Which component is responsible for expanding refrigerant and dropping its pressure?

Which component is responsible for expanding refrigerant and dropping its pressure?

• A. Accumulator
• B. Expansion valve
• C. Sight glass
• D. Liquid receiver

Answer: (B)

The expansion valve is a crucial component in a refrigeration or air conditioning system as it plays the key role of expanding the refrigerant and dropping its pressure. This process is essential for the refrigeration cycle to function effectively. When refrigerant leaves the condenser in a liquid state, it must be converted to a low-pressure vapor before it can absorb heat from the environment in the evaporator. The expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator and reduces its pressure as it passes through. This reduction in pressure results in a corresponding drop in temperature, allowing the refrigerant to absorb heat from the surroundings efficiently. Consequently, this transformation enables the refrigerant to evaporate and perform its cooling function within the system. The other components listed have distinct roles that do not involve the expansion and pressure reduction of refrigerant. An accumulator, for example, is designed to store excess refrigerant and prevent floodback to the compressor. A sight glass is used to visually inspect the refrigerant level and condition. A liquid receiver serves to collect and store liquid refrigerant, ensuring that a steady supply is available to the expansion valve, but it does not directly contribute to the expansion of the refrigerant itself.

The expansion valve is a crucial component in a refrigeration or air conditioning system as it plays the key role of expanding the refrigerant and dropping its pressure. This process is essential for the refrigeration cycle to function effectively.

When refrigerant leaves the condenser in a liquid state, it must be converted to a low-pressure vapor before it can absorb heat from the environment in the evaporator. The expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator and reduces its pressure as it passes through. This reduction in pressure results in a corresponding drop in temperature, allowing the refrigerant to absorb heat from the surroundings efficiently. Consequently, this transformation enables the refrigerant to evaporate and perform its cooling function within the system.

The other components listed have distinct roles that do not involve the expansion and pressure reduction of refrigerant. An accumulator, for example, is designed to store excess refrigerant and prevent floodback to the compressor. A sight glass is used to visually inspect the refrigerant level and condition. A liquid receiver serves to collect and store liquid refrigerant, ensuring that a steady supply is available to the expansion valve, but it does not directly contribute to the expansion of the refrigerant itself.