In the design of modern car refrigerators, the choice of refrigeration technology is crucial. The main refrigeration methods currently used in the market include compressor refrigeration system and semiconductor refrigeration system.
Working principle of compressor refrigeration system
The compressor refrigeration system is a common refrigeration method in car refrigerators. Its working mechanism is similar to that of household refrigerators, mainly involving four core steps: compression, condensation, throttling and evaporation.
In the compression stage, the compressor draws low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas from the evaporator. Through the mechanical energy provided by the motor, the gas is compressed to high-temperature and high-pressure superheated steam. This process not only increases the temperature of the gas, but also increases its pressure, laying the foundation for the subsequent condensation process.
After entering the condensation stage, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant vapor flows into the condenser. Here, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outside air or other cooling medium, releasing heat to the external environment, causing its temperature to drop and convert into a high-pressure liquid.
In the throttling stage, the high-pressure liquid is depressurized by a throttling device (such as a capillary or expansion valve), and the pressure and temperature are significantly reduced, eventually forming a low-pressure liquid.
Finally, in the evaporation stage, the low-pressure liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator, quickly vaporizes and absorbs the heat of the surrounding objects, thereby reducing the temperature inside the refrigerator. The vaporized gas refrigerant is sucked back into the compressor through the return pipe to complete a cycle.
The compressor refrigeration system is widely used in car refrigerators with high refrigeration efficiency requirements due to its superior refrigeration effect, large capacity and freezing capacity.
Working principle of semiconductor refrigeration system
Compared with the compressor refrigeration system, the semiconductor refrigeration system adopts the Peltier effect, and its working principle is relatively simple and environmentally friendly. This system mainly achieves the refrigeration effect through the following steps:
When a direct current passes through the P-N junction composed of special semiconductor materials, a significant temperature difference will be generated on the contact surface. The flow of current causes heat to transfer from the hot end of the semiconductor refrigeration chip to the cold end. In this process, the heat at the hot end is effectively dissipated to the external environment through a cooling fan or natural heat dissipation.
At the same time, the cold end absorbs the heat from the surrounding environment to achieve the refrigeration effect. The advantages of the semiconductor refrigeration system are its small size, light weight, no noise during operation and no pollution. However, it should be noted that the refrigeration efficiency of the semiconductor refrigeration system is relatively low, and its refrigeration effect is greatly affected by the ambient temperature.
