Commercial refrigeration is a vital part of many businesses, from restaurants to grocery stores. Without it, perishable items would quickly spoil. But how does commercial refrigeration work?
Refrigeration works by using a coolant to remove heat from the air inside the fridge. The most common coolant used in commercial refrigerators is Freon. Freon is a gas that turns into a liquid when it’s compressed.
When the Freon expands, it absorbs heat from its surroundings.
If you’ve ever stepped into a grocery store, you’ve seen commercial refrigeration in action. These big machines are responsible for keeping all of the perishable food items fresh and safe to eat. But how do they work?
Commercial refrigeration units work by circulating a coolant through a system of coils. As the coolant moves through the coils, it absorbs heat from the air inside the refrigerator. This cooled air is then circulated back into the fridge, keeping everything nice and cold.
The key to making this process work is having the right type of coolant. Freon was once the most popular choice for commercial refrigerators, but it has since been phased out due to its harmful effect on the environment. Today, many companies are opting for more environmentally-friendly alternatives like ammonia or carbon dioxide.
No matter what type of coolant is used, commercial refrigeration units require regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently. The coils need to be cleaned regularly to prevent build-up of dirt and dust, which can impede heat transfer and cause premature wear and tear on the equipment.
Online HVAC Training – Commercial Refrigeration
How Does a Refrigerator Work Step by Step?
A refrigerator is one of the most essential appliances in any kitchen. It not only keeps food fresh, but also prevents spoilage and waste. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how a refrigerator works:
1. The refrigerant is a substance that evaporates easily at low temperatures. In a refrigerator, it is usually a liquid with a low boiling point such as Freon.
2. The compressor pumps the refrigerant through the system.
As it does so, it increases the pressure of the refrigerant vapor, causing it to condense back into a liquid.
3. The condenser coils release heat from the refrigerant vapor, causing it to cool and turn back into a liquid form.
4. The expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator coils.
As the refrigerant expands inside the coils, its pressure drops and it starts to evaporate (or boil). This process absorbs heat from its surroundings, cooling down the air inside the fridge compartment.
How Does a Commercial Evaporator Work?
A commercial evaporator is a device that is used to remove water from a solution. The process of evaporation uses heat to turn the liquid water into vapor, which is then removed from the solution. This leaves behind the solids in the solution, which can be collected and reused.
There are many different types of commercial evaporators, but they all work by using heat to remove water from a solution.
What Refrigerant is Used in Commercial Refrigerators?
There are several types of refrigerant that can be used in commercial refrigerators, but the most common is R-134a. This refrigerant is non-toxic and non-flammable, making it safe to use in commercial applications. It’s also relatively efficient, so it can help keep your energy costs down.
How Does a Commercial Walk in Cooler Work?
A commercial walk in cooler is a large refrigeration unit that is used to store perishable foods and beverages. The coolers are typically found in restaurants, grocery stores, and other food service businesses. They are also used in some industrial applications.
Walk in coolers work by circulating cold air throughout the interior of the unit. The cold air is created by a refrigeration system that uses Freon or another type of coolant. The circulation system is usually powered by an electric motor.
The temperature inside the commercial walk in cooler is controlled by a thermostat. The thermostat turns the refrigeration system on and off to maintain the desired temperature. Most units have adjustable shelves and racks so that they can be customized to meet the needs of the business.


Credit: bjrefrigeration.com
What is Commercial Refrigeration
Commercial refrigeration is the process of cooling products and perishable goods for storage and sale. This type of refrigeration typically uses large, industrial-size units to maintain optimal temperatures for food safety and quality. Commercial refrigeration systems can be found in restaurants, grocery stores, warehouses, and other businesses that need to keep perishables fresh.
The most common type of commercial refrigeration system is a walk-in cooler or freezer. These units are self-contained and can be customized to meet the specific needs of a business. Walk-in coolers and freezers typically have glass doors so that customers can see the merchandise inside.
Other types of commercial refrigeration systems include display cases, reach-in coolers, beverage dispensers, ice machines, and prep tables.
Commercial refrigeration systems are designed to operate in a wide range of environments and conditions. They must be able to maintain stable temperatures even when doors are opened frequently or when ambient temperatures fluctuate drastically.
To achieve this, commercial refrigerators use compressors, fans, evaporators, condensers, and other components to circulate cooled air throughout the unit.
Proper maintenance is essential for keeping commercial refrigerator systems running smoothly. Regular cleaning and inspection can help prevent problems before they occur.
It’s also important to make sure that all components are properly sized for the unit; oversized compressors can cause excessive wear on other parts of the system.
Commercial Refrigeration Pdf
In commercial kitchens, food safety is a top priority. That’s why it’s important to have a reliable refrigeration system in place to keep food fresh and prevent spoilage.
There are many different types of commercial refrigeration systems available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Choosing the right system for your business will depend on several factors, including the type of food you’ll be storing, the amount of space you have available, and your budget.
One popular option is a chest freezer. Chest freezers are large units that can store large quantities of food at once.
They’re typically less expensive than other types of commercial refrigerators, making them a good choice for businesses on a tight budget. However, they can take up a lot of space and may not be the best option if you don’t have room for a large unit.
Another option is a reach-in refrigerator.
Reach-in refrigerators are smaller than chest freezers but can still hold plenty of food. They’re more expensive than chest freezers but may be worth the investment if you need a compact unit that doesn’t take up too much space.
No matter which type of commercial refrigerator you choose, it’s important to make sure it’s properly maintained.
Regular cleaning and upkeep will help extend the life of your unit and ensure it continues to operate efficiently.
Commercial Refrigeration Troubleshooting Guide
If your commercial refrigerator isn’t working properly, it can be a major headache. Not only is it a potential health hazard, but it can also cost you money in lost food and repairs. That’s why it’s important to know how to troubleshoot common problems so you can get your fridge up and running again as quickly as possible.
Here’s a commercial refrigerator troubleshooting guide to help you identify and fix the most common issues:
1. The fridge isn’t cooling properly.
There are several possible reasons for this, including a dirty condenser coil, low refrigerant levels, or a faulty evaporator fan motor.
Start by cleaning the condenser coils (located behind the unit) with a brush or vacuum attachment. If that doesn’t solve the problem, check the refrigerant level and add more if needed. Finally, if the evaporator fan motor is not working properly, it will need to be replaced.
2. Water is leaking from the fridge.
This is usually caused by a clogged drain line or gasket seal. To fix a clogged drain line, simply clear it with a plunger or snake tool.
If the gasket seal needs to be replaced, you’ll need to call a professional for assistance.
3. The fridge is making strange noises .
Any number of things could be causing this issue, but loose parts are often the culprit .
Check for loose screws , nuts , or bolts inside the unit and tighten them as needed . You may also need to replace worn out door hinges or other parts . If all else fails , call in a professional repair person .
Conclusion
Commercial refrigeration is a process of cooling food and other perishables to extend their shelf life. This is typically done using either an air-cooled or water-cooled system. Air-cooled systems use fans to circulate cool air around the food, while water-cooled systems use circulated chilled water.