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Refrigerator by Mind Map: Refrigerator

1. Materials

1.1. insulation materials

1.1.1. using non-toxic, recyclable insulation

1.1.1.1. Polyurethane Foam with Bio-based Content Uses soy/castor oil Reduces fossil fuel dependence

1.1.1.2. Cork Insulation (Natural and biodegradable Renewable resources)

1.1.1.3. Recycled PET Foam: Non-toxic, from recycled plastic

1.2. Refrigerant Alternatives

1.2.1. R600a (Isobutane): Low global warming potential

1.2.2. R290 (Propane): Efficient, eco-friendly

1.2.3. Ammonia (NH₃): Non-GHG, used in large-scale cooling

1.3. Structural Materials

1.3.1. Recycled Steel or Aluminum: Durable, recyclable

1.3.2. Bioplastics/Recycled Plastics: Sustainable for compartments

1.3.3. Tempered Glass Shelves: Long-lasting, recyclable

1.4. Interior Liners and Shelving

1.4.1. Recycled HDPE/PET Liners: Eco-friendly, food-safe

1.4.2. Glass/Bamboo Shelving: Sustainable and durable

1.5. Compressor and Components

1.5.1. Energy-efficient Compressors: Reduces energy consumption

1.5.2. Smart Temperature Sensors: Enhances energy control

2. Manufacturing Process

2.1. Material Usage

2.1.1. Metals

2.1.2. Insulations

2.1.3. Plastics

2.2. Refrigerants

2.2.1. Using natural refrigerant like hydrocarbons and ammonia

2.3. Energy Consumption

2.3.1. Production

2.3.2. Transportation

3. Parts

3.1. Evaporator coils The main function of this is to turn the liquid refrigerant into it's gas form through evaporation. Hence, cooling it's surrounding (The inside of the fridge)

3.1.1. This is also typically made with copper, steel, or aluminum.

3.2. Compressor This is what pumps the vapor refrigerant through the whole fridge and it also allows it to increase both the temperature and pressure of the cooling agent.

3.2.1. It is typically made of copper, aluminum, and steel.

3.3. Expansion Valve This is usually a thin piece of tubing that is used to route liquid refrigerant into evaporators.

3.3.1. This mostly contains brass, stainless steel, and a liquid-filled bulb

3.4. Condenser coils This works hand in hand with Compressor, turning vapor refrigernant into it's liquid form. Allowing the compressor to increase pressure to fuel the condensation process.

3.4.1. This is mostly just made of copper and aluminum

3.5. Thermostat Control This allows the user to be able the control the temperature within the Fridge.

3.5.1. They made of two long, thin strips of metal, usually brass and steel

4. use phase

4.1. High energy consumption

4.1.1. energy-saving modes

4.1.1.1. Energy-efficient motors

4.1.2. Enviromental impacts

4.1.2.1. Use of low-Global Warming Potential refrigerators ( natural refrigerants like propane or CO2).

4.1.2.1.1. If Refrigerants aren't properly dispose of they are capable of causing major damage to the environment as it's a greenhouse gas which means it's capable of trapping heat. It's also very toxic to the environment to both human and wildlife, causing in humans if inhaled. Headaches, dizziness, unconsciousness, or even death.

5. Energy Efficiency

5.1. Energy Effiency Processes

5.2. Renewable Energy

6. End of life

6.1. Repurposing

6.2. Recycling

6.3. Reuse

6.3.1. Inside the fridges, the Motors can be reused to be used in other products like blenders and etc

7. Sustainable Materials

7.1. Recycled Materials

7.2. Natural Alternatives

8. Using biodegradable or sustainably sources materials such as wood or biobased plastics can diminish the environmental footprint

9. Adapt for use in a drifferent purpose. Eg. converting a refrigerator into a bookshelf

10. Scraps such as metals or aluminium can be melted down and use for other purposes

10.1. Aluminum can be recycled into Electronics, Wires, car parts and even Window frames.

10.2. Copper can be converted into several products like copper pipes for Plumbing, Electrical wiring and roofing sheet

11. Refrigerators in good conditions can be resold

12. Incorporating recycled plastics and metals can significantly reduce resource extraction and waste

13. Eg. Polyurethane foam can release harmful substances during production and disposal, contributing to environmental degradation

14. Eg. Liners and seals deriveed from fossil fuels, raising concerns about resource depletion and waste

15. From mining, refining and processing during production. Eg. steel and aluminium contribute to the habitat destruction pollution

16. Waste generated from raw materials, packaging and during production such as scrapes

17. Energy sources such as solar, wind or biogas reduces greenhouse gas emission and enhances sustainability

18. Improve insulation materials and energy-efficient motor designs can reduce energy used during manufacturing

19. Energy is consumed during transportation of raw materials and products, contributing to pollutants

20. Group 5 Perry Wong Hoe yin, Nur Sabrina,Bai Jiayuan

21. High energy for equipment operation, metal shaping and plastic molding

22. Energy-intensive, with significant greenhouse gas emissions and electricity usage

23. hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are powerful greenhouse gases with a global warming potential thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide