INDIRECT REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
Indirect Refrigeration- An indirect refrigeration system relies on a secondary fluid to carry cooling from
the refrigerant to the area or object being cooled. In this setup, the refrigerant does not come into direct
contact with the target; instead, it cools the secondary fluid, which is then circulated to deliver the cooling
effect. This differs from direct refrigeration systems, where the refrigerant itself directly cools the
intended target.
Primary Refrigerant- is a chemical compound used for collecting heat on a direct refrigeration system.
Secondary Refrigerant- acts as a heat transfer fluid that collects heat on a large space without undergoing
phase change. are often used in large-scale refrigeration systems, such as district cooling or industrial
applications, where it's more efficient or safer to circulate a secondary fluid rather than the primary
refrigerant.
Brine- a solution of water and a solute like salt or glycol, is commonly used as a secondary refrigerant in
large refrigeration systems. It acts as an intermediary, transferring cooling from a primary refrigerant (like
ammonia or halocarbons) to the area needing cooling, rather than directly cooling the space. This
approach minimizes the use of potentially harmful primary refrigerants and reduces the risk of leaks.
Common brines:
Water-glycol solutions:
Widely used due to their good heat transfer properties and relatively low toxicity.
Water-ethanol solutions:
Another option for secondary refrigerants, offering similar benefits to water-glycol solutions.
Calcium chloride and sodium chloride solutions:
Cost-effective options, but may be more corrosive than glycol-based brines.
Applications of Indirect Refrigeration System:
Large-scale refrigeration:
Supermarkets, food processing plants, and industrial facilities often utilize indirect systems.
Multiple-zone cooling:
When different temperature levels are needed in different areas, indirect systems offer a versatile
solution.
Remote cooling:
Indirect systems can be used to cool spaces or equipment located far from the main refrigeration plant.
INDIRECT REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
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PARTS AND FUNCTIONS:
REEFER COMPRESSOR – acts as a pump, responsible for the circulation of the primary refrigerant.
CONDENSER- acts as a heat exchanger between the hot gas refrigerant and the cooling medium. It
removes the heat of compression and also the latent heat of condensation.
EXPANSION VALVE - It regulates the flow of the refrigerant to the evaporator from high side to the low
side of the system. It reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant converting it from high pressure warm
liquid into low pressure cold liquid particles of the refrigerant.
HEAT EXCHANGER- part of the system where the primary refrigerant collects heat from the secondary
refrigerant.
BRINE PUMP- a pump used for circulating the brine (secondary refrigerant) going to the space/area being
cooled.
JACKETED COOLER- as per reference image it is the area/space where the substance being cooled is
placed. The secondary refrigerant passes through the jacketed space of the cooler to collect heat from
the substance being cooled.
