Air in a refrigeration system results in?

In a refrigeration system, the presence of air can lead to an increase in compressor discharge pressure. This occurs because air, which is a non-condensable gas, does not change phase like the refrigerant does. As a result, when air enters the system, it occupies space that should be filled with the refrigerant vapor, leading to increased pressure in the system.

Furthermore, the compressor works harder to maintain the desired cooling capacity, ultimately leading to an increase in the discharge pressure. This scenario can also contribute to reduced efficiency, as the compressor has to overcome the higher pressures caused by the presence of air. Therefore, while the primary effect of air in the system is an increase in discharge pressure, its ramifications extend to reduced system efficiency and potential operational issues.

In this context, the impact of air highlights the importance of maintaining proper system integrity and ensuring that non-condensable gases do not enter the refrigeration circuit.