Accumulator in Vapor-Compression Cooling Systems

In vapor-compression refrigeration systems, the accumulator is a critical yet often overlooked component. Its main function is to protect the compressor from liquid refrigerant return — a phenomenon that can cause severe damage in a short time.

Installed between the evaporator and the compressor, the accumulator acts like a smart filter. If, for any reason, some refrigerant leaves the evaporator in liquid form, the accumulator traps it and allows only refrigerant vapor to pass to the compressor. This effectively prevents the dangerous phenomenon known as liquid slugging.

From a design standpoint, the accumulator’s volume must be properly sized for the system’s capacity. In some designs, the internal flow path is helical, giving the remaining liquid more time to evaporate before reaching the compressor.

Using an accumulator not only extends compressor life but also ensures stable system performance under varying load conditions.