How Ammonia Coolers Work?

How ammonia coolers work?

An ammonia cooler is a refrigeration system that utilizes ammonia as a refrigerant and works similarly to a typical refrigeration cycle, which typically includes key components such as an evaporator, compressor, condenser and expansion valve. 

The following is the basic working principle of an ammonia cooler:

Evaporator: The starting point of the refrigeration cycle is the evaporator, which is usually installed in the space to be cooled. In the evaporator, liquid ammonia absorbs heat from the room and converts the liquid ammonia into ammonia vapor, which lowers the temperature of the space.

Compressor: The ammonia vapor is drawn into the compressor, which is responsible for compressing the ammonia into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. This process raises the temperature and pressure of the ammonia gas.

Condenser: The high temperature and pressure of the ammonia gas enters the condenser, where the ammonia gas releases heat, cooling it and converting it to liquid ammonia. The condenser is usually installed in the outdoor part of the system and cools the high-temperature ammonia to liquid form by exchanging heat with the outside environment.

Expansion Valve: Liquid ammonia enters the evaporator through an expansion valve, which controls the flow of liquid ammonia. In the evaporator, the liquid ammonia evaporates again, absorbing the heat in the space, and the cycle begins.

Fans: In an ammonia cooler system, fans are used to promote air circulation, accelerate the evaporation of ammonia in the evaporator, and transfer cold air to the area that needs to be cooled.

The entire cycle is accomplished through these steps. The ammonia cooler system realizes the absorption and emission of heat in the space by continuously circulating the process of phase change of ammonia between liquid and gaseous states, thus realizing the effect of cooling. This type of refrigeration system is widely used in industrial, commercial and some special purpose air conditioning systems.