so will be able to handle in a single compression a pressure
compressors difference which would require two stages for reciprocating compressors. However,
page 15 an economiser circuit (also called a liquid subcooler) can increase its capacity and
improve efficiency. An economiser is a heat exchanger which, like the intercooler
described above, uses a pool of liquid refrigerant at intermediate temperature and
pressure to cool the liquid going to the evaporators. This increases the compressor
capacity and its efficiency. The gas generated in the economiser is taken to an
intermediate pressure tapping on the casing of the screw compressor.
Economisers, like intercoolers, are available as open and closed types, and will
provide all of the benefits of liquid subcooling, but no gas intercooling is required and
so the vessels are smaller. For the ‘open’ type of economiser, care is required to
ensure that sufficient pressure is available for the low-stage expansion valve to
operate properly.
46
Low-stage
booster 3
compressor
2
Process 2 5
fluid
4 3
out
6
1 7
Process
fluid in Closed coil
8 intercooler
7
1 8
4 5
High-stage
compressor
6
P 8 7 5
4 3
Subcooling
in intercooler
1 2
Figure 37 Two-stage system – externally compounded. Shows booster stage and

high-stage compressors with closed coil intercooler
Two-stage operation of screw compressors can also bring improvements in energy

efficiency for high compression ratio systems and so should be investigated.
Key efficiency issues for low temperature applications

and two-stage systems
● Select the inter-stage pressure to give optimum efficiency – this can
mean set it as high as possible to suit intermediate temperature loads
or, in the absence of these, at the optimum thermodynamic point
(given by (condensing pressure x evaporating pressure), where the
pressures are in absolute units).
● Ensure maximum subcooling of high-pressure liquid is achieved

(typically the inter-stage equivalent saturation temperature for open
intercoolers, or within 5K higher for the closed-type).
● For large heat loads with different product temperatures, consider

separate low-pressure machines for each temperature level,
discharging to a common intercooler.
Cascade sytems
On very low temperature applications, the differential between the evaporating
pressure and the condensing pressure can be minimised by employing a cascade
system of operation.
In such a system, the low-temperature circuit operates on a refrigerant selected to

give an adaquate pressure at the very low evaporating temperature required by
process, while the high-stage circuit operates on a refrigerant selected to give, at the See
condensing temperature dictated by the cooling medium available, a normal GPG 283
condensing pressure. The condenser of the low-temperature circuit is the
evaporator of the high-stage circuit (see GPG 283 Designing energy efficient
refrigeration plant).
47
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Absorption Cycle A refrigeration cycle based on absorption of low-

pressure vapour into an absorbing fluid. No
compressor is required, although a liquid pump is
usually employed. The cycle is usually driven by heat
input.
Air Conditioning The process of modifying/controlling the temperature

and humidity of air. It usually refers to situations where
air needs to be cooled (and/or moisture removed).
Air Cooler A heat exchanger for cooling air, usually in a chill or

cold store.
Air Purging The process of removing unwanted air (and other non-
condensable gases) from the condenser of a
refrigeration plant.
Ambient Temperature The dry bulb temperature of the outdoor air.
Ammonia (NH3) A primary refrigerant used in many industrial

refrigeration systems. Refrigerant R717.
Base Load The level of cooling load that represents the minimum
load under normal operating conditions.
Bespoke A refrigeration plant specifically designed for an end-

user application (as opposed to a packaged plant,
which is of standard design).
Brine A general term for a secondary refrigerant. It usually

refers to calcium chloride brine, which is a solution of
calcium chloride and water.
Capacity Control A system to reduce the cooling capacity of refrigeration

plant.
Cascade Cycle A specialised refrigeration cycle design used for very

low temperature applications. It consists of two or
more separate refrigeration circuits, each using a
different refrigerant. The heat rejected by a first-stage
condenser is absorbed into the evaporator of the next
stage in the cascade.
CFC Chlorofluorocarbon. This is a type of refrigerant

consisting of chlorine, fluorine and carbon. CFCs are
no longer produced.
CFC Phase-out The manufacture of CFC refrigerants was banned in

(strategy for) 1995. Users of CFCs require a strategy for phase-out
that involves either conversion of an existing plant to a
new refrigerant or replacement with completely new
plant.
48
APPENDIX A
Chilled Water Refrigerated water, often used as a secondary

refrigerant to transfer ‘cold’ to end-user processes.
Coefficient of The ratio of the cooling capacity to the absorbed

Performance (COP) power of a compressor. A key measure of
compressor efficiency.
Coefficient of System The ratio of the cooling capacity to the absorbed

Performance (COSP) power of the whole refrigeration system. This
measure includes the effect of the power consumption
of auxiliary components such as fans and pumps, as
well as the compressor. The measure of plant
efficiency.
Compression Ratio The ratio of compressor discharge pressure to suction

pressure, using pressure measured in absolute units.
Compressor A machine which raises the pressure, temperature

and energy level of a refrigerant vapour.
Compressor A measure of the energy efficiency of a compressor.

