What is the purpose of an accumulator in a refrigeration system?

The purpose of an accumulator in a refrigeration system is to store refrigerant in liquid form before it enters the evaporator. This component is essential for ensuring that only liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator coil, where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the surrounding environment. By allowing only liquid refrigerant to pass through, the accumulator helps prevent the compressor from ingesting any vapor, which can lead to inefficiencies or potential damage.

In the context of the refrigeration cycle, the accumulator collects refrigerant that has transitioned from the liquid to vapor state as it moves through the system. This ensures that the system operates efficiently by maintaining the appropriate refrigerant flow and state throughout the cycle.

Understanding the role of an accumulator helps in diagnosing system issues and in performing proper maintenance, ensuring that the refrigeration system functions optimally and avoids potential breakdowns caused by vapor entering the compressor.