What is the purpose of the accumulator in an air conditioning system?

The function of the accumulator in an air conditioning system is primarily to prevent liquids from entering the compressor. In a refrigeration cycle, the accumulator is positioned after the evaporator and before the compressor. Its key role is to collect any excess liquid refrigerant that may not have fully vaporized in the evaporator, ensuring that only vapor enters the compressor. This is crucial because the compressor is designed to compress gases, and the presence of liquid refrigerant could damage it, leading to compressor failure.

While other components in the system may perform tasks like compressing the refrigerant or storing it, the accumulator's specific design and function are focused on maintaining the integrity and operation of the compressor by managing the phase of the refrigerant.