A Pressure Regulated, Flow Sensitive Variable Orifice Valve

The Smart VOV™ is a mechanically programmable variable orifice valve ( VOV ) designed to replace the fixed orifice tube used in CCOT ( cycling clutch orifice tube ) automotive air conditioning systems. The VOV decreases suction pressure, reduces a/c discharge air temperature, and provides cooler vehicle interior temperatures relative to a fixed orifice over a wide range of operating conditions. The VOV is also engineered to minimize system equalization noise. This paper describes the VOV development objectives, the key operating principles, and includes wind tunnel, laboratory, and field test results for CCOT systems as well as a TXV ( thermal expansion valve ) performance comparison.