How do refrigerators work ?

Refrigerators have become an indispensable part of modern life. These devices, used in homes and workplaces to keep food fresh and prevent spoilage, play a significant role in our daily lives. However, the journey of refrigerators to their current state is the result of a long evolution.



A Brief History of Refrigerators

The history of refrigeration is rooted in the need to cool and preserve food. Thousands of years ago, ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Romans used ice and snow to cool their food. In the 18th century, commercial icehouses began to appear in America, where ice harvested during winter was stored for use in the summer. 


The first mechanical refrigerator was invented in 1834 by Jacob Perkins. Perkins developed a cooling system that used ether gas in a closed circuit to transfer heat from one place to another. In 1876, Carl von Linde designed a refrigerator that compressed ammonia to vaporize it, providing more efficient cooling. In the early 20th century, electric refrigerators began to be used in homes, and by the 1920s, these devices became more compact and user-friendly. Over time, refrigerators evolved into the various sizes and designs we see today.

Working Principle of Refrigerators

Modern refrigerators operate through a series of processes that expel heat from the internal environment. These processes are carried out using the refrigerator's essential components, which provide cooling inside the unit:


1. Refrigerant and Circulation Cycle: One of the most critical components that enable refrigerators to work is the refrigerant. This fluid circulates between the evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion valve inside the refrigerator, forming a continuous cycle. 


2. Evaporator: The evaporator absorbs heat from inside the refrigerator, causing the refrigerant to evaporate. This process lowers the temperature inside the refrigerator, keeping food cool. As the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator, the interior of the refrigerator cools as it absorbs heat.


3. Compressor: The refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator is sucked by the compressor and compressed under high pressure. The temperature of the compressed gas increases, and this gas is sent to the condenser.


4. Condenser: The condenser, located at the back of the refrigerator, is a component that cools the hot gas, turning it back into a liquid. As the hot gas circulates through the condenser coils, it releases heat to the surrounding air, and the refrigerant becomes liquid again.


5. Expansion Valve: The condenser, located at the back of the refrigerator, is a component that cools the hot gas, turning it back into a liquid. As the hot gas circulates through the condenser coils, it releases heat to the surrounding air, and the refrigerant becomes liquid again.



Refrigerators are indispensable appliances in our daily lives for keeping food fresh. Throughout history, the need to cool and preserve food has led to the development of refrigerators, resulting in their modern form today. Today's refrigerators, with their advanced technologies and energy efficiencies, stand as practical and environmentally friendly appliances in our homes.  

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