Energy Efficiency It is the ratio of the power that would be used in an
‘ideal’ or isentropic compressor to the actual power
used.
Condenser A heat exchanger in which a refrigerant vapour gives

up heat, cools and then condenses to liquid form.
Condensing The temperature and pressure at which the

Temperature and refrigerant condenses to liquid form.
Condensing Pressure
Cooling Duty The instantaneous cooling load of a refrigeration

system.
Cooling Tower A device used to cool water through the process of

partial evaporation.
Defrost Removal of frost or ice from the surface of an

evaporator.
Defrost on Demand A control system that automatically initiates an

– Control evaporator defrost sequence when an appropriate
amount of ice has built up on the evaporator surface.
De-superheater A heat exchanger used to remove sensible heat from

compressed vapour prior to it entering the condenser.
Direct Expansion An evaporator in which all the refrigerant supplied to

(DX) Evaporator each parallel circuit completely evaporates in that
circuit, producing superheated vapour at the outlet.
Discharge The high pressure exit from a compressor.
Dry Bulb Temperature Temperature measured with a dry bulb thermometer.

This measures the actual temperature of the air, as
opposed to a wet bulb thermometer (see below).
Economiser A heat exchanger used in certain refrigeration cycles

to improve the COP by allowing some refrigerant
vapour to be compressed over a reduced
compression ratio. It is usually used on screw
compressor systems with an intermediate injection
port.
Electronic/Computer The use of modern electronic systems for the control

Control of refrigeration plant.
Electronic Expansion An expansion valve controlled by a microprocessor

Valve (EEV) and able to operate under relatively low and varying
conditions of pressure difference.
49
Evaporating Temperature The temperature and pressure at which the

and Evaporating Pressure refrigerant evaporates.
Evaporative Condenser A condenser in which refrigerant within tubes is

cooled by a falling water spray and a counter-current
flow of air.
Evaporator A heat exchanger in which a liquid refrigerant

vaporises thus producing a cooling effect.
Evaporator Fans The majority of air coolers use forced convection and
hence require a fan to drive air across the evaporator
surface. Evaporator fan power consumption is often
a significant proportion of the total annual energy
consumption of cold stores and blast freezers.
Expansion Valve A valve through which liquid refrigerant passes and

reduces in pressure and temperature.
Fault Diagnosis The process of using monitoring data to identify

operating problems in a refrigeration system.
Finned Coil A general term for a heat exchanger transferring heat

between a liquid and a vapour. It utilises a finned
extended surface on the vapour side. Finned coils
are often used for air-cooled condensers or DX air
coolers.
Floating Head Pressure A refrigeration system that allows the head pressure
to vary in line with ambient temperature conditions
(i.e. a plant that does not use head pressure control to
artificially hold the condensing pressure at
unnecessarily high levels).
Flooded Evaporator An evaporator in which only partial evaporation takes

place, producing saturated vapour at the outlet.
Free Cooling A method of cooling that does not require refrigeration

(e.g. cooling a substance with river water).
Glycol A type of secondary refrigerant, usually

monopropylene glycol.
Halocarbons A family of primary refrigerants based on hydrocarbon

molecules in which some or all of the hydrogen has
been replaced by either fluorine or chlorine.
Halocarbons include CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs.
HC Hydrocarbon. Used as a primary refrigerant.
HCFC Hydrochlorofluorocarbon. A primary refrigerant of the

halocarbon family.
Head Pressure Pressure at compressor outlet. Approximately equal

(or Discharge Pressure) to (and usually synonymous with) the condensing
pressure.
Head Pressure Control Control of the condenser pressure at a

