What is the role of an Electronic Expansion Valve (EXV) in a refrigeration system?

The role of an Electronic Expansion Valve (EXV) in a refrigeration system is to control the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator while maintaining a specific superheat level. Superheat refers to the temperature of the refrigerant vapor above its saturation temperature at a given pressure. By precisely controlling the refrigerant flow, the EXV ensures that the evaporator operates efficiently and that the refrigerant vapor entering the compressor is adequately superheated. This prevents liquid refrigerant from returning to the compressor, which could cause damage and reduce overall system performance.

The focus on controlling the pressure drop is critical because it allows the system to adapt to varying loads, ensuring optimal cooling performance regardless of changes in heat load. This functionality supports effective temperature management in the refrigeration cycle, leading to improved efficiency and reliability of the system.