Related textbook topics
Related to the PEP middle-school physics topics of heat absorption during vaporisation, heat release during liquefaction, internal energy and energy transfer. The complete structure and pipe routes were created for this site.
Reading the cycle
The compressor, condenser, expansion device and evaporator work simultaneously. The timeline follows a portion of refrigerant; the four stages are not the whole machine taking turns to start and stop. Tracer colours indicate refrigerant state, not measured temperature.
A structural teaching model with illustrative dimensions, not a particular product. One tracing loop lasts 16 seconds and fans run at teaching speed. The demonstration shows phase, relative pressure and heat direction; real refrigerant properties, cooling capacity and power consumption are not calculated. The exploded view explains assembly relationships.
Principle references
Danfoss · Refrigeration principles ↗
U.S. Department of Energy · Heat pumps ↗