Vapor compression refrigeration systems are commonly used in industrial facilities to create environments conducive to the perseveration and safe storage of products. In this guide, we will go over how a compression refrigeration system works, and the four main components used to create the refrigeration cycle.
The Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle
The compression refrigeration cycle consists of circulating a liquid refrigerant through four stages of a closed system. As the refrigerant circulates through the system, it is alternately compressed and expanded, changing its state from a liquid to a vapor. As the refrigerant changes state, heat is absorbed and expelled by the system, lowering the temperature of the conditioned space.
Stage 1: Compression
In the first stage of the refrigeration cycle, refrigerant enters a compressor as a low-pressure vapor. The compressor compresses the refrigerant to a high-pressure vapor, causing it to become superheated. Once the refrigerant is compressed and heated, it leaves the compressor and enters the next stage of the cycle.
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There are several styles of compressors that can be used in the refrigeration cycle, including scroll, screw, centrifugal, or reciprocating compressors.
Stage 2: Condensation
After leaving the compressor, the hot vapor refrigerant enters the next stage of the cycle, condensation. During the condensation stage, the refrigerant enters a condenser and flows through a series of S-shaped tubes. As the hot vapor flows through the condenser, cool air is blown across the tubes by a fan.
Because the air being blown across the tubes is cooler than the refrigerant, heat transfers from the tubing to the cooler air. This heat transfer causes the hot vapor refrigerant to reach its saturated temperature, which then changes its state to a high-pressure liquid. Once the refrigerant is in a high-pressure liquid state, it is ready to leave the condenser and move on to the metering and expansion stage of the cycle.
Stage 3: Metering and Expansion
The third stage of how compression refrigeration systems work consists of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant entering a metering device or expansion valve. The metering device works to maintain high-pressure on the inlet side, while also expanding the liquid refrigerant and lowering the pressure on the outlet side. During the process of expansion, the temperature of the liquid refrigerant is also reduced.
Stage 4: Evaporation
In a cool, low-pressure liquid state, the refrigerant is now ready to enter the evaporation stage, which is where the heat is finally removed from the space being conditioned.
In the evaporation stage, the cool liquid refrigerant leaves the metering device and enters coiled tubes in an evaporator. Fans are then used to blow warm air from the conditioned space across the evaporator coils. The cooler refrigerant in the evaporator coils begins absorbing the heat out of the warmer air, reducing the temperature in the conditioned space
Meanwhile, as the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, it begins to boil and changes to a low-pressure vapor. The low-pressure vapor is then pulled back into the compressor, and the cycle starts over.
About Process Solutions, Inc.
Located near Seattle, Washington, Process Solutions has over 30 years of experience providing high quality and reliable control systems. With over 100 engineers and technicians on staff and an output of over 3,000 industrial control panels per year, Process Solutions is the Northwest largest control systems integrator. In addition to custom control panel design, build and commissioning, Process Solutions’ control systems services include PLC and HMI programming, robot system integration, energy management and industrial refrigeration control systems, SCADA software, and DAQuery machine monitoring software.
Vaclav leads the dynamic Energy Management and Refrigeration Division at Process Solutions. With an impressive 20 years of experience in power demand management and refrigeration control systems, Vaclav is the driving force behind one of the company’s most innovative systems.
His expertise extends to PLC and cloud-based systems, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance. Vaclav’s commitment to excellence is underscored by his Master of Science degree, specializing in control systems and electrical engineering, which he earned from the University of Life Sciences in Prague, Czech Republic.
Beyond the office, Vaclav’s passions include kayaking, snow skiing, and woodworking. Most of all, he enjoys moments spent with his wife and three kids.
With over 20 years at Process Solutions, Steve Pelton has held various roles, including Sales Engineer, Sales Director, and his current position as Vice President of Sales.
In addition, Steve oversees Process Solutions’ Energy Management and Refrigeration Division — ensuring the company remains at the forefront of energy-efficient solutions that cater to diverse food production applications. Steve also spearheads the strategic development of the company’s machine monitoring solutions, aligning them with client needs and market trends.
Steve’s background includes mechanical engineering, but his career trajectory has mainly focused on control systems marketing and management. His ability to bridge technical expertise with business acumen has been instrumental in Process Solutions’ growth.
Outside the office, Steve passions include conquering rugged trails on his mountain bike, perfecting his golf swing, and exploring new destinations with his family.
Matt, with 28 years of financial strategy and accounting experience, plays a pivotal role at Process Solutions. As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), he spearheads the company’s growth strategy, ensuring financial stability and health. Beyond traditional financial management, Matt also oversees strategic initiatives aimed at optimizing Process Solutions’ on-hand inventory costs and availability. By fine-tuning inventory management, Matt ensures the company can meet client needs efficiently and maintain a healthy bottom line.
Matt graduated with a degree in accounting from Western Washington University and previously served as a financial executive at a large retail corporation. Outside of work, Matt enjoys traveling, soccer and spending time with his family.
Kevin boasts an impressive tenure of over 25 years at Process Solutions. His position in the company has been multifaceted, spanning roles as a project engineer, engineering manager, and Process Solutions’ first Executive Vice President.
Under Kevin’s leadership, the food processing division has flourished, earning its reputation as of the most respected in the industry. Today, Kevin closely collaborates with executives from leading food processors and food processing equipment manufacturers across the country.
Kevin is a devoted husband and father with a passion for international travel.
Todd has dedicated over 30 years to Process Solutions, where he has worn multiple hats—from panel builder to project engineer and sales representative.
As the CEO of Process Solutions, Todd has spearheaded significant transformations. Under his leadership, the company has diversified into new industries, acquired a world-class facility, and more than doubled its size.
Todd, a native of the Puget Sound region, is a devoted husband, father, and avid outdoorsman. When he’s not at work, you’ll find him supporting his three kids in all their pursuits or hunting and fishing in Eastern Washington.
David has dedicated over 15 years to Process Solutions, where he has served as a Senior Engineer, Vice President, and now Chief Operating Officer. His multifaceted experience spans technical expertise, strategic leadership, and operational efficiency.
As the head of Process Solutions’ Water/Wastewater division, David orchestrated the modernization of the company’s internal systems and boosted operational efficiency across the organization.
In his current role as President, David continues to drive innovative initiatives aimed at expanding the company’s reach and further streamlining internal processes.
Outside of work, David enjoys spending quality time with his family and pursuing his passions as an avid outdoorsman.
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Process Solutions provides commissioning services, as well as system start-ups. Our staff will travel anywhere in the world to help you get your system up and running. We start up hundreds of systems per year, and our licensed electricians on staff can pull permits as needed.
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Process Solutions builds over 3,000 panels per year. Our high-volume model makes our technicians experts in the field and provides our customers with an industry leading experience. Efficient manufacturing practices, mixed with automated manufacturing equipment, allows for quick and consistent job completion.
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