Difference Between Air Conditioning And Refrigeration

Difference between air conditioning and refrigeration is essential, as both play crucial roles in our daily lives. Air conditioning and refrigeration are closely related technologies that both involve the transfer of heat to achieve cooling effects, but they have distinct purposes and applications. In this article we will explore the key differences between air conditioning and refrigeration, their operating principles, applications, and much more.

What is Air Conditioning?

Air conditioning is a process that regulates the temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and circulation of air in a confined environment, usually indoors. In warmer climates or seasons, air is cooled and dehumidified, whereas in colder climates or seasons, air is heated and humidified. Air conditioning systems are widely utilized in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings, as well as automobiles and aircraft.

What is Refrigeration?

Refrigeration is the process of removing heat from a space, substance, or system in order to reduce its temperature and keep it below that of its surroundings. This procedure is widely employed in a variety of purposes, including preserving food, beverages, medications, and other perishable commodities, as well as creating comfortable indoor environments in buildings and automobiles.

Difference Between Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

The below table gives the difference between air conditioning and refrigeration.

Aspect	Air Conditioning	Refrigeration
Purpose	It regulates temperature, humidity, and air quality in indoor environments for comfort.	It preserves perishable items such as food, medicine, and chemicals.
Operating Temperature Range	It cools within the range of 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F)	It cools below the freezing point, often as low as -40°C (-40°F)
Components	It includes compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, and fan	It includes compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, and fan, but may have larger and more robust components.
Applications	It has various applications in residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.	It has various application in commercial, industrial, and domestic settings.
Cooling Cycle	It absorbs heat from indoor air and rejects it outside.	It absorbs heat from the storage area and releases it outside.
Example Uses	It is mainly used in cooling homes, offices, shopping malls, and vehicles.	It is mainly used in preserving food in refrigerators, freezers, and cold rooms.
Temperature Control	It controls indoor temperature and humidity.	It maintains a constant low temperature.
Refrigerants Used	It uses R-22, R-410A, or R-32 refrigerants.	It uses various refrigerants, including R-134a, R-404A, and R-407C.
Energy Consumption	It consumes less energy compared to refrigeration systems.	The energy consumption can be higher due to lower temperatures and larger cooling loads.
Environmental Impact	It affects indoor air quality and energy consumption.	It focuses on food safety and energy efficiency.
Examples	Central air conditioning, window air conditioners, portable air conditioners	Refrigerators, freezers, cold rooms, and industrial refrigeration systems

How Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Works

Here is the break down how refrigeration and air conditioning systems work.

Refrigeration System

The working of refrigeration system is given by:

Evaporation (Cooling)

• Liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator coil where it absorbs heat from the space to be cooled (e.g., refrigerator, cold room).
• The liquid refrigerant evaporates into a gas due to the heat absorbed, making the inside of the refrigerator or cold room cold.

Compression (Pressurization)

• The low-pressure refrigerant gas is then compressed by the compressor, which increases its temperature and pressure.
• As the refrigerant is compressed, its molecules become closer together, increasing its energy.

Condensation (Heat Rejection)

• The hot, high-pressure refrigerant gas then flows through the condenser coil located on the outside of the refrigerator or cold room.
• Heat from the refrigerant is released into the surrounding air as the gas condenses back into a liquid.

Expansion (Pressure and Temperature Drop)

• The high-pressure liquid refrigerant passes through the expansion valve, where its pressure and temperature drop rapidly.
• The refrigerant is now at a low temperature and pressure, ready to enter the evaporator coil and start the cycle again.

Air Conditioning System

The working of air conditioning system is given by:

Evaporation (Cooling)

• Warm air from the room is drawn into the indoor unit and passes over the evaporator coil.
• Liquid refrigerant inside the coil absorbs heat from the air, causing the refrigerant to evaporate into a gas.
• As the refrigerant evaporates, it cools the air passing over the coil, and the cooled air is then circulated back into the room.

Compression (Pressurization)

• The low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant gas is then compressed by the compressor.
• Compression increases the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant, turning it into a hot, high-pressure gas.

Condensation (Heat Rejection)

• The hot, high-pressure refrigerant gas is then pumped to the outdoor unit and passes through the condenser coil.
• Heat from the refrigerant is released into the outdoor air as the gas condenses back into a liquid.

Expansion (Pressure and Temperature Drop)

• The high-pressure liquid refrigerant passes through the expansion valve, where its pressure and temperature drop rapidly.
• The refrigerant is now at a low temperature and pressure, ready to re-enter the indoor unit and absorb more heat.

FAQs on Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

What is the main design based difference between air conditioning and refrigeration?

Refrigerators consist of condenser, compressor, and evaporator as a single unit. But AC consists of a compressor and condenser as separate units from the evaporator.

What is the primary difference between air conditioners and refrigerators?

The primary difference between air conditioners and refrigerators is that the air conditioners use air conditioning mechanism whereas the refrigerators use refrigeration mechanism.

What are the basic concepts of refrigeration and air conditioning?

In refrigeration the temperature is lowered of specific area whereas in air conditioning the temperature is both decreased or increased according to the surrounding.

Which gas is used in ACs?

The gas used in ACs are called as refrigerants. Some of refrigerants used in ACs are R290. R32, freon, R-410A etc.

What are the alternatives of using ACs and Fridges?

• Alternatives to ACs include fans, evaporative coolers, and passive cooling techniques like shading and insulation.
• Instead of refrigerators, alternatives include root cellars, coolers with ice packs, and Zeer pots for preserving food.

What is difference between air conditioning and refrigeration and cooling.

• Air conditioning cools and dehumidifies indoor air for comfort.
• Refrigeration maintains low temperatures to preserve perishable items.
• Cooling is a broader term that includes both air conditioning and refrigeration.

What is the use of refrigeration and air conditioning?

• Refrigeration is used to preserve perishable items such as food, medicine, and chemicals.
• Air conditioning is used to regulate temperature, humidity, and air quality in indoor environments for comfort.