deI have been asked this question alot so here is a brief explanation. Pics courtesy of chilly1 at Xtremesystems.org

Let me start with a basic cascade. No valves involved.



A cascade contains 2 phase change systems. These systems are linkedbythe heat exchanger (hx). The first stage is a reguler systembutinstead of using a DD (direct dye) evapprator or a coil for achillerit is attached the the heat exchanger. So the first stage coolsdownthe heat exchanger. The hot refrigerant in the second stage exitsthecompressor and goes through a small air cooled coil calledadesuperheater. This is not where the refrigerant is condensed. Thentherefrigerant goes through the cold HX and condenses. Therefrigerantthen continues on as a regualr phase-change systemwould(filter-dryer>cap tube>evap>suction>compressor).

A cascade usualy uses a higher pressure refrigerant in the secondstage.The reason that these refrigerants are only used in a cascade isbecausethe pressures need to condense them at room temperature areextremelyhigh (1000psi~). These refrigerants boil at a much lowertemperaturethan normal hp refrigerants. Ethylene (r1150) for exampleboils at -109c@ATM.

You may notice on alot/most cascade systems that the suction lineisrather long. This is because there is alot of pressure from thehprefrigerant that need to be put somewhere when the system isturnedoff. An alternative is a expansion tank. which is basicaly acontainerattached to the suction line using cap tube. This allows formorevolume to place the refrigerant.

If I didnt explain something please dont hesitate to comment.

Red is hot high pressure, purple is cool high pressure, blue is low pressure

Zenzo, this ones for you. I hope it helps you with your cascade.

Can I get an Amen?

Quote: Originally Posted by $SOLID$ Necro Can I get an Amen?

Aaaaaaaaaaaaa-Men!!

I found this today while researching.

http://oberon.ark.com/~airekool/rb2.htm

http://home.howstuffworks.com/ac1.htm

http://home.howstuffworks.com/refrigerator.htm

All of them have charts and easy to understand explanations of how they work. Hope it helps some of you peeps understand.

yup i have to add those to my stickied thread, thanks!

So a cascade is very similar to a refridgerator?

What about condensation, how do you control that?

I'm interested in building one of these now that I see that it doesn't take rocket science .

there is a cascade then there is a single stage you should build a couple singles first besides the fact cascades as EXPENSIVE, they are dangerous.

condensation can be controlled with insualtion

JSU, Do you know how many horsepower compressors those little fridges (link at the bottom) have? They have a nice $100 one at Lowes right now and one of them has a nice ding in the front and there asking for $50 for it. Or would I be better of getting one of there $90 5200 btu window air conditioners?

http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=prod...9-46-EL03PPXML

I did flip the fridge around and the compressor only said made by whirlpool and there was a r143a sticker and that's it. Also this would be for a chiller if that has any affect.

they are going to be aroun 1/10 of a hp so a a/c would kick it.