Liquid Flow Control

LFC Functions

  • Coordinates with the condenser to set the proper rate of refrigerant flow for the entire system.
  • Prevents vapor from "blowing through" the condenser.
  • Ensures zero subcooling so that all of the condenser surface is active.
  • Reduces discharge pressure.
  • Increases mass flow as a result of lowered discharge pressure, thereby increasing efficiency.

How It Works

EarthLinked Technologies' proprietary Liquid Flow Control (LFC) replaces TXVs, EXVs, AXVs, fixed orifices, or capillary tubes. It regulates the rate of liquid flow from the condenser by responding directly to the amount of vapor bubbles arriving from the condenser. Thus, the system positively meters the liquid flow to the evaporator and passes liquid at the rate it is produced in the condenser.

By using the vapor signal from the condenser, the LFC continuously modulates the rate of liquid flow to assure that vapor is present throughout the whole condenser, thereby eliminating subcooling. In addition, the LFC prevents vapor from "blowing through" from the condenser to the evaporator. By eliminating subcooling, more of the area of the condenser actively condenses vapor into liquid. As a result, the compressor discharge pressure is reduced and mass flow is increased, thus increasing efficiency.

Additional Control System Benefits

The ability of the ACC to hold unevaporated refrigerant in reserve and vary the amount of charge in circulation to exactly match the changing load on the system has other benefits:

  • The length and orientation of the evaporator-condenser and the amount of refrigerant charge are not crucial, thus earth loops can be installed in vertical, diagonal or horizontal configurations.
  • EarthLinked can provide optional domestic water heating either by "desuperheating" or through a simple full-condensing integrated "on-demand" water heating system.
  • Installation and service of the system are simplified by the ease and certainty of determining a correct charge without the need for gauges, thermostats and "weighing in" of refrigerant under any weather conditions.
  • Simplicity of the controls assures system reliability.