Characterization of Acoustic Burst in Household Refrigerators

McLevige, S.M.; Muka, J.S.; Miller, N.R.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/12053 Copy

Description

Title

Characterization of Acoustic Burst in Household Refrigerators

Author(s)

• McLevige, S.M.
• Muka, J.S.
• Miller, N.R.

Issue Date

2003-03

Keyword(s)

• sound generation mechanisms
• expansion devices
• Jakob numbers
• domestic refrigerator freezers

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to investigate and characterize the acoustic burst (“popping”) phenomenon occurring in household refrigerators shortly after compressor start-up. An experimental investigation began with a household refrigerator that regularly experienced acoustic bursts and was followed by construction of an apparatus that allowed control of system conditions. It was found that refrigerant vapor must be present in the capillary tube and suction line temperature must significantly drop in order for the occurrence of acoustic bursts. This suggests that the root cause of acoustic bursts is condensation induced shock. Using simple instrumentation and model predictions to characterize the acoustic burst phenomenon, it was found that acoustic bursts begin to occur at Jakob numbers approximately around one and the Jakob number can be used to characterize acoustic burst magnitude. Heat exchanger orientation and compressor oil addition (0.5% by weight) do not have a significant effect on

Publisher

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Center. College of Engineering. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Series/Report Name or Number

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Center TR-200

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/12053

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Project 105

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