A REVIEW OF THE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN THE VOID FRACTION OF THE SUPERHEATED REGION ON THE TEV OPERATION AND EVAPORATOR STABILITY

Abstract

A level of superheat is necessary to ensure proper operation of vapor- compression refrigeration systems. An overly superheated vapor prior to entering the compressor can render the system inefficient, while inadequate superheat can result in evaporator instability and compressor damage. The void fraction present in the suction line is directly related to evaporator stability and the hunting phenomenon in the thermostatic expansion valve (TEV). This article aims at reviewing superheated region-related researches in the field of refrigeration as they relate to the operation of the TEV and the stability of the evaporator. In a first part, literature review will explain the causes of the void fraction in the superheated region and the second part describes the effects of the lubricant oil on the void fraction. The third part of this article is a review of the effects of the superheated region on the TEV and on evaporator stability, explaining the causes of the hunting phenomena and evaporator instability.