The thermodynamics of the cycle can be analyzed on a diagramThe Ideal Vapor-Compression Cycle as shown in Figure 2. In this cycle, a circulating refrigerant such as a low boiling hydrocarbon or hydrofluorocarbons enters the compressor as a vapour. From point 1 to point 2, the vapor is compressed at constant entropy and exits the compressor as a vapor at a higher temperature, but still below the vapor pressure at that temperature. From point 2 to point 3 and on to point 4, the vapor travels through the condenser which cools the vapour until it starts condensing, and then condenses the vapor into a liquid by removing additional heat at constant pressure and temperature. Between points 4 and 5, the liquid refrigerant goes through the expansion valve (also called a throttle valve) where its pressure abruptly decreases, causing flash evaporation and auto-refrigeration of, typically, less than half of the liquid.
the thermodynamics of the cycle can be analyzed on a diagramthe ideal vapor-compression cycle as shown in figure 2 in this cycle a circulating refrigerant such as a low boiling hydrocarbon or hydrofluorocarbons enters the compressor as a vapour from point 1 to point 2 the vapor is compressed at constant entropy and exits the compressor as a vapor at a higher temperature but still below the vapor pressure at that temperature from point 2 to point 3 and on to point 4 the vapor travels through the condenser which cools the vapour until it starts condensing and then condenses the vapor into a liquid by removing additional heat at constant pressure and temperature between points 4 and 5 the liquid refrigerant goes through the expansion valve (also called a throttle valve) where its pressure abruptly decreases causing flash evaporation and auto-refrigeration of typically less than half of the liquid