(or Condensing predetermined high pressure (under the prevailing
Pressure Control) load and temperature conditions).
Heat Exchanger A device for transferring heat between two physically

separate streams.
Heat Pump A refrigeration cycle used for delivering useful heat

from the condenser.
Heat Recovery Utilisation of ‘waste’ heat from a process (usually to

conserve energy).
Hermetic Compressor A compressor and motor enclosed in an all-welded,

leak-proof housing.
50
APPENDIX A
HFC Hydrofluorocarbon. A primary refrigerant of the

halocarbon family.
Hot Gas Bypass A capacity control technique often applied to

centrifugal compressors. It is usually wasteful of
energy as compressed refrigerant vapour is passed
straight back to the compressor suction inlet without
performing useful cooling.
HP Float Valve A type of expansion valve based on the measurement

of level in the high-pressure side of the refrigeration
circuit.
Isentropic Efficiency A term that is synonymous with compressor energy

efficiency (see above).
Latent Cooling A method of cooling that involves the evaporation of a

liquid (and hence the use of latent heat). Water
cooled in a cooling tower is an example of latent
cooling.
Lighting (in a Cold Store) A lighting system suitable for use at low temperature.
Many conventional types of lighting equipment cannot
easily be switched on at low temperature. Lighting
adds to the sensible heat load in a cold store.
LP Float Valve A type of expansion valve based on the measurement

of level in the low-pressure side of the refrigeration
circuit.
Monitoring (of Plant) The process of taking measurements of key operating

parameters such as temperatures and pressures in
order to appraise the operating state of a refrigeration
system.
MVR Mechanical Vapour Recompression. A technique

used in open cycle heat pumps. The latent energy
content of low-pressure vapour is utilised by
compressing the vapour to a more useful higher
condensing temperature.
Oil Separator A device used to remove oil from refrigerant vapour at

the compressor discharge.
Open Compressor A compressor driven by a separate motor/drive and

so requiring a rotating shaft seal to limit refrigerant
loss.
Packaged A refrigeration plant of standard ‘off-the-shelf’ design.
PAG Polyalkaline glycol. A type of synthetic compressor

lubricating oil used on some HFC refrigeration
systems.
Part-load Operation Operation of a refrigeration plant below the peak load

capability.
Peak Load The maximum cooling load encountered in a

particular refrigeration application.
Plate Heat Exchanger A type of heat exchanger, usually used for liquid to
liquid or liquid to boiling liquid heat transfer, consisting
of plates in a frame.
POE Polyol ester. A type of synthetic compressor

lubricating oil used on most HFC refrigeration
systems.
Primary Refrigerant The working fluid of the refrigeration system which

absorbs heat in the evaporator and rejects heat in the
condenser.
51
Pumps (Secondary Liquid pumps that are used to pass secondary

Refrigerant) refrigerant from the refrigeration plant evaporator to
the process where cooling is required.
Purging Removal of air or non-condensable gases from the

high-pressure side of the refrigeration circuit.
Receiver A vessel used to store refrigerant within a refrigeration

circuit. The most common are high-pressure
receivers, located after the condenser. Some
systems also utilise low-pressure receivers, located
before the compressor suction.
Refrigerant Leakage Most types of refrigeration system are prone to some

degree of refrigerant leakage. This can cause
excessive energy consumption, damage to the
environment and loss of cooling capacity.
Saturated A thermodynamic term referring to a fluid at a

temperature equal to the boiling point at the prevailing
pressure. A saturated liquid is just about to boil or has
condensed and a saturated vapour is just about to
condense or has just evaporated.
Secondary Refrigerant A fluid which is cooled in the evaporator by heat

exchange with the primary refrigerant and then
circulated to provide cooling of remote loads (also
known as a ‘heat transferring fluid’).
Semi-hermetic A compressor directly coupled to an electric motor.

Compressor Compressor and motor are contained within a single
enclosure, sealed at a gasketed, flanged joint by
bolts.
Sensible Cooling A method of cooling that does not involve evaporation

of a liquid (as opposed to latent cooling, see above).
Shell and Tube Heat A type of heat exchanger involving a nest of tubes
Exchanger within a baffled shell.
Single-stage Cycle A refrigeration cycle using one stage of compression.
Specific Energy A measure of the energy consumption of a

Consumption refrigeration plant compared to some product-related
quantity. For example, the amount of energy used per
tonne of product cooled.
Specific Refrigerant The ratio of the amount of refrigerant contained within

