AWHP superheat & sub-cooling

[desA]

At best the question of liquid line insulation is a trade-off. On the one hand we are losing the liquid heat, but on the other hand we reduce flashing in the evap. Given these test results, I would have to say it is too close to call.

I also thought so, to be honest.

Now, if you were to build a new machine & had the choice of insulated, or uninsulated liquid line (no VIC in this one) - what option would you take?

Also a factor in this particular machine is that the liquid line filter-drier itself was uninsulated, & exposed directly to the evap off air stream - although the rest of the line was insulated - albeit with a rather loose (oversize) Aeroflex insulation. I wondered about the bulk of liquid sitting in the drier, being cooled.

I would expect no such ambiguity with the VIC. Not only will it bring the liquid temp down close to Te,sat maximizing the evap capacity, but it will also recover the heat from the liquid, transferring it to the suction. We win in both directions.

I expect the VIC to make a major difference.

I'd expect the same. It will also reduce the size of the evap required for future machines.