Table of content

1.0 Introduction 2

1.1 Thermodynamics 2

1.2 Fluids mechanics 3

2.0 Objectives 4

3.0 Thermo- fluid daily life application 5

3.1 Thermodynamics applications 5

3.1.1 Refrigerator 5

3.1.2 Six Stroke Engine 6

3.2 Fluid mechanics daily application 7

3.2.1 Hydraulic lift 7

3.2.2 Pressure cooker 8

4.0 Discussions: 10

4.1 Discussion for Refrigerator 10

4.1 Discussion for Refrigerator 10

4.1.1 Vapor-compression cycle 13

4.1.2 Vapor absorption cycle 14

4.1.3 Gas Cycle 15

4.1.4 Stirling Cycle 16

4.2 Discussion for Hydraulic lift 16

4.2.1 Pascal law for hydraulic lifts 17

4.2.2 Pros, cons and limitation of hydraulic lifts 19

5.0 Methods to Improve the Performance and Efficiency of Refrigerator 20

6.0 Conclusion 24

7.0 references 25

1
1.0 Introduction
The word “thermo-fluids” is derived from the combination of the words "thermal" which
represent heat, and "fluids" which may refer to liquids, gases, or vapors. When dealing with
thermo-fluid difficulties, temperature, pressure, equations of state, and transport laws are all
very significant factors to consider. In the case of thermo-fluids, phase change and chemical
reactions could also be relevant factors to consider.

Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer and combustion are the four areas of study
that are brought together in the discipline of thermos-fluids, which is a part of both science and
engineering.

1.1 Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is a science to study how heat, work, temperature, and energy are all related
to one another. In a general sense, thermodynamics is concerned with the movement of energy
from one location to another as well as the transformation of one form into another. The
essential idea is, there is a certain relationship between the quantity of work done and the
amount of heat that is produced. In thermodynamics, it does consist of few laws along the line
of:
i. 0th law of thermodynamics
In this law, if two systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are
also in thermal equilibrium with each other. In other way, this law means that the
three systems are all in the same temperature, as this law describes the definition of
temperature, in which the systems at different temperatures will exchange the
energy until it reaches a thermal equilibrium state. This makes the thermometer act
as a useful "third system" for defining a temperature scale.

ii. 1st law of thermodynamics

This law is talking about the conservation of energy. An increase or decrease in the
internal energy of a system is directly proportional to the amount of heat which the
system receives from its surroundings and the amount of work the system does on
those surroundings.

iii. 2nd law of thermodynamics

Heat cannot spontaneously travel from a colder to a hotter place, or be turned totally
2
 into work. Therefore, a closed system's entropy, or heat energy per unit temperature,
rises with time. All closed systems trend toward a state of maximum entropy and
no usable energy.

iv. 3rd law of thermodynamics

As temperature approaches absolute zero, a perfect crystal of a stable element's
entropy approaches zero. This establishes an absolute scale for entropy, which
statistically defines a system's unpredictability or disorder.

1.2 Fluids mechanics

Fluid mechanics is a discipline of mechanics that investigates the static and motion states of
fluids, as well as the interaction and flow laws when fluids move relative to solid walls. Fluid
mechanics studies water and air most. Its essential base is Newton's law of motion and the law
of conservation of mass, sometimes with thermodynamics, constitutive equations, and basic
physics and chemistry.

Term "fluid" refers to both gas and liquid. Fluid mechanics is directly linked to human everyday
life and manufacturing since it may be met everywhere and at any time. Water and air are the
two most ubiquitous fluids in the world today. Seventy percent of the planet's surface is covered
with water, and the atmosphere envelops it all. Fluid mechanics studies the movement of air,
ocean water (including waves, tides, mesoscale eddies, circulation, etc.), and even molten lava
in the earth's interior.

The fundamental assumptions of fluid mechanics are given in equations. For a 3-D
incompressible fluid, the mass conservation equation is as follows: In any closed surface (such
as a sphere), the mass entering and exiting must be equal. (The mass within and outside the
surface are both constant.) Above equation may be represented as an integral over the surface.

