Accumulator HVAC: Description and Operation

Suction Accumulator:

Position in the refrigerant circuit
On the low-pressure side between the evaporator and the compressor.

Function
The suction accumulator has the following functions:
- Reservoir for gaseous refrigerant.
- Filter and dehydrator for the refrigerant.
- Protection device for the compressor.

Operation
The refrigerant gas is fed from the evaporator into the suction accumulator through the inlet line. It flows around the plastic cap and in so doing develops a swirling motion.

The desiccant bag absorbs any moisture from the refrigerant.

The refrigerant gas collects underneath the plastic cap, where it is drawn into the opening of the outlet line. The refrigerant oil which has collected at the bottom of the suction accumulator is drawn through a filter mounted in a U-pipe and mixed with the refrigerant gas (ratio of oil/gas mixture: 3 %). In this way adequate provision is made for the lubrication of the compressor's moving parts.