Aux 2 Unit 9 Refrigerant Under/ re-charge, leaks, trouble shooting Q2 Answer

  1. (a) List FOUR reasons for a refrigeration compressor to stop unexpectedly, after running for a short period.(4)
    (b) Describe the faults which lead to TWO of the reasons for the stoppage, listed in part (a).(6)

(a) FOUR reasons for a refrigeration compressor to stop unexpectedly after a short period (4 marks)

  1. High pressure cut-out operated.
  2. Low pressure cut-out operated.
  3. Motor overload trip activated.
  4. Oil pressure safety switch trip.

(b) Faults leading to TWO of the reasons in part (a) (6 marks)

1. High Pressure Cut-out:

  • Faults:
    • Condenser cooling water failure (blocked sea water strainer, pump failure, or insufficient flow).
    • Air or non-condensable gases present in the condenser.
    • Overcharge of refrigerant increasing system pressure.

2. Low Pressure Cut-out:

  • Faults:
    • Refrigerant leakage leading to undercharge.
    • Expansion valve stuck closed or restricted, starving evaporator.
    • Evaporator fan failure or iced-up evaporator coils restricting refrigerant flow.