Benefits and Advantages of Thermostatic Expansion Valves
October 15, 2019 | By Jeffrey Staub
TXVs are one of the most common type of adjustable orifice throttling devices in air conditioning and refrigeration systems worldwide. But how do TXVs compare to other throttling devices?
Thermostatic expansion valves (TXVs) are one of the most common type of adjustable orifice throttling device in air conditioning and refrigeration systems worldwide. But how do TXVs compare to other throttling devices? Fixed orifice devices such as capillary tubes or pistons are cheaper and electronic expansion valves (EEVs) offer greater superheat control across a large load range, so why are TXVs popular?
VERSUS EEVS
EEVs are top-of-the-line throttling devices. EEVs can be programmed to work with the other components in the system. While EEVs can outperform TXVs, the gains often do not justify the much higher cost. A standard TXV can increase efficiency versus a fixed orifice device by about 30 per cent for only a small increase in cost.
One reason for the greater expense is that EEVs need additional components to work properly, including a controller and sensors. While TXVs have been engineered to be self-contained, EEVs are best seen as part of a greater whole, operating according to data the sensors collect and the commands the controller and its underlying software sends out. And while a TXV can be a drop-in replacement for a piston or capillary tube, the same cannot be said for an EEV.
Systems that require exact precision, such as those with variable-speed compressor technology, where the load, ambient conditions, and compressor mass flow go through high rates of change, will benefit from having an EEV and complimentary components.
VERSUS FIXED ORIFICES
Fixed orifice devices are ideal throttling devices if conditions never change. If the load on the system is constant and the ambient temperature remains steady, then a simple capillary tube or piston would be preferable to an adjustable orifice device such as a TXV. However, outside of a laboratory, static conditions are simply not realistic.
Seasonal temperature changes have a profound effect on system performance, as does increasing the heat load inside. For example, summer brings warmer weather, which increases the condensing pressure of the refrigerant in the air conditioner. Since the throttling device acts as a type of dam within the system, a fixed orifice device will not open more when the load increases to allow more refrigerant through, which increases the superheat on the compressor.
Additionally, once the load decreases (perhaps at night) the back pressure drops, which significantly increases the risk of liquid refrigerant making it to the compressor, damaging it. A TXV will modulate open or closed based on changing conditions and will adjust to maintain a constant superheat. This in turn ensures that efficiency is optimized and the compressor is protected against damage from liquid refrigerant.
NOT ALL TXVS ARE CREATED EQUAL
Another important factor is reliability. The power element is the most common part of a TXV to fail, so having one that is made from high-quality materials will extend the life of the valve. Laser-welded, stainless steel power elements offer the longest life possible.
Another common point of failure is the sensing bulb capillary tube. Once again, stainless steel offers flexibility and durability not available with other metals. Stainless steel sensing bulb coils can be bent and flexed over and over without fear of cracking.
Finally, TXVs are often used to upgrade a system from a fixed orifice device, so a TXV that is easy to install is most ideal. Retrofitting a fixed orifice device system with a TXV is easy, especially when the valve comes packed with the most common fittings to attach to the evaporator distributor, making upgrades hassle-free.
Jeffrey Staub is director, Regional Applications Americas — Danfoss. He can be reached at JeffStaub@danfoss.com.
