What is the effect of injecting liquid refrigerant into the low side during hot gas bypass?

Injecting liquid refrigerant into the low side during hot gas bypass primarily serves to decrease the temperature of the refrigerant. This process occurs because the liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the surrounding environment as it evaporates in the evaporator or as it mixes with the returning vapor. By lowering the temperature of the refrigerant, it helps maintain system performance, particularly in situations where there is a need to prevent the evaporator from freezing or to manage various load conditions effectively.

This action can be particularly beneficial in systems where there may be a risk of insufficient heat load, ensuring that the evaporator continues to operate efficiently without dropping below the desired temperature. The cooling effect induced by the liquid refrigerant ultimately aids in stabilizing the overall system performance during varying operational demands.