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ACR 102 Fundamentals of Refrigeration

This course is an introduction to the refrigerant cycle with emphasis on laws of physics for refrigerant gases, characteristics of heat transfer, design, operation, and service. Emphasis will be placed on calculating system pressures and operating temperatures.

Credits

5

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

ACR 102 Fundamentals of Refrigeration

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent

Course Credits and Hours

5 credit(s)

4 lecture hours/week

4 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the refrigerant cycle with emphasis on laws of physics for refrigerant gases, characteristics of heat transfer, design, operation, and service. Emphasis will be placed on calculating system pressures and operating temperatures.

Additional Materials

Basic Calculator

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

None

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Examine the operation, function, application, and performance of components that make up the mechanical refrigeration system, including that of evaporators, condensers, and other components as they relate to physical laws. (CCC 2, 4, 6; PGC 4)
  2. Prepare copper tubing for practical installation and copper fittings for the joining process; install and use the manifold gauge assembly to safely charge, operate, and recover refrigerants. (CCC 3, 4; PGC 5, 6, 7)
  3. Examine the safe handling and use of refrigerants to include their applications, evacuation, and leak detection in accordance with the requirements of Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. (CCC 1, 4, 6; PGC 1, 5)
  4. Troubleshoot and service systems to meet with industry standards. (CCC 2, 3, 5, 6; PGC 5, 6, 7)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Examine the operation, function, application, and performance of components that make up the mechanical refrigeration system, including that of evaporators, condensers, and other components as they relate to physical laws.
    1. Explain the importance of sensible and latent heat.
    2. Describe the three methods of heat transfer.
    3. Discuss the relationship between temperature and pressure.
    4. Compare the Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales.
    5. Explain the refrigeration process in terms of heat transfer.
    6. Identify and state the purpose and application of each of the basic components of the mechanical refrigeration cycle (e.g., compressors and evaporators), along with commonly used accessories.
    7. Use a pressure-temperature chart to determine evaporator saturation temperature and condensing pressure.
    8. Calculate system superheat and system subcooling.
    9. Describe the process of checking evaporator performance.
    10. Discuss the condition of refrigerant throughout the refrigeration process while relating these stages to volumetric efficiency and refrigerant re-expansion.
    11. Identify discharge and suction pressure, temperature, and boiling point.
    12. Discuss the operation of a water cooling tower and the evaporative condenser.
  2. Prepare copper tubing for practical installation and copper fittings for the joining process; install and use the manifold gauge assembly, to safely charge, operate, and recover refrigerants.
    1. Explain the processes of manifold gauge assembly installation and service valve operation.
    2. Discuss the operation and function of system service valves.
    3. Discuss different brazing alloys and their applications.
    4. Flare copper tubing to meet industry standards.
    5. Bend copper tubing to fit a desired application.
    6. Swage copper tubing.
    7. Braze copper tubing to meet industry standards.
    8. Install and read a manifold gauge.
    9. Recover refrigerant using the vapor recovery method in accordance with industry standards.
    10. Recite proper recovery evacuation levels.
  3. Examine the safe handling and use of refrigerants to include their applications, evacuation, and leak detection in accordance with the requirements of Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.
    1. Discuss some desirable characteristics of a refrigerant.
    2. Explain the differences among chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) while emphasizing the relative environmental concerns of various refrigerant types.
    3. Discuss the safe use and handling of refrigerants during recovery, evacuation, and charging.
    4. Describe different methods of leak detection, and explain why leak detection is important.
    5. Discuss the evacuation and refrigerant recovery process.
    6. Examine the requirements of the Clean Air Act.
    7. Differentiate among recovery, recycling, and reclamation of refrigerants.
  4. Troubleshoot and service systems to meet with industry standards.
    1. Describe possible component malfunctions within the mechanical refrigeration cycle.
    2. Discuss the importance of controlling high side pressure in low ambient conditions.
    3. Discuss the standing vacuum test and standing pressure test methods.
    4. Safely charge and operate a refrigeration system to detect faults.
    5. Leak check a refrigerant system using an electronic leak detector.
    6. Evacuate a system using a vacuum pump.
    7. Diagnose malfunctions while checking for proper pressures, subcooling, and superheating to ensure proper operation.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Quizzes (Formative) (equally weighted)

25%

Competency Exams (2) (Summative) (equally weighted)

50%

Lab Competency (Summative) (equally weighted)

25%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

RHAAASRHA

  1. Demonstrate professional behaviors that satisfy workplace expectations and include adherence to safety and environmental concerns related to the field.
  2. Service commercial refrigeration and residential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVACR) systems, and interpret related electrical wiring diagrams and schematics.
  3. Apply theories of electricity and high and low voltage controls to the HVACR field.
  4. Explain scientific principles as they relate to HVACR system operations.
  5. Safely use tools, instruments, and equipment related to the HVACR industry.
  6. Explain the principles of operation, service, and repair of residential HVACR and commercial refrigeration systems.
  7. Identify best practices for proper installation of HVACR equipment and systems.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for all distance education type courses.

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Cell phone/Electronic Device

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Tuition Adjustment Policy

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