14. Glossary

Low pressure (LP)

On a refrigeration system, designates the part of the system running schematically from the outlet of the expansion valve to the suction of the compressor.

Cavitation

Cavitation is the sudden formation of unwanted vapour bubbles. This phenomenon can occur very locally, in the internal parts of the pump where the pressure falls below the vapour pressure of the liquid being pumped. The vapour pressure of a liquid is the pressure at which it begins to boil or evaporate, for a given temperature. This evaporation forms bubbles, releasing energy which, over time, damages the integrity of the pump impeller surfaces.

Coefficient of performance (COP)

It's the ratio between the useful thermal power (refrigeration for a chiller, heating for a heat pump) and...