The following assumptions are made by fluid mechanics about all fluids:
● Conservation of quality
● Conservation of momentum
● Continuum hypothesis

3
2.0 Objectives
● To grasp the uses of thermodynamics and fluid-mechanics in everyday life.
● To determine the benefits and restrictions offered by the various applications
● To expand the understanding of scientific principles and to find solutions to problems
that arise when using those principles in the real world.

4
3.0 Thermo- fluid daily life application

3.1 Thermodynamics applications

3.1.1 Refrigerator

Figure 3.0: Refrigerator (Smeg, 2020)

Refrigerators is an important daily application in our daily life. It helps us to store our food
to prevent spoiling. But the refrigerators violates the Second Law of Thermodynamics, but for
the reason of the work needed as an input to the system. Therefore it is not completely violated.
According to the Second law of Thermodynamics, heat will always flow spontaneously from
hot to cold. It cannot go in the other direction which is from cold to hot. As the meaning of
Second law occurs in the direction of decreasing quality of energy. A refrigerator will dissipate
heat from a closed compound to a warmer surrounding .

A refrigerator consists of a condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, and also a compressor.

For a refrigerator, it uses a refrigerant as the working liquid. A working liquid is a liquid that
is used to transfer heat.
5
3.1.2 Six Stroke Engine

Figure 3.1: Six stroke car engine(Carbuzz,2018)

Six-stroke engine is a replacement for four-stroke engines. Six stroke engines are more
efficient and powerful than the four stroke engines. The engine also has the scope of using
heavy fuels. The six-stroke engine has better thermodynamic efficiency and performance,and
reduced pollution and reduced fuel Consumption. The fuel efficiency of almost 40% can be
obtained .

In this engine design, there will be two more strokes to the current 4 stroke engine. This
will add the second exhaust stroke and steam stroke. The six-stroke engine can be classified
based on the number of pistons that contributed to the six strokes.

In the single-piston , it captures the heat lost from the four-stroke Otto cycle and uses it
to drive an additional power and exhaust stroke of the piston in the same cylinder. This is to
increase fuel efficiency.

The second piston may be used to replace the valve mechanism of a conventional engine.
This will reduce mechanical complexity and enable an increased compression ratio The second
piston also used to increase the expansion ratio, decoupling it from the compression ratio.

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3.2 Fluid mechanics daily application

3.2.1 Hydraulic lift

A type of technology that is more often used in this modern world and the purpose of hydraulic
lifts is to replace mechanical lifts. In daily life, hydraulic lift achieves its lifting function
primarily via the transfer of hydraulic oil pressure. Its scissor-fork mechanical construction
provides the lift with great stability, a broad working platform, and a large bearing capacity,
therefore expanding the operating height range. Large and suited for numerous individuals to
work simultaneously. It makes airborne work safer and more efficient.

Hydraulic lifts consist of a hydraulic mechanism, electric control mechanism, and a support
mechanism. The hydraulic oil is pressurized by the vane pump and enters the lower end of the
hydraulic cylinder through the oil filter, flameproof electromagnetic reversing valve, throttle
valve, hydraulic control check valve, and balancing valve, causing the piston to rise and raise
the weight. The oil returned from the top end of the liquid cylinder is returned to the fuel tank
through the explosion-proof electromagnetic reversing valve, while its rated pressure is
regulated by the overflow valve and the pressure gauge's reading is monitored.

In addition, hydraulic lift technology may be found in a broad range of other pieces of
equipment, such as hydraulic jacks, forklifts, automotive lifts, and a great deal of other similar
devices. It is not beyond the realm of possibility for machines to make use of it in order to
supply the required lift effort (force) in order for them to do labor, such as lifting another object.

Figure 4.0: Car lift (how a car works,2022)

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3.2.2 Pressure cooker

A pressure cooker is a kind of cooking vessel often used in the kitchen. This natural
phenomenon is amplified by the use of pressure cookers, which allow liquids to boil at higher
pressures. This permits water to reach greater temperatures without boiling, hence accelerating
the stew-cooking process. Using it, it is possible to boost the cooking temperature of food to
over 100 degrees Celsius. Utilizing a pressure cooker is one technique to overcome the
challenge of preparing meals in high-altitude settings, where the boiling point of water is lower
and the meal preparation time is longer.

