What is the primary purpose of a suction line accumulator in an HVAC system?

The primary purpose of a suction line accumulator in an HVAC system is to prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor. When the refrigerant cycle operates, the refrigerant vapor typically travels through the suction line to the compressor for compression and subsequent circulation through the system. However, under certain conditions, such as varying load demands or low refrigerant levels, liquid refrigerant can flow back towards the compressor instead of remaining in the evaporator.

The accumulator acts as a reservoir that captures any excess liquid refrigerant from the suction line, allowing only vapor to be drawn into the compressor. This function is critical because compressors are designed to handle vapor, and the presence of liquid can cause mechanical damage and significantly reduce efficiency. By ensuring that only vapor enters the compressor, the suction line accumulator protects the system and maintains proper operation.

This capability makes it an essential component in systems where fluctuations in refrigerant flow can occur, such as in low-load scenarios or systems with long suction lines.