Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Sample Questions for Exit-Exam Preparation

By: Mr. Tsegaye Paulos

1) What is the primary purpose of refrigeration?

a) To heat up an environment

b) To maintain an environment at a specific humidity

c) To remove heat from a space or substance

d) To circulate air in an enclosed space

Answer:

c) To remove heat from a space or substance

Explanation:

Refrigeration primarily involves removing heat from a space, substance, or system to lower its
temperature, often for preservation or comfort.

2) What principle does a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle operate on?

a) Condensing a vapor to release heat

b) Compressing a gas to absorb heat

c) Evaporating a liquid to absorb heat

d) Both a and c

Answer:

d) Both a and c

Explanation:

The vapor-compression cycle operates on the principle of evaporating a refrigerant to absorb

heat from the environment and then condensing the vapor back to a liquid to release heat.

3) What is the function of the compressor in a refrigeration cycle?

a) To cool the refrigerant

b) To reduce the pressure of the refrigerant

c) To circulate the refrigerant through the system

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d) To increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant

Answer:

d) To increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant

Explanation:

The compressor in a refrigeration cycle increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant,
preparing it for the condensation process.

4. What is the purpose of the expansion valve in a refrigeration system?

a) To increase the pressure of the refrigerant

b) To compress the refrigerant

c) To decrease the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant

d) To evaporate the refrigerant

Answer:

c) To decrease the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant

Explanation:

The expansion valve reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, allowing it to
evaporate and absorb heat in the evaporator.

5. What type of heat transfer is primarily used in the evaporator of a refrigeration system?

a) Conduction

b) Convection

c) Radiation

d) Advection

Answer:

b) Convection

Explanation:

In the evaporator of a refrigeration system, heat transfer primarily occurs through convection as
the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air or substance being cooled.

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6. What is a refrigerant in a refrigeration system?

a) A substance that absorbs heat from the environment

b) A substance used to lubricate the compressor

c) A gas used to insulate the system

d) A liquid used to clean the system

Answer:

a) A substance that absorbs heat from the environment

Explanation:

A refrigerant is a substance that absorbs heat from the environment during the evaporation
process and releases heat during condensation in a refrigeration cycle.

7. What is the Coefficient of Performance (COP) in refrigeration?

a) The ratio of work input to cooling effect

b) The ratio of cooling effect to work input

c) The energy efficiency of the refrigeration system

d) Both b and c

Answer:

d) Both b and c

Explanation:

The Coefficient of Performance (COP) is a measure of the energy efficiency of a refrigeration

system, defined as the ratio of cooling effect produced to the work input.

8. In air conditioning, what is the purpose of a humidifier?

a) To remove moisture from the air

b) To cool the air

c) To add moisture to the air

d) To purify the air

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Answer:

c) To add moisture to the air

Explanation:

A humidifier in an air conditioning system is used to add moisture to the air, which can improve
comfort and air quality, especially in dry environments.

9. What is meant by 'ton of refrigeration'?

a) The weight of the refrigeration equipment

b) The cooling capacity equivalent to melting 1 ton of ice in 24 hours

c) The power consumption of the refrigeration system

d) The amount of refrigerant in the system

Answer:

b) The cooling capacity equivalent to melting 1 ton of ice in 24 hours

Explanation:

A ton of refrigeration is a unit of power used in the United States and some other regions to
describe the cooling capacity of a refrigeration system. It is based on the amount of heat required
to melt one ton (2000 pounds) of ice in a 24-hour period.

10. What is an air handling unit (AHU) in an air conditioning system?

a) A device that controls the refrigeration cycle

b) A unit that handles and distributes conditioned air

c) A component that compresses the refrigerant

d) A filter that cleans the air

Answer:

b) A unit that handles and distributes conditioned air

Explanation:

An Air Handling Unit (AHU) is a key component in air conditioning systems that conditions
(heats, cools, humidifies, dehumidifies) and circulates air throughout a building or space.

