Refrigerant is a key component in achieving cooling effect in water dispensers. It cools water through the cycle of evaporation and condensation.
Basic properties of refrigerants:
Common refrigerants include Freon (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs), ammonia (NH3) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These refrigerants have a range of physical and chemical properties, such as:
Heat of evaporation: The greater the heat of evaporation of the refrigerant, the more heat it absorbs in the evaporator, thereby reducing the water temperature more effectively.
Boiling Point: The boiling point of the refrigerant needs to be moderate to ensure that it can operate within the appropriate temperature range during the evaporation and condensation processes.
Compression ratio: The compression ratio of the refrigerant affects the performance of the entire refrigeration system. A higher compression ratio usually indicates higher energy efficiency.
Environmental and regulatory considerations:
Since some traditional refrigerants, such as Freon and hydrofluorocarbons, have a destructive effect on the ozone layer, relevant regulations around the world are gradually promoting the use of more environmentally friendly refrigerants in drinking water dispenser refrigeration systems. HFCs are a greener option because they have less potential to damage the ozone layer.
Factors for choosing refrigerant:
There are many factors to consider when selecting a refrigerant, including:
Performance: The refrigerant needs to have appropriate properties such as heat of vaporization, boiling point, etc. to ensure effective work in the evaporator and condenser.
Energy efficiency: The choice of refrigerant affects the energy efficiency of the entire water dispenser. Efficient refrigerants improve system performance.
Cost: The cost of the refrigerant is also a consideration, especially if it is manufactured on a large scale and widely used.
Environmental regulations: With the continuous strengthening of environmental regulations, it is crucial to choose refrigerants that meet the requirements of relevant regulations.
