What happens at the expansion valve in a refrigeration system?

At the expansion valve in a refrigeration system, the primary function is to control the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator. During this process, the refrigerant experiences a drop in pressure as it passes through the valve. This reduction in pressure allows the refrigerant to expand, which leads to a significant decrease in temperature.

The cooler refrigerant then enters the evaporator, where it can effectively absorb heat from the surrounding environment, thereby providing the cooling effect necessary for the refrigeration cycle. This functionality is crucial because it allows the system to efficiently transfer heat, which is fundamental to its operation. Without this expansion and temperature reduction at the expansion valve, the efficiency and effectiveness of the refrigeration process would be compromised.