Charge a system to the cooling capacity, usually measured in
kg/kW.
Subcooled Liquid A thermodynamic term referring to a fluid at a

temperature below the boiling point temperature at
the prevailing pressure.
Subcooler A heat exchanger used to reduce the temperature of

condensed liquid below the current saturation
temperature.
Suction The entry point for vapour into a compressor.
Superheated Vapour A thermodynamic term referring to a vapour at a

temperature above the boiling point at the prevailing
pressure.
Surge Drum A vessel used to prevent liquid refrigerant entering the

suction of a compressor. (Also known as a Suction
Accumulator on small systems.)
Temperature Lift The temperature difference between the evaporating

and condensing temperatures.
Temperature Range The temperature reduction of the cooled stream

across the evaporator.
52
APPENDIX A
TEWI Total Equivalent Warming Impact. The TEWI for a

given system represents the sum of the Direct Global
Warming caused by probable leakage of the
refrigerant and the Indirect Global Warming caused by
the release of carbon dioxide from power stations
supplying the refrigeration plant with electricity.
Thermal Storage A system used to store ‘cold’ for use at some future
time. For example, an ice bank builds ice slowly
during the night and subsequently delivers useful
cooling during peak load conditions.
Thermostatic Expansion A valve which regulates the flow of refrigerant into the
Valve (TEV) evaporator in response to the variations of superheat
of the refrigerant leaving the evaporator against a
preset value.
Thermo-syphon A type of natural circulation where the boiling of a fluid

also causes circulation of that fluid around the circuit
through buoyancy forces. In some designs, the
thermo-syphon technique is used to provide free
cooling.
Two-stage Cycle A refrigeration cycle using two stages of compression.
Vapour Compression A type of refrigeration cycle using a compressor to

Cycle remove low-pressure vapour from an evaporator and
deliver it to a condenser at a higher pressure.
Variable Speed An electronic device used to vary the speed of an

Drive (VSD) electric motor and also known as a Power Inverter.
Volumetric Efficiency The ratio of the amount of vapour volume pumped by

a compressor to the swept volume of the compressor.
Water Chiller A refrigeration system used to produce chilled water.
Water-cooled Condenser A heat exchanger used to condense refrigerant

vapour using cooling water.
Wet Bulb Temperature Temperature measured with a wet bulb thermometer.

Because the bulb is covered in a film of water,
evaporation causes a lowering of the measured
temperature if the air humidity is below 100%. Hence,
the wet bulb temperature can, in conjunction with a
psychrometric chart, be used to establish relative
humidity.
53
B USEFUL CONTACTS
The following is a list of useful contacts for further information on refrigeration and
air conditioning.
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers

(ASHRAE)
1791 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-2305, USA.
Tel: +1 404 636 8400 Fax: +1 404 321 5479
Internet Home Page: www.ashrae.org
Building Research Establishment (BRE)

Bucknalls Lane, Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire WD2 7JR
Tel: 01923 664000 Fax: 01923 664790
BRECSU
Building Research Establishment, Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire WD2 7JR
Tel: 01923 664000 switchboard
Tel: 01923 664258 enquiries bureau
Fax: 01923 664787
E-mail: brecsuenq@bre.co.uk
BRECSU manages the Government’s Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme

for buildings applications, including air conditioning.
Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA)

Henley Road, Medmenham, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 2ER
Tel: 01491 578674 Fax: 01491 575024
E-mail: info@feta.co.uk
Internet Home Page: http://www.feta.co.uk/
This federation comprises a number of independent but related associations allied

to the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, including the BRA and the Heat
Pump Association.
British Refrigeration Association (BRA)

Henley Road, Medmenham, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 2ER
Tel: 01491 578674 Fax: 01491 575024
Internet Home Page: http://www.feta.co.uk/
The BRA is a trade association for suppliers of refrigeration equipment and services.
It has sections for designers, manufacturers, distributors and installers of components
and systems and also for users. The BRA has an active interest in training.
British Standards Institution (BSI)

389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL
Tel: 020 8996 9000 Fax: 020 8996 7400
The BSI publishes a complete range of British Standards covering the manufacture,
installation, testing and safety of refrigeration systems and components. A BS
number followed by EN indicates that the Standard is also a Euronorm.
Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA)

Old Bracknell Lane West, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 7AH
Tel: 01344 426511 Fax: 01344 487575
Internet Home Page: http://www.bsria.co.uk
54
APPENDIX B
Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)

