What happens to refrigerant in the TXV?

In a Thermal Expansion Valve (TXV), the refrigerant undergoes the process of expansion. When the refrigerant enters the TXV, it is in a high-pressure liquid state. The TXV regulates the flow of this refrigerant into the evaporator coil. As it passes through the TXV, the refrigerant experiences a drop in pressure, which causes it to expand and become a low-pressure vapor.

This process is critical because the expansion is what allows the refrigerant to absorb heat from the environment inside the evaporator coil, thus providing the cooling effect. The ability of the TXV to control the flow and expansion of refrigerant directly impacts the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle by ensuring that the refrigerant can adequately absorb heat before it returns to the compressor.

In summary, the primary function of the TXV is to facilitate the expansion of refrigerant, enabling its state change and optimizing the refrigeration process.