Exploring the Boiling Point of Refrigerants in Freezers and Refrigerators

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the boiling point of refrigerants used in freezers compared to those in refrigerators and air conditioners. Participants explore the implications of boiling points in relation to heat removal and temperature requirements in refrigeration systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why the boiling point of refrigerants in freezers is lower than in refrigerators, suggesting that a higher heat of vaporization would imply a higher boiling point is necessary for effective cooling.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on whether the discussion pertains to the average boiling point of refrigerants in refrigerators.
  • A participant references a heat pump textbook stating that the boiling point of refrigerants in freezers is lower due to the lower temperatures required for freezing, expressing confusion about this assertion.
  • Further elaboration on the need for refrigerants to boil at useful working temperatures that are lower than the target cooling temperature is presented, though it does not resolve the initial confusion.
  • Another participant raises a point about the importance of the intensity of heat transfer versus the quantity of heat, questioning whether boiling point is the key factor in refrigeration efficiency.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between boiling points and the efficiency of refrigerants in freezers versus refrigerators. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various assumptions about the role of boiling points and heat transfer in refrigeration systems, but these assumptions are not fully explored or defined, leaving some aspects of the discussion open to interpretation.

Bengo
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Why is the boiling point of a refrigerant in a freezer lower than that of a refrigerator. I would think that a freezer needs more heat removed so the the refrigerant needs a higher heat of vaporization thus a higher boiling point. Thank you
 
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Bengo said:
Why is the boiling point of a refrigerant in a freezer lower than that of a refrigerator?

Refrigerator?Are you talking about the average boiling point of the refrigerator?
 
In a section about a heat pump my book says the boiling point of the refrigerant used in a freezer is lower than the refrigerant used in an air conditioner or a refrigerator because the temperature in a freezer is lower. It seems like it would be the opposite to me.
 
Bengo said:
In a section about a heat pump my book says the boiling point of the refrigerant used in a freezer is lower than the refrigerant used in an air conditioner or a refrigerator because the temperature in a freezer is lower. It seems like it would be the opposite to me.

You need the refrigerant to boil to exploit the latent heat of vaporization. You need to have this happen when the refrigerant is at a useful working temperature.

A useful working temperature will be one that is lower than that which you are trying to cool.
 
Now you have me curious as to whether temperature of boiling point is the key factor at all. I don't see how intensity is the all-important factor, whereas quantity should be. Shouldn't it be calories or BTUs? Obviously there must be some window of usable temperatures but that will depend mostly upon what you have as a thermal source. Geez, now I need to whisk the cobwebs off my books as well as my memory.
 

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