In terms of the components that go into its production, it may be broken down into two
categories: aluminum alloy and stainless steel. Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, while
aluminum alloy is more economical, the surface oxide layer should not be harmed, and it can
be swiftly cooled with cold water.

Figure 3.2.2 : Pressure cooker

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In addition to the pot body, the pot cover, the fusible sheet, the vent hole, the safety valve, and
the sealing rubber ring, it consists of several kinds of vent channels. The fusible sheet is
composed of a low-melting-point aluminum alloy. Its installation serves as a backup insurance
policy and is intended to avoid the failure of the safety valve. The pressure in the pot becomes
dangerously high after the safety valve stops working, which also causes the temperature to
increase. When the temperature reaches the point where the fusible sheet will begin to melt,
continue to heat the sheet until it begins to melt. At this point, the gas that is contained inside
the pot will be evacuated from the melting fusible sheet, creating the interior of the pot. The
pressure is brought down, which eliminates the potential for any explosive mishaps to take
place.

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4.0 Discussions:

4.1 Discussion for Refrigerator

4.1 Discussion for Refrigerator

The evaporation of a liquid in a refrigerator is the primary mechanism for removing heat from
the space within. When liquid is evaporated, it provides a sense of coolness because heat is
being absorbed throughout the process. Condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, and
compressor are the four components that may be found in the refrigerator in the order listed.

Figure 4.1.0: Condenser

A condenser that may be found at the top or bottom of the refrigerator. The gas transitions
back to the liquid state as a result of the refrigerant's cooling and condensation processes. It is
made up of a number of copper tubes that are wound around one other in a spiraling manner
and overlay one another.

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 Figure 4.1.1: Evaporator

An evaporator and a condenser are joined together by a network of copper tubes that are
designed to allow refrigerant to pass through the tubes from one component to the next. The
inside of the refrigerator is kept cold as a result of the refrigerant's journey through the
evaporator, which results in the collection of heat energy within the appliance. The excessive
amount of heat energy will cause the refrigerant to become gaseous by warming it up and
transforming it..

Figure 4.1.2: Expansion valve

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In a refrigerator, the process of controlling the flow of refrigerant is handled by a mechanism
known as an expansion valve. It assists in making the transition from higher pressure fluid
refrigerant in the condensing unit to lower pressure gas refrigerant in the evaporator as
smooth as possible for the benefit of the system.

Figure 4.1.3: Compressor

The heat produced by the refrigerator comes from the compressor. It does this by distributing
the refrigerant throughout the system and by applying pressure to the heated area of the
circuit, both of which cause the temperature of the refrigerant to rise. There are several
different kinds of compressors used for refrigeration, the most frequent of which being
centrifugal, rotary, and reciprocating compressors. Compressors that use centrifugal force are
the least prevalent.

The absorption of heat by a refrigerator is accomplished by the evaporation of a liquid. The

sensation of coolness is caused by the water's evaporation, which involves the absorption of
heat. The evaporation point of a refrigerant, which is utilised in a refrigerator, is an incredibly
low temperature. This may cause the inside of the refrigerator to reach subzero temperatures.

A refrigerator moves heat from an enclosed location to an open one, where it may be dispersed
more effectively. The temperature drops as the heat source is removed from the space, which
makes it possible for the food to become cooler. There are a few different kinds of refrigeration
cycles, including the Stirling cycle, gas cycle, vapour compression cycle, and vapour
absorption cycle.

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4.1.1 Vapor-compression cycle

Figure 5.0: Vapor Compression cycle(Wikipedia,2019)

The vapor-compression cycle is used by many refrigerators these days. There are two
heat exchangers, one being the condenser, which is hotter and releases heat. The evaporator,
which is colder and accepts heat.

At the beginning of the thermodynamic cycle, the refrigerant enters the compressor as
a low pressure and low temperature vapor. The increased pressure causes the refrigerant leaves
as a higher temperature. This hot and high pressure gas passes through the condenser and it
releases heat to the surroundings which it cools completely. The cooler high pressure fluid
passes through the expansion valve which reduces the pressure abruptly causing the
temperature to decrease.
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4.1.2 Vapor absorption cycle

Figure5.1 : Vapor Absorption cycle(Academic Gain Tutorials,2019)

After development of vapor compression cycle, Vapor absorption cycle became infamous
in refrigerator industry because of its low coefficient of performance. The performance about
one fifth of that of the vapor compression cycle which is low efficient.

