What is the function of the accumulator in an MVAC system?

The function of the accumulator in an MVAC (Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning) system is primarily to store excess liquid refrigerant. It acts as a reservoir that collects any liquid refrigerant that may be present in the system before entering the compressor. This is essential because allowing liquid refrigerant to enter the compressor can cause damage to the compressor mechanism, which is designed to compress vapor, not liquid.

Additionally, the accumulator helps to ensure that only vapor refrigerant enters the compressor and that the system operates efficiently. This function is particularly important during periods of low refrigerant demand when liquid refrigerant may accumulate, preventing potential flooding of the compressor.

The other options refer to functions that do not align with the role of the accumulator. Increasing pressure is typically managed by the compressor, filtering contaminants is a function of the receiver drier or filter drier, and cooling the refrigerant before it enters the evaporator is handled by the evaporator itself and not specifically by the accumulator.