Taking the Temperature on HVACR

In this episode of Taking the Temperature of HVAC, Jamie Kitchen sits down with John and Jorg to unpack the real-world differences between TXVs (thermal expansion valves) and EEVs (electronic/electric expansion valves) in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning. They break down how each valve controls superheat, the balance of forces inside a TXV, and why concepts like pump down, minimum stable superheat (MSS), and maximum operating pressure (MOP) matter for system reliability and compressor protection. Along the way, they share field stories about liquid hammer, early electronic controllers, variable-speed compressors, and why EEVs offer powerful flexibility—but can’t rescue a poorly designed system.

In this episode of Taking the Temperature on HVAC, host Jamie Kitchen is joined by John Broughton and Jorg Saar to explore the critical role of pressure regulators in refrigeration systems. They discuss how condenser, evaporator, and case pressure regulators help maintain system stability across varying loads and ambient conditions, ensuring proper pressure differentials for metering devices and protecting compressors from overload. The conversation covers common misconceptions, design considerations like receiver sizing and hot gas bypass, and compares the use of crankcase pressure regulators versus MOP valves. Emphasizing the importance of system knowledge, the episode highlights how these components work together to ensure reliable, efficient HVAC operation. 

While the space temperature in a refrigerated space may be used to control the refrigeration system, there is a lot more going on that we must also take control of. The thermostat initiates a pump down cycle to control/limit refrigerant migration to protect the compressor and enable defrost to occur more rapidly. Control over the temperature, humidity, velocity and direction of air leaving the unit cooler must be maintained to ensure that product is not dried out or frozen even when stored in temperatures above freezing. How product is placed within the cooler or freezer must be controlled so that sufficient airflow through the space and around the product occurs for quick and efficient heat removal. 

Join Jamie and John in this episode of Taking the Temperature on HVAC-R as they tackle noise and vibration in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Discover the causes, impacts, and practical solutions to enhance acoustic performance and system efficiency. Perfect for cooling installers looking to optimize their installations and meet customer expectations!

Join host Jamie Kitchen and experts Jörg and Stefan as they dive into innovative alternatives to the conventional vapor compression cycle, examining their principles, advantages, disadvantages, and market potential. From thermoelectric and absorption cooling to emerging technologies like magnetic and thermoacoustic systems, discover the advancements that could reshape the HVAC industry.

Join Jamie Kitchen as he explores the latest trends from Chillventa, the top exhibition for refrigeration technology. This year's topic on the Danfoss booth at Chillventa was “Shift your perspective on the cold chain,” showcasing how solutions enhance efficiency and sustainability from farm to table. Jamie speaks with Danfoss expert Anatoly on the highlights of food processing and cold storage, and Gabriele de Bona on supermarket innovations. Special guest Trevor Matthews, the Refrigeration Mentor, also shares insights from his visit to the Danfoss booth."Stay tuned for the next part of Jamie Kitchen's Chillventa journey!  Jamie continues his deep dive into the latest trends with Danfoss experts Jörg, Matthieu, and Julien. They discuss innovations in cold rooms, commercial heat pumps, chillers, and digital services in refrigeration technology. Coming soon!"

Join host Jamie Kitchen and guests John Broughton and Jörg Saar as they dive into the world of heat pumps. Explore the basics, technological advancements, different types, and practical applications of heat pumps in the US and EU. Learn about installation best practices and the latest market trends in this informative and engaging discussion.

In this episode, our new host Jamie Kitchen is joined by Gary McCreadie from HVAC Know It All, to look at how to avoid the dreaded call backs that occur under warranty. Call backs waste time and money and can take a serious toll on your reputation. So, how can you avoid them? The good news is the answers to that question are relatively easy to implement, don’t require a lot of time and aren’t exactly rocket science. The secret is in the planning. