Over the years, refrigeration technology has evolved significantly, leading to both positive and negative environmental impacts. One of the notable advancements is the development of refrigerators using hydrocarbon molecules, which have a lower global warming potential and serve as better insulators.
In what ways have refrigeration technologies changed since their initial development? By:Jaiveer Kaberwal
What is the most responsible way to use this (or related) energy technology?
The most responsible way to use a refrigerator would be to leave it in one place and to try not to move it around a lot. This is because the tank at the back that keeps the fridge cold is not meant to be moved around a lot especially when it gets older.
Identify one negative societal impact.
One negative societal impact is that some refrigerator require a lot of maintenance that can take a lot of money to fix. Another negative impact that affects people is that the refrigerator uses oil and once it leaks it can be very harmful and costly to remove and or fix.
Where are the thermal energy losses primarily occurring?
The thermal energy loss that is primarily occurring is that the refrigerator is taking energy from the freezing compartment, which makes it colder that releases heat into the room making it warmer.
What is the estimated efficiency, or improvement in efficiency?
There is a sign that is to come with ever refrigerator that must indicate how much energy is to be used. The estimated efficiency for a regular refrigerator is around 9-10 %.
Identify one negative environmental impact.
The invention of the refrigerator impacts the environment in a negative way because it requires a lot of electricity and energy. This leads to more energy consumption that directs to making more coal powered power plants which is very bad and has a lot of detrimental effects on the environment.
References
Butane hydrocarbon molecule. Commonly used as fuel gas, alone or... (n.d.). Retrieved December 18, 2015, from http://www.thinkstockphotos.co.uk/image/stock-photo-butane-hydrocarbon-molecule-commonly-used-as/514991245
(n.d.). Retrieved December 18, 2015, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refrigerator
ENERGY STAR Refrigerator Calculator : ENERGY STAR. (n.d.). Retrieved December 18, 2015, from https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=refrig.calculator
How Refrigeration Technology Has Changed. (n.d.). Retrieved December 18, 2015, from https://www.refrigerationschool.com/refrigeration-training/
Types of energy transformation transfer in a Refrigerator. (n.d.). Retrieved December 18, 2015, from https://prezi.com/usd7oxe6q9gj/types-of-energy-transformation-transfer-in-a-refrigerator/
Identify one positive environmental impact.
There are many positive environmental impacts . One positive impact is manufactures are working towards making new refrigerator with a hydrocarbon molecule that leads the global warming potential to 3/10. The hydrocarbon molecule makes for a better insulator as well.
Identify one positive societal impact. A societal impact is something that affects people’s quality of life.
One positive impact that affects people lives are that it reduces the amount of energy and work people have to do. Long time ago people had to gather ice to preserve the frshiness of the food. Now in days all that has to happen is to put all of the food in the refrigerator.
The invention of the refrigeration has changed greatly since its initial development. Many factors of it have been upgraded and improved since it was first made. For example one factor that changed significantly was the price. In 1911 only the wealthiest people could afford the refrigerator. Centuries ago people gathered ice to preserve food but now in days we don need much effort because the refrigerator has advanced technology that creates its own cold and freshness. There were many more factors of the refrigerator that changed since its first invention.
What energy transformations are taking place?
The energy source that is taking place in refrigerator is electrical power. This produces kinetic energy to the pumps of the device that would circle around the whole refrigerator. The fridge removes air from the chamber and uses water to cool it. The wasted energy from the refrigerator would be heat and sound.