What role does a receiver play in a refrigeration system?

The receiver in a refrigeration system plays a crucial role by storing excess refrigerant and separating liquid refrigerant from vapor. When refrigerant flows through the system, it's important to ensure that only liquid refrigerant is sent to the expansion device. The receiver collects any excess refrigerant that may not be immediately needed, which allows for more efficient operation and adaptability to changing load conditions.

The receiver also facilitates the separation of liquid from vapor by employing gravitational and pressure differences, ensuring that the refrigerant entering the expansion valve is predominantly in liquid form. This separation is vital since the expansion device must receive liquid refrigerant to function properly and avoid damage caused by vapor entering the compressor.

By effectively managing the refrigerant storage and separation, the receiver helps maintain the overall efficiency and reliability of the refrigeration system, supporting its capacity to cool effectively and efficiently.