11. What is a heat pump?

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a) A device used exclusively for heating a space

b) A device that pumps heat out of a space

c) A system that can provide both heating and cooling by reversing the refrigeration cycle

d) A component of a boiler system

Answer:

c) A system that can provide both heating and cooling by reversing the refrigeration cycle

Explanation:

A heat pump is a versatile system that can provide both heating and cooling for a space. It works
by reversing the refrigeration cycle: in the winter, it extracts heat from the outside air and
transfers it indoors, and in the summer, it removes heat from the indoor air.

12. What is the primary purpose of a condenser in a refrigeration cycle?

a) To evaporate the refrigerant

b) To compress the refrigerant

c) To absorb heat from the refrigerant

d) To release heat from the refrigerant

Answer:

d) To release heat from the refrigerant

Explanation:

The condenser in a refrigeration cycle is where the refrigerant releases its absorbed heat, usually
to the outside air. It condenses from a gas back into a liquid in this process.

13. In HVAC systems, what is the V in HVAC stand for?

a) Vacuum

b) Velocity

c) Ventilation

d) Volume

Answer:

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c) Ventilation

Explanation:

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Ventilation refers to the process of
exchanging or replacing air in a space to improve indoor air quality and control temperature or
humidity.

14. What is subcooling in refrigeration?

a) Cooling the refrigerant below its boiling point at a given pressure

b) Cooling the refrigerant to its freezing point

c) The process of removing humidity from the refrigerant

d) The process of heating the refrigerant before it enters the evaporator

Answer:

a) Cooling the refrigerant below its boiling point at a given pressure

Explanation:

Subcooling in refrigeration refers to the process of cooling the liquid refrigerant below its
saturation temperature (boiling point) at a given pressure, typically after it leaves the condenser.

15. What is a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) used for in refrigeration systems?

a) To regulate the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator

b) To increase the pressure of the refrigerant

c) To measure the temperature of the refrigerant

d) To compress the refrigerant

Answer:

a) To regulate the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator

Explanation:

A thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) is used in refrigeration systems to regulate the flow of
refrigerant into the evaporator. It adjusts the flow based on the cooling load, ensuring efficient
operation.

16. What is the main advantage of using a multi-stage refrigeration system?

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a) Increased reliability

b) Reduced noise

c) Higher efficiency and lower operating costs for large temperature differences

d) Smaller size

Answer:

c) Higher efficiency and lower operating costs for large temperature differences

Explanation:

Multi-stage refrigeration systems are more efficient and have lower operating costs when large
temperature differences are required. They achieve this by compressing the refrigerant in stages,
reducing the work input per unit of cooling.

17. What does the term 'psychrometrics' refer to in air conditioning?

a) Study of psychological effects of air conditioning

b) Study of the thermodynamic properties of moist air

c) Measurement of air velocity in ducts

d) Design of air conditioning controls

Answer:

b) Study of the thermodynamic properties of moist air

Explanation:

Psychrometrics is the study of the thermodynamic properties of moist air and the use of these
properties to analyze conditions and processes involving moist air, particularly in air
conditioning.

18. What is an inverter in the context of air conditioning systems?

a) A device that inverts the refrigeration cycle

b) A component that converts direct current to alternating current

c) A technology that allows the compressor to operate at variable speeds

d) A device that changes the direction of air flow

Answer:

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c) A technology that allows the compressor to operate at variable speeds

Explanation:

In air conditioning systems, an inverter is used to control the speed of the compressor motor,
allowing variable refrigerant flow and thus more efficient operation by adjusting the cooling or
heating output as needed.

