Glossary
evaporator A component of the refrigeration system where cool, liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from air, water, or some other fluid, causing the refrigerant to boil.
expansion device A component of the refrigeration system used to reduce the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant to the evaporator conditions.
flash The process of liquid refrigerant being vaporized by a sudden reduction of pressure.
heat of compression The amount of heat added to the refrigerant vapor by the compressor during the process of raising the pressure of the refrigerant to condenser conditions.
hermetic compressor A type of compressor that has the motor sealed within the compressor housing. The motor is cooled by refrigerant.
hot gas bypass A method used to prevent evaporator
impeller The rotating component of a centrifugal compressor that draws refrigerant vapor into its internal passages and accelerates the refrigerant as it rotates, increasing its velocity and kinetic energy.
inlet vanes A device used to vary the capacity of a centrifugal compressor by “preswirling” the refrigerant in the direction of rotation before it enters the impeller, lessening its ability to take in the refrigerant vapor.
liquid line A pipe that transports refrigerant vapor from the condenser to the evaporator in a mechanical refrigeration system.
open compressor A type of compressor that is driven by an external power source, such as an electric motor or a turbine. The motor is coupled to the compressor crankshaft by a flexible coupling, and a seal is used to prevent refrigerant from leaking out of the compressor housing.
ported compressor A type of compressor where the refrigerant vapor enters and exits through
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