REVERSING VALVE DESCRIPTION/OPERATION

WARNING

ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD

Disconnect power to the unit before servicing. Failure to follow this warning could result in serious injury or death.

The Reversing Valve controls the direction of refrigerant flow to the indoor and outdoor coils. It consists of a pressure-operated, main valve and a pilot valve actuated by a solenoid plunger. The solenoid is energized during the heating cycle only. The reversing valves used in the RAC system is a 2-position, 4-way valve.

The single tube on one side of the main valve body is the high-pressure inlet to the valve from the compressor. The center tube on the opposite side is connected to the low pressure (suction) side of the system. The other two are connected to the indoor and outdoor coils. Small capillary tubes connect each end of the main valve cylinder to the

“A” and “B” ports of the pilot valve.Athird capillary is a common return line from these ports to the suction tube on the main valve body. Four-way reversing valves also have a capillary tube from the compressor discharge tube to the pilot valve.

The piston assembly in the main valve can only be shifted by the pressure differential between the high and low sides of the system. The pilot section of the valve opens and closes ports for the small capillary tubes to the main valve to cause it to shift.

NOTE: System operating pressures must be near normal before valve can shift.

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Friedrich R-410A service manual Reversing Valve DESCRIPTION/OPERATION, Electric Shock Hazard
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R-410A specifications

Friedrich R-410A is an advanced refrigerant widely used in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, known for its high efficiency and environmental friendliness. As a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) blend, R-410A has become the preferred alternative to R-22, which is being phased out due to its ozone-depleting potential. One of the main features of R-410A is its high latent heat of vaporization, which allows for efficient heat transfer and improved cooling performance in air conditioning units.

Technologically, R-410A operates at higher pressures than older refrigerants, meaning systems designed for R-410A need to be built with more robust components to safely handle these pressures. This results in a more compact system design that offers enhanced performance and reliability. The dual-component nature of R-410A—composed of difluoromethane (R-32) and pentafluoroethane (R-125)—provides an optimal balance of thermodynamic properties, leading to superior energy efficiency, especially in variable speed applications.

In terms of characteristics, R-410A has a higher cooling capacity, which enables HVAC systems to effectively cool larger spaces or run more efficiently when cooling smaller areas. The refrigerant is non-toxic and non-flammable, which enhances safety during its use. In addition, R-410A has a lower global warming potential relative to other refrigerants, making it a more environmentally responsible choice for modern cooling systems.

Moreover, R-410A systems typically require less refrigerant charge due to their efficiency, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The adoption of R-410A aligns with regulatory trends aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of refrigerants in cooling applications.

Overall, the Friedrich R-410A refrigerant embodies a combination of technology and environmental stewardship, making it a cornerstone of contemporary HVAC design. Its ability to provide effective and energy-efficient cooling solutions while being compliant with modern environmental regulations positions R-410A as the refrigerant of choice for engineers and installers focused on sustainability and performance in air conditioning systems.
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