Prepare for the Refrigeration Plant Operator B Test with comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

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If the power element of a thermostatic expansion valve loses its charge, what is the likely outcome?

  1. A flooded evaporator

  2. A starved evaporator

  3. Increased compressor pressure

  4. Reduced cooling efficiency

The correct answer is: A starved evaporator

When the power element of a thermostatic expansion valve loses its charge, it can no longer effectively regulate the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator. This results in an inadequate amount of refrigerant reaching the evaporator, which leads to insufficient evaporator pressure. The result is a condition known as a starved evaporator. In this state, the evaporator does not receive enough refrigerant to absorb the required heat from the return air or fluid, which can adversely affect the cooling performance of the system. This situation can lead to reduced cooling capacity because the cooling coils may not be adequately filled with refrigerant to facilitate efficient heat exchange. While other outcomes may occur in response to issues within the refrigeration system, the specific issue of the power element losing charge primarily causes an inadequate flow of refrigerant, resulting specifically in a starved evaporator.