What effect does increasing load have on a constant-pressure expansion valve?

Increasing the load on a constant-pressure expansion valve typically results in starving the evaporator. When the load rises, more refrigerant is needed to maintain the cooling effect, but the constant-pressure valve is designed to maintain a specific pressure differential. If the refrigerant flow does not increase to meet the demands, the evaporator may not receive enough refrigerant, leading to a situation known as "starvation." This starvation can result in insufficient heat being absorbed, causing the evaporator to malfunction, potentially leading to icing or reduced efficiency in the refrigeration cycle. Maintaining proper refrigeration flow is crucial for effective cooling, and a constant-pressure valve’s design limits its ability to adjust flow to changing load conditions without affecting the pressure.