The vapor compression cycle is almost similar to the vapor absorption cycle. In the
absorption system, the compressor replaced with the absorber. The absorber dissolves the
refrigerant liquid which is a dilute solution. Then the dilute solution becomes a strong solution.
Then, a liquid pump would move the strong solution. It will move from the absorber to a
generator. On heat on addition, the pressure and temperature rises. The vapor causes by
refrigerant is released from the strong solution. This turns into the dilute solution and is moved
back to the absorber.

In an absorption refrigerator, a suitable combination of refrigerant and absorbent is used

which is ammonia and water and lithium bromide.

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4.1.3 Gas Cycle

Figure 5.2 : Gas refrigeration cycle (Learn Thermo,2018)

A gas refrigeration cycle is when the working fluid is a gas that is compressed and expanded
but does not change phase. The working fluid in this cycle is usually Air. Since, there is no
condensation and evaporation intended in a gas cycle, the components corresponding to the
condenser and evaporator in a vapor compression cycle are the hot and cold gas-to-gas heat
exchangers.

For high temperatures, the gas cycle is less efficient than a vapor compression cycle. This
is because the gas cycle works on the reverse Brayton cycle. So, the working fluid which is the
air never receive heat at constant temperature.

In gas cycle, the refrigeration effect is equal to the product of the specific heat of the gas
and the rise in temperature of the gas in the low temperature place. A gas cycle is not used in
the refrigerator industry nowadays because of its low efficiency and bulky size.

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4.1.4 Stirling Cycle

Figure 5.3: Stirling Engine

Using a mechanical energy input to drive heat transfer in reversed direction in the
refrigerator, the Stirling cycle heat engine can be driven in reverse.

4.2 Discussion for Hydraulic lift

A hydraulic lift is a mechanism for lifting items that makes use of the force that is generated
by applying pressure to a liquid that is contained inside a cylinder, which then causes a piston
to move higher. Hydraulic lifts can function according to a simple principle: in order to ascend,
a pump forces oil into the cylinder, which in turn forces the piston (which pushes the lift car)
upward. When the switch is turned to the "down" position, the valve is opened, which lets oil
flow back into the reservoir. This causes the lift car's position to be lowered by the force of
gravity.

When the valve is in its closed position, the only path for the oil to go is from the reservoir into
the cylinder. When the valve is in the open position, the oil can only flow in one direction, and
that is back into the reservoir.

The controls in the lift vehicle are what make the pump work, which in turn moves the oil.
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When a certain floor is reached, the pump is turned off, and the lift car is brought to rest on top
of the piston. It is kept in place by the oil that has been trapped in the cylinder.

Figure 5.4: hydraulic lifts concepts

4.2.1 Pascal law for hydraulic lifts

Hydraulic lifts basically are based on this fundamental idea. It operates on the premise of
transmitting an equal pressure throughout a fluid throughout its whole body. Pascal's Law states
that "the external static pressure imposed on a confined liquid is dispersed or communicated
uniformly throughout the liquid in all directions." In other words, the pressure from the outside
is evenly transferred throughout the liquid.

Any surface that is in touch with the fluid is subject to an action that is perpendicular to the
static pressure. Pascal also discovered that the pressure at a place in a static fluid would be the
same across all planes that passed through that point in that fluid. This was another discovery
that Pascal made. Pascal's law is often referred to as the principle of Pascal's law or the principle
of transmission of fluid-pressure. Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, first proposed the law
of Pascal in the year 1653.(google arts,2022). Which with the formula at the below ,

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 F = PA

Where F represents the force that is being applied, P represents the pressure that is being
transferred, and A represents the cross-sectional area.