19. What is a chiller in an HVAC system?

a) A device that heats the air

b) A device that removes humidity from the air

c) A machine that removes heat from a liquid via a vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration
cycle

d) A fan that circulates air

Answer:

c) A machine that removes heat from a liquid via a vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration
cycle

Explanation:

A chiller is a machine used in HVAC systems to remove heat from a liquid, typically water or a
water-glycol mixture, through a vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycle. This
chilled liquid is then used for cooling in air conditioning systems.

20. What is the main difference between air conditioning and refrigeration?

a) Air conditioning is for cooling spaces, while refrigeration is for preserving food

b) Air conditioning uses water as a refrigerant, while refrigeration uses gases

c) Refrigeration can only cool, while air conditioning can heat and cool

d) Air conditioning systems are larger than refrigeration systems

Answer:

a) Air conditioning is for cooling spaces, while refrigeration is for preserving food

Explanation:

The primary difference is in their applications. Air conditioning is mainly used for comfort
cooling by controlling the temperature, humidity, and air quality in spaces. Refrigeration, on the

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other hand, is typically used for preserving food, medicines, and other items by maintaining a
temperature below the ambient level.

21. What is an evaporative cooler in HVAC systems?

a) A device that cools air through the evaporation of water

b) A type of air conditioner that uses refrigerants

c) A machine that removes moisture from the air

d) A device used to heat air in winter

Answer:

a) A device that cools air through the evaporation of water

Explanation:

An evaporative cooler, also known as a swamp cooler, cools air by passing it over water-
saturated pads, causing the water to evaporate and absorb heat from the air, thereby cooling it.

22. What is the primary function of a condensate drain in an air conditioning system?

a) To remove heat from the refrigerant

b) To drain water that condenses on the evaporator coil

c) To supply water to the humidifier

d) To circulate refrigerant in the system

Answer:

b) To drain water that condenses on the evaporator coil

Explanation:

The condensate drain in an air conditioning system is used to remove the water that condenses on
the cold evaporator coil. This condensation occurs as the coil removes humidity from the air, and
the drain ensures that the water is properly expelled from the system.

23. In HVAC, what does the term 'split system' refer to?

a) A system split into heating and cooling units

b) An air conditioning system with components in separate locations

c) A system that splits air flow into different areas

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d) A dual-mode system that can both heat and cool

Answer:

b) An air conditioning system with components in separate locations

Explanation:

A split system in HVAC refers to an air conditioning system where the compressor and
condenser are located outside the building, and the evaporator is inside. This setup is common in
residential and small commercial buildings.

24. What is the main advantage of a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system?

a) It can operate without a compressor

b) It provides precise temperature control

c) It uses water as a refrigerant

d) It requires no ductwork

Answer:

b) It provides precise temperature control

Explanation:

The main advantage of a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system is its ability to provide precise
temperature control. It can vary the flow of refrigerant to multiple indoor units, allowing for
individual temperature control in different zones or rooms.

25. What is the purpose of a desiccant in air conditioning systems?

a) To cool the air

b) To remove moisture from the air

c) To clean the air

d) To add fragrance to the air

Answer:

b) To remove moisture from the air

Explanation:

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A desiccant in air conditioning systems is used to remove moisture from the air. It is a substance
with high hygroscopic properties, meaning it can attract and hold water vapor, thereby reducing
humidity levels.

26. What is Refrigeration?

a) Refrigeration is the process of removing heat from a substance and cooling it to a temperature
or below the actual temperature
b) Refrigeration is the process of adding heat from a substance and cooling it to a temperature
c) Refrigeration is used to increase the level of humidity in the air by adding heat
d) None of the mentioned

Answer: a
Explanation: Refrigeration is the process of removing heat from a substance and cooling it to a
temperature or below the actual temperature. The refrigeration unit is expressed in terms of a ton
of refrigeration (TR).

