Refrigerant Cycle

CCOT A/C System Components:

REFRIGERANT CYCLE

The refrigerant cycle starts at the compressor where the refrigerant enters as a low pressure, low temperature vapor and is compressed to a high-pressure, high-temperature vapor.

CONDENSER
As this high-pressure, high-temperature vapor flows in the condenser it gives up heat to the cooler air passing through the condenser. As the refrigerant vapor gives up heat, it changes from a high-pressure, high-temperature vapor to a high-pressure liquid.

ORIFICE TUBE
The high-pressure liquid then passes through the orifice tube, which changes it to a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid. This liquid then enters the evaporator.

EVAPORATOR
Warm outside air flows through the cooler evaporator and gives up heat to the low-pressure, low-temperature liquid in the evaporator most liquid refrigerant changes to vapor in the evaporator.

ACCUMULATOR
The accumulator separates any liquid from the vapor leaving the evaporator. This low-pressure vapor returns to the compressor, and the cycle Starts again (see accompanying figure).