In a vapour compression refrigeration system, a throttle valve is used...
There are practical difficulties in smoothly expanding a liquid of a highly wet vapour in an expander. As vg → vf, the positive work of isentropic expansion is seldom large enough to justify the cost of an expander. The the rmodynamic and friction losses of an expander if employed, may even exceed the gain in work. Accordingly, the isentropic expansion process may be replaced by the use of an expansion device such as a throttle valve or a capillary tube.

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In a vapour compression refrigeration system, a throttle valve is used...
Throttle Valve in Vapour Compression Refrigeration System
Throttle valve is used in a vapour compression refrigeration system in place of expander due to the following reasons:
1. Cost Reduction
Using a throttle valve instead of an expander leads to a significant cost reduction in the refrigeration system. This is because the expander is an additional component that needs to be purchased and installed in the system, whereas the throttle valve is a simpler and less expensive component.
2. System Work Reduction
The use of a throttle valve considerably reduces the work required in the refrigeration system. This is because the throttle valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant without doing any work on it. On the other hand, an expander does work on the refrigerant, which increases the system work.
3. Isentropic Expansion
The positive work in isentropic expansion of liquid is very small, which makes the use of an expander less efficient. Isentropic expansion is a process in which the refrigerant expands without any heat transfer, and the work done during this process is the maximum possible work that can be extracted from the refrigerant. However, in the case of a refrigeration system, the work done during isentropic expansion is very small, which makes the use of an expander less efficient.
4. COP Improvement
The use of a throttle valve can improve the coefficient of performance (COP) of the refrigeration system. This is because the throttle valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, which results in a lower compressor work and a higher refrigeration effect. As a result, the COP of the system improves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a throttle valve is used in a vapour compression refrigeration system in place of expander due to its cost-effectiveness, system work reduction, and isentropic expansion inefficiency. Moreover, it can also improve the COP of the refrigeration system.