If the power element of a TXV loses its charge, what would be the result?

When the power element of a thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) loses its charge, it can no longer accurately respond to the temperature changes of the refrigerant leaving the evaporator. The primary function of the power element is to regulate the expansion valve's opening based on the pressure (and temperature) of the refrigerant. A loss of charge means the power element becomes less sensitive or even inoperative, causing the valve to remain partially closed or fully closed.

As a result, this leads to insufficient refrigerant flow into the evaporator, which can cause the evaporator to become starved of the refrigerant it needs to absorb heat effectively. When the evaporator is starved, it cannot perform its function of cooling properly, leading to decreased efficiency and potential performance issues for the cooling system.

This understanding aligns with the answer regarding a starved evaporator, emphasizing the importance of the TXV’s operational integrity in maintaining sufficient refrigerant flow to ensure efficient evaporator function. A flooded evaporator, hunting or surging, and low superheat at the coil outlet are all conditions resulting from different malfunctions or improper settings within the refrigeration cycle and do not directly correlate with the loss of charge in the TXV's power element.