In aircraft, air refrigeration cycle is used because ofa)low weight pe...
To understand why air refrigeration cycle is used in aviation vehicles / aircraft you need to understand the advantages of air refrigeration cycle which are
1. The refrigerant used namely air is cheap and easily available.
2. There is no danger of fire or toxic effects due to leakages.
3.The weight to tonne of refrigeration ratio is less as compared to other systems
so contemplating on the advantages will give you the answer you are looking for and so to summarize , As the aircraft requires an light weight refrigeration system with a lot of air surrounding it (air craft) that will act as its refrigerant thus air refrigeration cycle acts as the best possible option.
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In aircraft, air refrigeration cycle is used because ofa)low weight pe...
Explanation:
The air refrigeration cycle is used in aircraft due to its low weight per tonne of refrigeration. Let's discuss the reasons in detail.
1. Low weight per tonne of refrigeration:
The weight plays a crucial role in aircraft design as it directly affects the performance, fuel efficiency, and payload capacity. The air refrigeration cycle offers a significant advantage in terms of weight compared to other refrigeration cycles commonly used in land-based applications, such as vapor compression refrigeration.
2. Importance of weight in aircraft:
In aircraft, every kilogram of weight is critical as it requires additional fuel consumption to carry that weight. Therefore, minimizing the weight of refrigeration systems is essential to optimize the overall efficiency and performance of the aircraft.
3. Air as a refrigerant:
The air refrigeration cycle utilizes air as the working fluid instead of traditional refrigerants like R-134a or ammonia. Air is abundantly available and does not require additional storage or containment systems, which significantly reduces the weight of the refrigeration system.
4. Simplified system:
The air refrigeration cycle has a relatively simple system compared to other refrigeration cycles. It consists of a compressor, heat exchangers, and an expansion valve. The simplicity of the system reduces the weight associated with additional components and complexity.
5. Lower power requirements:
The air refrigeration cycle requires lower power input compared to vapor compression refrigeration systems. This lower power requirement translates into smaller and lighter compressors and other components, contributing to the overall weight reduction of the system.
6. High altitude considerations:
Aircraft operate at high altitudes where the temperature is significantly lower than at ground level. The air refrigeration cycle is well-suited to operate in these conditions as it can utilize the ambient air at low temperatures for cooling purposes.
Conclusion:
The primary reason for using the air refrigeration cycle in aircraft is its low weight per tonne of refrigeration. This is crucial for optimizing the overall efficiency, performance, and payload capacity of the aircraft. Additionally, the simplicity of the system, lower power requirements, and suitability for high altitude operations further contribute to its preference in aircraft applications.
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