Delta House, 222 Balham High Road, London SW12 9BS
Tel: 020 8675 5211 Fax: 020 8675 5449
Internet Home Page: http://www.cibse.co.uk
CIBSE produces Codes of Practice for the installation and commissioning of

refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
Cold Storage and Distribution Federation

Downmill Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1GH
Tel: 01344 869533 Fax: 01344 869527
Department of Trade and Industry

Environmental Division, 151 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SS
Tel: 020 7215 1018
The DTI publishes a number of booklets regarding environmental aspects

concerning the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. It has also published
market studies into the use of refrigerants.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

HSE publications are available from:
HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS
Tel: 01787 881165 Fax: 01787 313995
The HSE publishes a wide range of books and information leaflets regarding
regulations concerning safety in all branches of commerce and industry. All HSE
priced publications can be bought from any Stationery Office Bookshop or their
agents (see Yellow Pages).
The Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA)

ESCA House, 34 Palace Court, Bayswater, London W2 4JG
Tel: 020 7229 2488 Fax: 020 7727 9268
The Institute of Refrigeration (IoR)

Kelvin House, 76 Mill Lane, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 2JR
Tel: 020 8647 7033 Fax: 020 8773 0165
E-mail: instor@ibm.net
Internet Home Page: http://www.ior.org.uk
The IoR is the professional body of the refrigeration industry. It provides information
to the industry through published papers, seminars, Codes of Practice etc.
Local Refrigeration Societies

Local societies run monthly meetings in their areas throughout the winter period.
They are usually of a practical nature, aimed at providing information to application,
installation and service technicians.
Local societies are run for:
Scotland – Glasgow; South West – Bristol; Northern Ireland – Belfast;

East Midlands – Grimsby; East Anglia – Norwich; North West – Liverpool;
Yorkshire – Huddersfield, and London.
Contact the IoR (above) for details.
55
SPECIFICATIONS, CODES OF
C PRACTICE AND REFERENCE

SOURCES
Publications from the Institute of Refrigeration
Safety Code for Compression Refrigerating Systems Utilising Ammonia

Part 1: Design and Construction.
Safety Code for Compression Refrigerating Systems Utilising Ammonia

Part 2: Commissioning, Inspection and Maintenance.
Safety Code for Compression Refrigerating Systems Utilising Chlorofluorocarbons

Part 1: Design and Construction.
Safety Code for Compression Refrigerating Systems Utilising Chlorofluorocarbons

Part 2: Commissioning, Inspection and Maintenance.
Cold Store Code of Practice

Part 1: Design and Construction of Cold Store Envelopes.
Cold Store Code of Practice

Part 2: Design and Construction of Refrigerating Systems.
Code of Practice for the Minimisation of Refrigerant Emissions from Refrigeration

Systems.
Also sets of technical papers covering the proceedings of past seminars and
conferences.
Available from the IoR (see Appendix B).
British Standards
BS4434:1995 Safety and environmental aspects in the design, construction

and installation of refrigerating appliances and systems.
BS7671:1992 Requirements for electrical installations – IEE Wiring

Regulations, Sixteenth Edition.
BS EN 60529:1992 Specification for degrees of protection provided by enclosures

(IP code).
Available from BSI (see Appendix B).
ASHRAE Guides
ASHRAE produces handbooks (in hard copy and electronic versions) covering all
aspects of refrigeration and air conditioning and self-directed learning courses.
They are available to non-members. Products include:
1997 Handbook – Fundamentals (SI)

1998 Handbook – Refrigeration (SI)
1999 Handbook – HVAC Applications (SI)
Available from ASHRAE (see Appendix B).
56
APPENDIX C
BRA Publications
Guideline Methods of Calculating TEWI
The BRA also publishes Fact Finder sheets dealing with topical issues and
recommended procedures. Available from BRA (see Appendix B).
CIBSE Guides
A series of substantial CIBSE reference guides is available, with more in

