On (in twelve volumes). Edited by Professor Dr.-Ing. Dr. phil. nat. h. o. R. Plank, Karlsruhe. Refrigeration technology appears to outsiders as a narrow subfield of mechanical engineering, and in this sense, it is mostly taught at technical universities. Often, it is even seen merely as an application example of technical thermodynamics. Its full scope and significant economic importance are only recognized when one not only deals with the generation of low temperatures but also considers its numerous application possibilities. A comprehensive handbook covering the entire field of refrigeration technology, which addresses this extensive area with scientific rigor while taking practical needs into account, has not yet been written. It cannot be condensed into a single volume, no matter how thick, and cannot be managed by a single author.