27. How is the refrigerant used in the Air refrigeration cycle?

a) In the compressor
b) In the condenser
c) Directly in contact
d) Not used at all

Answer: a
Explanation: Refrigerant used in Air refrigeration cycle is pure air, and it’s used directly in
contact with the area of refrigeration. Whereas in Expansion refrigeration, refrigerants are used
in condensers, etc…

28. Which of the following refers to the term C.O.P. of refrigeration?

a) Cooling for Performance
b) Coefficient of Performance
c) Capacity of Performance
d) Co-efficient of Plant

Answer: b
Explanation: Coefficient of Performance is generally referred to as C.O.P. for Refrigeration,
which is used to measure the capacity or level up to which the refrigeration will occur.

29. Which of the following is NOT the advantages of using a closed Air Refrigeration system?
a) Compact in construction
b) Lower coefficient of performance
c) Lighter in weight
d) Environmental Friendly

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Answer: b
Explanation: Air refrigeration system is used mainly due to light in weight, smaller and
environment friendly due to use of air as a refrigerant. Also, it has a higher co-efficient of
performance.

30. In lithium bromide absorption refrigeration system it is not necessary to keep the
refrigeration temperature above 0°C.
a) False
b) True

Answer: a
Explanation: In lithium bromide absorption refrigeration system it is necessary to keep the
refrigeration temperature above 0°C as it is the freezing point of water. Water is used as a
refrigerant in the system.

31. Which of the following is the S.I. unit to measure pressure in refrigeration?
a) Bar
b) Newton
c) Joule
d) Pascal

Answer: d
Explanation: Generally, unit like N/mm2 , N/m2 , KN/mm2 and MN/mm2 etc. are used but the S.I.
unit used is N/m2 i.e. Pascal.

32. Which of the following is the main disadvantage of natural refrigeration methods?
a) natural refrigeration methods are dependent on local conditions
b) natural refrigeration methods are not environment friendly
c) natural refrigeration methods are expensive
d) natural refrigeration methods are poisonous

Answer: a
Explanation: Natural Refrigeration process is dependent on the local conditions like temperature
of surrounding, pressure at which it occurs, and volume of the refrigerant, etc. hence it cannot be
predicted exactly.

33. Which of the following is the result of a reduction in operating pressure in the Air
refrigeration cycle?
a) decrease in C.O.P.
b) always decreases
c) increase in C.O.P.
d) no change in C.O.P.

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Answer: c
Explanation: As the operating pressure reduces, the change in work done decreases. Hence the
C.O.P of refrigeration increases.

34. Which of the following is the key difference between a simple VAR and Electrolux
refrigerator?
a) Working mechanism
b) Generator
c) Absorber
d) Liquid pump

Answer: d
Explanation: Simple VAR uses a generator to do work as well as a pump to pressurize the liquid
to the generator. So, total work done is the summation of work done by a pump and generator.
The refrigeration effect is the heat absorbed in the evaporator. But as in the case of Electrolux
refrigerator pump is not present. It is the VAR system with no liquid pump; hence, it is the key
difference between Simple VAR and Electrolux refrigerators.

35.. Efficiency of the Refrigerator is _________ to the C.O.P of the refrigerator.

a) independent
b) directly proportional
c) inversely proportional
d) equal

Answer: a
Explanation: Efficiency is the ratio of work done to heat supplied, whereas C.O.P is the ratio of
Refrigeration effect to work done. Hence it is totally independent quantity.

36. Which of the following will be the value of Refrigeration effect if m 2 = 2 kg/min, m3 = 0.8
kg/min and enthalpies for the refrigerant at saturated vapor and saturated liquid line are 1420 and
1260 kJ/kg?
a) 129
b) 196
c) 194
d) 192

Answer: d
Explanation: Given: m2 = 2 kg/min
m3 = 0.8 kg/min
h1 = 1420 kJ/kg and hf10 = h11 = 1260 kJ/kg
As, m1 = m2 – m3
= 2 – 0.8
= 1.2

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Refrigeration effect = m1 (h1 – h11)

= 1.2 (1420 – 1260)
= 1.2 x 160
= 192 kJ/min.

