Commercial refrigeration is essential for keeping a business up and running and maintaining a smooth course of operations. However, these units require adequate maintenance in order to function properly and steadily over the course of time.
Commercial refrigeration units employ different components to keep the temperatures on a desired level. The renowned distributor of quality HVAC components, Gustave A. Larson, provides an insight into the essential parts that make a refrigeration system and keep it operating around the clock. Take a look at the components that make up a reliable commercial refrigeration set-up.
What are the components of a commercial refrigeration unit?
To help your clients understand the importance of regular maintenance of their refrigeration systems, you can help them understand how they work and what their essential constituents are:
Compressor
The main reason why refrigeration units are able to maintain the set temperature is the process of heat transfer from the compressor to the refrigerant fluid. When the fluid absorbs this heat, it turns into gas, which finally cycles back over to the compressor and restarts the process.
One of the principal functions of the compressor is to increase the pressure on the gas that remained from the previous cycle. This way, the gas is able to work its way through the condenser coils.
There are various mechanical processes that are used to achieve compression. Therefore, there are several different designs of compressors that are implemented in refrigeration and HVAC systems. Some of the common options include:
- Rotary compressors
- Scroll or spiral compressors
- Reciprocating or piston compressors
If the compressor accumulates a lot of dust or dirt, it prevents it from operating properly.
Condenser coils
When the fluid turns into a heated gas, the role of condenser coils, which are exposed to air, is to absorb this heat which turns the gas back into the liquid state. This cooled liquid moves further under a large amount of pressure, which allows it to work its way around and down the refrigeration compartment to absorb the heat coming from it.
Coils that are too dusty or dirty will eventually come to a halt.
Condenser fan motor
Condenser fan motor forces air into the coils and across the compressor and enables air circulation throughout the unit, thus regulating the temperature. In case there’s a loud noise that comes from the unit, the probable causes are that there’s debris on the blades or that the bearings need maintenance or replacement.
Expansion device
The expansion device is available in several different designs. Most common types include thermal or thermostatic expansion valves (TEV), fixed orifices, or electronic expansion valves (EEV). Whichever the design its role is to create a pressure drop once the refrigerant comes out of the condenser. This rapid change helps the evaporator perform its own function within the system.
Evaporator fan motor
The evaporator fan motor has the essential function in the process of cooling, since it pulls the air out the evaporator’s coils in order to remove heat from the circulating air. Similarly to the condenser fan motor, in case there’s a loud noise, it’s a sure sign it needs maintenance.
Thermistor or thermostat
Both the thermistor and thermostat read current temperature readings from the fridge. However, the thermistor is more precise than the thermostat, since its design allows it to read alterations in conductivity by the minutes, while the thermostat only reads temperature fluctuations.
In either case, it’s an essential component of the unit since it provides you with the information about the current state inside the cooling unit. In case it malfunctions, it requires replacement.