preparation. Contact CIBSE for details (see Appendix B).
TRADE JOURNALS
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC)
Published by:
EMAP Business Communications, 19th Floor, Leon House, 233 High Street,
Croydon CR0 9XT
Tel: 020 8277 5412 Fax: 020 8277 5434
E-mail: AndrewB@Trenton.emap.co.uk (for the editor)
AC&R News
Published by:
Faversham House Group, 232a Addington Road, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 8LE
Tel: 020 8651 7100 Fax: 020 8651 7117
E-mail: paul@fav-house.com (for the editor)
ACR Today
Published by:
Battlepress Ltd, Nithsdale House, 159 Cambridge Street, Aylesbury,
Buckinghamshire HP20 1BQ
Tel: 01296 425151 Fax: 01296 435091
E-mail: info@aydee.com
57
The Government’s Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme provides impartial, Energy Consumption Guides: compare energy use in
authoritative information on energy efficiency techniques and technologies in industry, transport specific processes, operations, plant and building types.
and buildings. This information is disseminated through publications, videos and software,
Good Practice: promotes proven energy efficient techniques
together with seminars, workshops and other events. Publications within the Best Practice through Guides and Case Studies.
Programme are shown opposite.
New Practice: monitors first commercial applications of new
energy efficiency measures.
Further information
Future Practice: reports on joint R & D ventures into new
energy efficiency measures.
For buildings-related topics please contact: For industrial and transport topics please contact:
Enquiries Bureau Energy Efficiency Enquiries Bureau General Information: describes concepts and approaches
BRECSU ETSU yet to be fully established as good practice.
Building Research Establishment Harwell, Didcot, Oxfordshire,
Fuel Efficiency Booklets: give detailed information on
Garston, Watford, WD2 7JR OX11 0RA specific technologies and techniques.
Tel 01923 664258 Fax 01235 433066
Fax 01923 664787 Helpline Tel 0800 585794 Energy Efficiency in Buildings: helps new energy managers
E-mail brecsuenq@bre.co.uk Helpline E-mail etbppenvhelp@aeat.co.uk understand the use and costs of heating, lighting etc.
© CROWN COPYRIGHT FIRST PRINTED JANUARY 2000

Energy Efficient Refrigeration Technology - The Fundamentals

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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDE 280

Energy efficient refrigeration

Prepared for the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme by:

Safety Services Refrigeration

© Crown copyright 2000

from the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme

For System Designers

And there’s more ...

Contact the Environment and Energy Helpline on

North West Yorkshire and the Humber

This Guide is divided into three main Sections:

SECTION 1 BASIC REFRIGERATION AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY 2

The Refrigeration Process Explained 2

This Section explains how a refrigeration system works. This is done

Key Factors that Affect Efficiency and Coefficient of System 6

Many factors affect the efficiency of a refrigeration system – they are

SECTION 2 SYSTEM COMPONENTS AND REFRIGERANTS 9

You will find information about the components, including the

SECTION 3 SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS 34

Most refrigeration applications fit into one of eight system types.

APPENDIX A GLOSSARY OF TERMS 48

If you need to find the meaning of a technical term used in

APPENDIX B USEFUL CONTACTS 54

APPENDIX C SPECIFICATIONS, CODES OF PRACTICE AND 56

Figure 1 Pressure-temperature relationship for ammonia (R717) 3

In this Guide we introduce you to the energy efficiency fundamentals of refrigeration

The following topics are covered:

● basic theory – how a refrigeration system works using simple scientific

● the components – their function and variations;

● common applications with example systems.

Throughout this Guide:

A triangle is used to show information that is very important for

1 BASIC REFRIGERATION AND

1.1 The refrigeration process explained 2

1.2 Key factors that affect efficiency and Coefficient of 6

1.1 The refrigeration process explained

Rule 1. Heat flows naturally from hot to cold.

Pressure vs evaporating/condensing temperature

Figure 1 Pressure-temperature relationship for ammonia (R717) and R134a

The first is a ‘thermodynamics-based’ explanation, using a

The second is a ‘hardware-based’ explanation describing what

How a refrigeration system There will also be a large increase in

Saturated How a refrigeration

Compressor Heat absorbed

Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a simple refrigeration system

2➔3 Refrigerant vapour absorbs a little more The condenser contains

3➔4 Refrigerant vapour is compressed in the

The compressor compresses ● The temperature of the cooling air or water.

1.2 Key factors that affect efficiency and Coefficient of

The refrigeration load

The smaller the load, the lower the power consumption.

● heat gains through walls, floor and ceiling;

● heat gains from air changes through doors/lids/open fronts;

● heat from fan motors, lights and even solar radiation;

● possible heat load from product entering which is at a higher temperature

COP and COSP

● the capacity of the compressor increases when the temperature lift

● the compressor power input decreases when the condensing temperature

● the compressor power input increases when the evaporating temperature