What is the primary purpose of an accumulator in refrigeration systems?

Prepare for the ASE Heating and Air Conditioning Test with study materials and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with ease!

The primary purpose of an accumulator in refrigeration systems is to store excess refrigerant and prevent liquid from entering the compressor. In practical terms, the accumulator serves as a reservoir for the refrigerant vapor that is returning from the evaporator. When the evaporator produces more vapor than the compressor can handle at a given time, the excess vapor is stored in the accumulator.

This design is crucial because if liquid refrigerant were to enter the compressor, it could cause damage or failure due to the compressor’s inability to efficiently compress liquid. By allowing only vapor to reach the compressor, the accumulator ensures that the system runs smoothly and reliably. Additionally, the accumulator may also help in separating any liquid refrigerant from the vapor, ensuring that the vapor entering the compressor is as close to 100% vapor as possible, optimizing the performance and efficiency of the refrigeration system.

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