文档介绍：Preface
Refrigeration and air-conditioning absorb about 15% of the UK’s electrical
generation capacity and it is not always appreciated that refrigeration tech-
nology is essential to our modern way of life. Without it, distribution of food
to urban areas may not be possible. In a typical offi ce, air conditioning can
account for over 30% of annual electricity consumption, yet who cares about
checking the system to fi nd out if it is working effi ciently?
Reducing the environmental impact of cooling whilst at the same time
maintaining and expanding expectations is the driver of many of the devel-
opments which have been made since the last edition of this book. Aimed at
students, and professionals in other disciplines, not too theoretical but with suf-
fi cient depth to give an understanding of the issues, this book takes the reader
from the fundamentals, through to system design, applications, contract specifi-
cations and maintenance. Almost every chapter could be expanded into a book
in itself and references are provided to assist those wishing to delve deeper.
Standards and legislation are subject to change and readers are mended
to consult the Institute of Refrigeration website for the latest developments.
This edition gives an up-to-date appreciation of the issues involved in refrig-
erant choice, effi ciency, load reduction, and effective air conditioning. Managing
heat energy is going to be crucial in the UK’s quest to reduce carbon emissions –
and managing heat rather than burning fuel to generate more of it, is what heat
pumps do. Refrigeration technology has a potentially huge role to play in heat-
ing, which is where a very large proportion of the UK’s energy is spent.
In navigating this book you should be guided by the context of your interest,
but at the same time develop an awareness of related topics. Most real prob-
lems cross boundaries, which are in any case diffi cult to defi ne, and some