Fixed orifice tube automotive air-conditioning systems use a(n) __ to ensure that a pure gas is delivered to the compressor.
A. Thermal expansion valve
B. Evaporator
C. Condenser
D. Accumulator
Group of answer choices
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
In fixed orifice tube automotive air-conditioning systems, the correct answer is D. Accumulator.
The accumulator plays a crucial role in ensuring that only refrigerant vapor reaches the compressor, thereby preventing potential damage from liquid refrigerant. In these systems, refrigerant flows through several key components:
- Compressor: Compresses low-pressure refrigerant vapor into a high-pressure, high-temperature gas.
- Condenser: Dissipates heat from the high-pressure gas, condensing it into a high-pressure liquid.
- Orifice Tube: Serves as a fixed metering device, creating a pressure drop that allows the high-pressure liquid refrigerant to expand and cool before entering the evaporator.
- Evaporator: Absorbs heat from the vehicle’s interior, causing the low-pressure liquid refrigerant to evaporate into a low-pressure vapor.
- Accumulator: Located between the evaporator and the compressor, the accumulator’s primary function is to capture any liquid refrigerant that did not fully vaporize in the evaporator. This ensures that only vapor enters the compressor, as liquid refrigerant can cause significant damage to it. Additionally, the accumulator stores excess refrigerant and contains a desiccant to remove moisture from the system, enhancing overall efficiency and longevity.
It’s important to note that the other components listed—thermal expansion valve, evaporator, and condenser—serve different functions within the air-conditioning system. The thermal expansion valve (TXV) is used in systems without a fixed orifice tube to regulate refrigerant flow into the evaporator. The evaporator absorbs heat from the cabin air, and the condenser releases heat to the outside environment. However, in fixed orifice tube systems, it is the accumulator that ensures a pure gas is delivered to the compressor, safeguarding it from potential damage caused by liquid refrigerant.