What is the purpose of a receiver in a refrigeration system?

The receiver in a refrigeration system is specifically designed to store the refrigerant. Its primary function is to ensure that excess refrigerant is kept available for the system to use when needed, which helps maintain continuous operation and efficiency. By storing refrigerant in its vapor form, the receiver allows the system to adapt to varying loads, ensuring that the compressor operates efficiently without running dry or flooding.

The receiver also serves to separate liquid refrigerant from vapor, allowing primarily liquid refrigerant to flow to the expansion device. This helps in maintaining a consistent flow of refrigerant throughout the system, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Overall, the proper functioning of the receiver plays a crucial role in the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the refrigeration cycle.

While there are other components in the system that might serve to increase pressure, facilitate heat exchange, or measure refrigerant charge, the specific role of the receiver is unequivocally to store the refrigerant.