System and Method to Optimize Effectiveness of Liquid Line Accumulator

摘要

A system and method are disclosed that provide an accumulator for helping to relieve pressure during pressure spikes in an HVAC system. The accumulator can also be heated by various means, such as components of the condenser or evaporator, helping to achieve proper performance of the system. The accumulator can also serve as a receptacle for refrigerant when the system is powered down.

主权项

1. A method of operating an HVAC system, the method comprising:
providing an accumulator liquidly coupled to a refrigerant line of the HVAC system, wherein excess pressure in the refrigerant line causes refrigerant to accumulate in the accumulator; and heating the accumulator to between 5% and 20% above the liquid saturation temperature during normal operation of the HVAC system, such that refrigerant is returned to the refrigerant line.