Abstract: A liquid slug protector device for air conditioning and heat pump systems can include a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, an abutment surface, and a cavity. The device can include a piston disposed in the cavity. The piston can have a primary channel. The device can include a secondary channel. A first refrigerant flow path extending between the inlet port and the outlet port can include the primary channel. A second refrigerant flow path extending between the inlet port and the outlet port can include the secondary channel. The second refrigerant flow path can be closed when the piston abuts against the abutment surface.

Abstract: A liquid slug protector device for air conditioning and heat pump systems includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a cavity. The device further includes a piston disposed in the cavity. The piston has an inflow channel. The device also includes a backing structure disposed in the cavity. The backing structure has an outflow channel, where a first refrigerant flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port includes the inflow channel and the outflow channel. The device further includes a peripheral channel that is at least partially bound by the piston. A second refrigerant flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port includes the peripheral channel and the outflow channel. The second refrigerant flow path is closed when the piston abuts against the backing structure.

Abstract: A pressure spike prevention assembly for use in a heat pump system includes a thermostatic expansion valve that includes a first port and a second port. The first port is designed to be fluidly coupled to an indoor coil, and the second port is designed to be coupled to an outdoor coil. The pressure spike prevention assembly further includes a multi-way valve that includes an inlet port, an output port, and a liquid line port. The inlet port is fluidly coupled to the first port. The output port is fluidly in communication with the second port. The liquid line port is configured to be fluidly coupled to a charge compensator of the heat pump system via a liquid line of the heat pump system.

Abstract: A pressure spike prevention assembly for use in a heat pump system includes a thermostatic expansion valve that includes a first port and a second port. The first port is designed to be fluidly coupled to an indoor coil, and the second port is designed to be coupled to an outdoor coil. The pressure spike prevention assembly further includes a multi-way valve that includes an inlet port, an output port, and a liquid line port. The inlet port is fluidly coupled to the first port. The output port is fluidly in communication with the second port. The liquid line port is configured to be fluidly coupled to a charge compensator of the heat pump system via a liquid line of the heat pump system.

Abstract: A liquid slug protector device for air conditioning and heat pump systems includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a cavity. The device further includes a piston disposed in the cavity. The piston has an inflow channel. The device also includes a backing structure disposed in the cavity. The backing structure has an outflow channel, where a first refrigerant flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port includes the inflow channel and the outflow channel. The device further includes a peripheral channel that is at least partially bound by the piston. A second refrigerant flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port includes the peripheral channel and the outflow channel. The second refrigerant flow path is closed when the piston abuts against the backing structure.

Abstract: A liquid slug protector device for air conditioning and heat pump systems includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a cavity. The device further includes a piston disposed in the cavity. The piston has an inflow channel. The device also includes a backing structure disposed in the cavity. The backing structure has an outflow channel, where a first refrigerant flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port includes the inflow channel and the outflow channel. The device further includes a peripheral channel that is at least partially bound by the piston. A second refrigerant flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port includes the peripheral channel and the outflow channel. The second refrigerant flow path is closed when the piston abuts against the backing structure.

Abstract: A liquid slug protector device for air conditioning and heat pump systems includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a cavity. The device further includes a piston disposed in the cavity. The piston has an inflow channel. The device also includes a backing structure disposed in the cavity. The backing structure has an outflow channel, where a first refrigerant flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port includes the inflow channel and the outflow channel. The device further includes a peripheral channel that is at least partially bound by the piston. A second refrigerant flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port includes the peripheral channel and the outflow channel. The second refrigerant flow path is closed when the piston abuts against the backing structure.