Figure 5.2.1: Hydraulic lift system.(whatispiping, 2021)

The operation of hydraulic lifts is also based on this fundamental idea. Pascal's Law, which
states that the pressure must remain constant throughout a fluid, is the driving force behind its
operation. A narrow cylinder (in this example, 1) is joined to a larger cylinder using this design
(in this case 2). Each end is equipped with an airtight piston. The cylinders are filled with a
fluid that cannot be crushed.The pressure supplied to piston 1 is passed to piston 2 without
limiting the usage of the non-compressible fluid. Thus, piston 2 acts as a platform for lifting
huge things such as large machinery and automobiles. In addition to hydraulic jacks and
hydraulic presses, forced amplification is used in the majority of automobiles' braking systems.

So, Pressure is exerted on Piston 1 by F1. P1=F1/A1 (A1=Area of Piston 1) is the pressure
created in the fluid medium of the container as a result. When the same pressure is exerted on
Piston 2, it will be propagated throughout the container.

So, Pressure at Piston 2, P2=P1.

Or, F1/A1=F2/A2 (A2=Area of Piston 2)

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Or, F2=F1 X (A2/A1)

Since A2>A1; F2>F1

4.2.2 Pros, cons and limitation of hydraulic lifts

There are few advantages that can be found on hydraulic lifts which are depends to the
mechanical lifts. The installation costs for hydraulic lifts are often lower than those for other
kinds of elevators. Additionally, hydraulic lifts may take up less places in a structure, requiring
about ten percent less space for the lift shaft in comparison to other methods of lifting people.
In addition to this, it is not necessary for it to have its own dedicated machine room. In a similar
vein, there is no need for overhead structural requirements. The majority of the weight carried
by the elevator is supported by load-bearing walls. Hydraulic lifts may also allow the usage of
a machine room that is located in a distant location. In addition to that, it also has a few
disadvantages, despite the fact that hydraulic systems are quite popular and have many benefits.

Otherwise, there are few limitations and disadvantages between the hydraulic lifts, which is
the lifting pace, which are quite sluggish. A hydraulic lift is limited to a maximum movement
speed of 150 feet per minute. Depending on the mechanical lifts, it will be faster than hydraulic
lifts. In addition to this, oil in the piston system may rapidly get too hot, which is why it is
essential to have effective temperature management. If the oil is allowed to become too hot, it
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can explode. Aside from that, when the hydraulic oil has been overworked to the point where
it has grown excessively heated, it might give off an unpleasant stench. The most crucial one
is that there is a possibility that hydraulic oil may seep out of the pumping system and into the
ground underneath the elevator. This may result in the contamination of the land or the
pollution of the groundwater. It is possible for individuals to trip and get catastrophic injuries
as a result of this. Lastly, compared to other types of elevator systems, hydraulic lifts have a
reputation for being rather louder. In most cases, the movement of the lift will not be as smooth
as it would be with other lift methods.

5.0 Methods to Improve the Performance and Efficiency of Refrigerator

The Coefficient of performance is a number that describes the effectiveness of heat pumps,
refrigerators or air conditioners. The coefficient of performance is different for heating and
cooling systems.

For a refrigerator , the coefficient of performance is a ratio of energy taken away from the
cold reservoir to the work input. Thus, it is called a cooling coefficient of performance.When
a heat pump is operated in reverse, it acts like a refrigerator. The term energy efficiency ratio
can be used to describe the cooling coefficient of performance of a refrigerator operating in
reverse.

The coefficient of performance for both heating and cooling is similar to the thermal
efficiency of heat engines.

The coefficient of performance for cooling is given by the equation:

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 K cooling =QC / Win

where:

· QC is the heat dispelled from the refrigerator

· Win is the work input to the system
· Kcooling is the cooling coefficient of performance

A good refrigerator will require less work to remove a given amount of heat. So, better
refrigerators will have larger coefficients of performance. From the equation, it is clear that if
no work was put into the system (Win=0) the coefficient would equal infinity. This would be
a perfect refrigerator.

According to an analysis of the functioning of a number of compression-type domestic

refrigerators, the refrigerant has a temperature of 30-40 degrees above ambient at the intake to
the condenser and only 10-15 degrees above ambient at the output. As a result, for the
refrigeration system to operate efficiently, the condenser must be adequately cooled. For these
purposes, a knot is frequently combined with a fan, which prevents the condenser from
overheating and allows it to function more efficiently. This is especially true when big
refrigerating units are used. However, one drawback is the isenthalpic expansion process,
which causes the refrigerant to partially evaporate. As a result of the improved vapor quality at
the evaporator intake, the phase change process in the evaporator suffers. Increased refrigerant
subcooling at the condenser outlet shifts the refrigerant's state to the left, increasing the specific
heat of evaporation.

