What is the function of an automotive air conditioning expansion valve?
1 Answers
The primary function of an air conditioning expansion valve is to reduce the saturated or subcooled liquid from the condenser to the evaporation pressure and temperature after throttling. Below are detailed explanations of the expansion valve's functions: 1. Throttling: Throttling involves restricting refrigerant flow through small orifices inside the valve, working in conjunction with the compressor to create high and low-pressure zones in the system. This ensures the refrigeration cycle can proceed. 2. Flow regulation: Flow regulation is achieved by sensing the refrigerant superheat at the evaporator outlet via a thermal bulb, which adjusts the valve stem to move the ball valve at its top, thereby controlling refrigerant flow. This maintains stable temperature fluctuations inside the vehicle and ensures sufficient superheat at the compressor suction port.