Which component is responsible for regulating the flow of refrigerant in a cooling system?

The expansion valve plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of refrigerant within a cooling system. It is positioned between the condenser and the evaporator, where its primary function is to control the amount of refrigerant that enters the evaporator. By adjusting the flow of refrigerant based on the cooling demand, the expansion valve ensures that the system operates efficiently.

When the refrigerant passes through the expansion valve, it experiences a drop in pressure, which facilitates its transition from a high-pressure liquid to a low-pressure vapor. This process is essential for the refrigerant to absorb heat effectively from the indoor space as it travels through the evaporator, thereby allowing the cooling cycle to continue.

The other components mentioned, such as the compressor, condenser, and blower fan, play complementary roles in the cooling cycle but do not specifically regulate the refrigerant flow. The compressor compresses the refrigerant, the condenser releases heat to the outside, and the blower fan circulates air within the indoor environment, but it is the expansion valve that directly controls how much refrigerant reaches the evaporator.