Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
An expansion device regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator, dropping its pressure from the high-pressure condensing side to the low-pressure evaporating side.
Various types of expansion devices are used based on the evaporator design and system capacity.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the common expansion devices used in refrigeration:
- (A) Low-side float valve:
This is a flooded-evaporator expansion device that maintains a constant liquid level in the evaporator.
A float ball rides on the liquid level; as the level drops, the float opens the valve to admit more refrigerant.
- (C) Capillary tube:
This is a simple, fixed-restriction expansion device consisting of a long, narrow copper tube.
The frictional resistance and restriction of the narrow tube cause the required pressure drop.
It is widely used in domestic refrigerators and air conditioners.
- (D) Thermostatic expansion valve (TEV or TXV):
This is a highly efficient, modulating expansion valve that regulates refrigerant flow based on the evaporator load.
It senses the superheat of the refrigerant leaving the evaporator using a sensing bulb, adjusting the valve opening to keep the superheat constant.
- (B) Centrifugal expansion valve:
There is no such device as a "centrifugal expansion valve."
Centrifugal is a term associated with dynamic pumps and compressors (which use centrifugal force), not expansion or throttling valves.
Step 3: Final Answer:
A centrifugal expansion valve is not a type of expansion valve.