21
 Figure 5.3: Refrigeration Cycle With and Without IHX (Environment Engineering,
2016)

The well-known internal heat exchanger (IHX), which sub-cools liquid refrigerant using cold
vapor at the evaporator's output, is one solution to this problem. The heat transferred from
liquid to vapor superheats the vapor entering the compressor, blocking the entry of refrigerant
liquid droplets. The significant vapor superheating is one of the primary disadvantages of such
a device. For virtually every refrigerant, increasing vapor superheat at the compressor's intake
causes an increase in compressor effort. This is because the slope of isentropic increases with
vapor superheating.

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Depending on the refrigerant used in the cycle, the energy efficiency of the cycle might improve
or decrease. The IHX's heat exchange decreases the irreversibility of the expansion process.
Only when the proportionate rise in specific latent heat in the evaporator exceeds the
corresponding specific work increase in the compressor will energy efficiency improve.
Furthermore, when the vapor is not superheated, the evaporator functions better. The end part
of the heat exchange area may be used more efficiently. A little amount of superheated vapor
is permitted at the compressor's input. Otherwise, an abnormally high discharge temperature
and an increase in the compressor's specific work are observed. The higher specific heat of
evaporation is a benefit of refrigerant subcooling at the expansion valve's input. Subcooling the
condenser liquid decreases the average evaporating temperature without lowering the
evaporator pressure.

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6.0 Conclusion
The objective of this assignment was to understand how thermodynamics and fluid-mechanics
work in our daily life. If thermodynamics and fluid-mechanics were absent in this world, it
would be very difficult for humans to survive at the present time. Refrigerators are essential
for every household to store food in good condition. As we mentioned earlier, refrigerator
retards the activity of microorganisms and enzymes which allows the goods to store longer and
stay fresh. Without the advent of refrigerators, unreliable methods of storing goods will cause
health problems as there might be some chemical reaction after a hazardous period of time.
Basically, the refrigeration cycle consists of refrigerant flowing through a closed system while
it is compressed and expanded. Refrigerant will change its state from liquid to vapor alternately
as it is absorbed and expelled by the system.

Hydraulic lift is invented to lift heavy items by using small strength in different situations. In
other words, life is miserable with the absence of a hydraulic lift system. The reason for this
particular circumstance is that it is impossible to lift a car by using man power. Hence, the
hydraulic lift system plays an important role in our daily life.

Apart from that, a fluid mechanic is a dangerous structure which will cause massive harm or
death if it is leaked or exploded. Prevention is better than cure. In order to prevent such
circumstances from happening, it is vital to provide regular and strict maintenance.

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7.0 REFERENCES

Anon, 2008. Keep your fridge-freezer clean and ice-free. BBC - Climate Change - Bloom -
Keep your fridge-freezer clean and ice-free. Available at:
https://web.archive.org/web/20090213114520/http://www.bbc.co.uk/bloom/actions/fridgefree
zertips.shtml [Accessed July 18, 2022].

Anon, Heat pump dryers have earned the Energy Star most efficient recognition. ENERGY
STAR. Available at: https://www.energystar.gov/products/heat_pump_dryer [Accessed July 19,
2022].

Anon, Industrial Quick Search. Hydraulic Lift: What is it, How it Works, Types, Application.
Available at: https://www.iqsdirectory.com/articles/hydraulic-lift.html [Accessed July 20,
2022].

Mendel, M., Hergarten, S. & Neugebauer, H.J., 2002. On a better understanding of hydraulic
lift: A numerical study. Water Resources Research, 38(10).

Chin, T., 2022. How pressure cookers actually work. Serious Eats. Available at:
https://www.seriouseats.com/how-pressure-cookers-work [Accessed July 18, 2022].

Khurmi, R.S., 2008. A textbook of hydraulics, Fluid Mechanics and hydraulic machines: (for
the students of degree and diploma courses), New Delhi: S. Chand & Company.

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