37. Which of the following of the refrigerant is used as a refrigerant in Lithium Bromide
Absorption Refrigeration system?
a) Lithium Bromide
b) Hydrogen
c) Water
d) Ammonia

Answer: c
Explanation: Water is used as a refrigerant in Lithium Bromide Absorption Refrigeration system
whereas lithium bromide, which is highly hydroscopic salt, is used as an absorbent. Lithium
Chromate is used a corrosion inhibitor.

38. Which of the following refrigerants are used in Electrolux and Li-Br water refrigeration
system?
a) Water and Bromide
b) Ammonia and Water
c) Ammonia and Lithium
d) Water and Water

Answer: b
Explanation: In the Electrolux refrigerator, ammonia is used as a refrigerant, and in the case of
Li-Br water system water is used as a refrigerant due to their desirable properties to produce
refrigeration effect.

39. Which of the following will be the value of Refrigeration effect if m 1 = 4 kg/min, and
enthalpies for the point 1, 2, 4, 5, 9 are 1350, 1550, 1480, 1620, and 280 kJ/kg. If the
refrigeration effect is 4280 kJ/min and work done is 15 kW, then what is the value of C.O.P.?
a) 4.75
b) 6.00
c) 5.50
d) 4.85

Answer: a
Explanation: Given: m1 = 4 kg/min
h1 = 1350 kJ/kg
hf9 = h10 = 280 kJ/kg
h2 = 1550 kJ/kg
h4 = 1480 kJ/kg

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h5 = 1620 kJ/kg
As, enthalpies of all points is given but it is a redundant data cause direct values of refrigeration
effect and work is given, hence C.O.P. can be found easily.
Refrigeration effect = m1 (h1 – h11)
= 4280 kJ/min
Work = 15 kW = 900 kJ/min
C.O.P. = Refrigeration effect / Work
= 4280 / 900
= 4.75.

40. Which of the following is the common application of Air standard refrigeration system?
a) Cold storage
b) Car air conditioning system
c) Domestic refrigerators
d) Aircraft air conditioning

Answer: d
Explanation: As a sufficient amount of air is obtained while aviation of air crafts, the only thing
is to reduce its velocity, and then it can be used for air conditioning in air crafts.

41. What is Air Conditioning?

a) Air Conditioning is the process of adding heat and increasing the humidity
b) Air Conditioning is the process of removing heat and controlling the humidity of air in a
closed space
c) Air conditioning is the process of controlling air moisture in an open area by adding heat
d) None of the mentioned

Answer: b
Explanation: Air Conditioning is the process of removing heat and controlling the humidity of air
in an enclosed space to achieve a more comfortable interior environment.

42. Which of the following process is used in winter air conditioning?

a) Cooling and Dehumidification
b) Heating and Humidification
c) Dehumidification
d) Humidification

Answer: b
Explanation: In Winter, the weather is dry and cold, so the process of heating and humidification
is done to get the desired comfort conditions.

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43. On which of the following cycle the air conditioning systems are based in transport aviation?
a) Reversed Joule’s cycle
b) Otto cycle
c) Reversed Carnot cycle
d) Reversed Brayton cycle

Answer: d
Explanation: It is because in vapor-cycle the disadvantage was that due to the leakage loss of
fluid it would cause the aircraft to be complete without cooling.

44. Which of the following process is used in summer air conditioning?

a) Heating and Humidification
b) Cooling and Dehumidification
c) Humidification
d) Dehumidification

Answer: b
Explanation: In Summer, the weather is humid and hot, so the process cooling and
dehumidification is done to get the desired comfort conditions.

45. If the Coefficient of performance of a heat pump is 5, then what is the value of the
Coefficient of performance of the refrigerator operating under the same conditions?
a) 0.2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 6

Answer: c
Explanation: As we know, the equation between Coefficient of performance of Refrigerator and
heat pump:
(C.O.P.) R = (C.O.P.)P − 1
Hence, C.O.P. of refrigerator = C.O.P. of heat pump − 1
=5−1
= 4.

46. How is the cascade system achieved?

a) VCR system in a parallel combination
b) VCR system in a series combination
c) VAR system in a series combination
d) VAR system in a parallel combination

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Answer: b
Explanation: The cascade refrigeration system is structured by connecting two or more vapor
compression refrigeration systems in series which use different refrigerants.

47. Dense air Bell-Coleman refrigerator is preferred over open cycle air refrigerator.
a) False
b) True

Answer: b
Explanation: In open cycle air refrigerator the main drawback is the freezing of the moisture in
the air during expansion stroke which is liable to choke up the valves. Hence dense air
refrigerator is preferred.

48. In which of the following Capillary tube is used in as an expansion device?

a) Room air conditioners
b) Water coolers
c) Domestic refrigerators
d) All of the mentioned

Answer: d
Explanation: The capillary tube as an expansion device is used in small capacity hermetic sealed
refrigeration units such as in water coolers, domestic refrigerators and room air conditioners, etc.

49. Which of the following uses natural convection air-cooled condensers?

a) High capacity room air conditioners
b) Industrial air conditioners
c) Domestic refrigerators
d) High capacity water coolers

Answer: c
Explanation: Natural convection phenomenon is used to carry out the operation. Large surface
area is required for the proper heat transfer between the mediums. Due to the slow process and
able to handle low capacity used just in small-capacity applications like domestic refrigerators.

50. Which of the following is the material of tubes used for shell and tube condenser in ammonia
refrigeration system?
a) Copper
b) Steel
c) Brass
d) Aluminum

Answer: b
Explanation: As ammonia is toxic and has the ability to rust the material which comes in the

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contact. So, in the ammonia refrigeration system, steel tubes are used for shell and tube
condensers to avoid the corrosion.

51. Which of the following represents sensible cooling on the psychrometric chart?
a) Inclined line
b) Curve
c) Horizontal line
d) Vertical line

Answer: c
Explanation: Sensible cooling is when DBT decreases. And as per the psychrometric chart,
horizontal lines show the change in just DBT and represent sensible cooling.

52. Which of the following is the major equipment in the simplest form is used to do saturation
of air?
a) Pipe
b) Chamber
c) Vessel
d) Insulated Chamber

Answer: d
Explanation: The equipment used for saturation of the air in the simplest form is an insulated
chamber containing an optimum amount of water.

53. Why is the evaporator used?

a) To absorb heat
b) To decrease the refrigeration effect
c) To reject heat
d) To improve C.O.P.

Answer: a
Explanation: Evaporator is used to absorb the heat from the medium being cooled and get the
refrigeration effect. Multiple evaporators are used to enhance the refrigeration effect and
eventually the C.O.P. too.

54. Which of the following refrigerants is having the lowest C.O.P for refrigeration system
working under the temperature limits of -15°C and 30°C as evaporator and condenser
temperature respectively?
a) R – 12
b) Carbon dioxide
c) Ammonia
d) R – 30

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Answer: d
Explanation: Coefficient of performance is the ratio of refrigeration produced and work done to
get that refrigeration effect. C.O.P. is a crucial entity. The more the C.O.P., more the refrigeration
effect is produced, and lower temperatures can be achieved. Among the given options, Carbon
dioxide is having least C.O.P. for given temperatures conditions, which is valued at 2.56.
Whereas, Ammonia, R – 12 and R – 30 is having C.O.P. as 4.76, 4.70 and 4.90 respectively.

55. Which of the following type of refrigerants take a direct part in the refrigeration system?
a) Primary
b) Secondary
c) Tertiary
d) Mixed

Answer: a
Explanation: Primary refrigerants are the one that takes a direct part in the refrigeration system.
By absorbing the latent heat of vaporization effective refrigeration is produced.

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