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2.5 REFRIGERATION CIRCUIT
2.5.1 Standard Operation
Starting at the compressor, (see Figure 2-7, upper
schematic) the suction gas is compressed to a higher
pressure and temperature.
In the standard mode, both the economizer and
unloader solenoid valves (USV) are closed. The gas
flows through the discharge line into the oil separator. In
the separator, oil is removed from the refrigerant and
stored for return to the compressor when the oil return
solenoid valve (ORV) is opened by the controller. The oil
return solenoid valve is a normally open valve which
allows return of oil during the off cycle.
The refrigerant gas continues into the air-cooled
condenser. When operating with the air-cooled
condenser active, air flowing across the coil fins and
tubes cools the gas to saturation temperature. By
removing latent heat, the gas condenses to a high
pressure/high temperature liquid and flows to the
receiver which stores the additional charge necessary
for low temperature operation.
When operating with the water cooled condenser active
(see Figure 2-7, lower schematic), the refrigerant gas
passes through the air cooled condenser and enters the
water cooled condenser shell. The water flowing inside
the tubing cools the gas to saturation temperature in the
same manner as the air passing over the air cooled
condenser. The refrigerant condenses on the outside of
the tubes and exits as a high temperature liquid. The
water cooled condenser also acts as a receiver, storing
excess refrigerant.
The liquid refrigerant continues through the liquid line,
the filter-drier (which keeps refrigerant clean and dry)
and the economizer (which is not active during standard
operation) to the evaporator expansion valve. As the
liquid refrigerant passes through the variable orifice of
the expansion valve, some of it vaporizes into a gas
(flash gas). Heat is absorbed from the return air by the
balance of the liquid, causing it to vaporize in the
evaporator coil. The vapor then flows through the
suction modulation valve to the compressor.
The evaporator expansion valve is activated by the bulb
strapped to the suction line near the evaporator outlet.
The valve maintains a constant superheat at the coil
outlet regardless of load conditions.
On systems fitted with a water pressure switch, the
condenser fan will be off when there is sufficient
pressure to open the switch. If water pressure drops
below the switch cut out setting, the condenser fan will
be automatically started. When operating a system
fitted with a condenser fan switch, the condenser fan will
be off when the switch is placed in the "O" position. The
condenser fan will be on when the switch is placed in the
"I" position.
T-320
2.5.2 Economized Operation
In the economized mode the frozen and pull down
capacity of the unit is increased by subcooling the liquid
refrigerant entering the evaporator expansion valve.
Overall efficiency is increased because the gas leaving
the economizer enters the compressor at a higher
pressure, therefore requiring less energy to compress it
to the required condensing conditions.
During economized operation, flow of refrigerant
through the main refrigerant system is identical to the
standard mode. (The unloader solenoid valve is
de--energized [closed] by the controller.)
Liquid refrigerant for use in the economizer circuit is
taken from the main liquid line as it leaves the filter--drier
(see Figure 2-8). The flow is activated when the
controller energizes the economizer solenoid valve
(ESV). The liquid refrigerant flows through the
economizer expansion valve and the economizer
internal passages absorbing heat from the liquid
refrigerant flowing to the evaporator expansion valve.
The resultant "medium" temperature/pressure gas
enters the compressor at the economizer line.
2.5.3 Unloaded Operation
The system will operate in the unloaded mode; during
periods of low load, during periods of required discharge
pressure or current limiting, and during start--up.
During unloaded operation, flow of refrigerant through
the main refrigerant system is identical to the standard
mode. (The economizer solenoid valve is de--energized
[closed] by the controller.)
In the unloaded mode, a portion of the mid--stage
compressed gas is bypassed to decrease compressor
capacity. The flow is activated when the controller opens
the unloader solenoid valve (see Figure 2-9). Opening
of the valve creates a bypass from the economizer
service valve through the unloader solenoid valve and
into the suction line on the outlet side of the suction
pressure modulation valve.
As load on the system decreases, the suction
modulating valve decreases flow of refrigerant to the
compressor. This action balances the compressor
capacity with the load and prevents operation with low
coil temperatures. In this mode of operation, the quench
valve will open as required to provide sufficient liquid
refrigerant flow into the suction line for cooling of the
compressor
motor.
refrigerant condition entering the compressor and
modulates the flow to prevent entrance of liquid into the
compressor.
2-10
The
quench
valve
senses
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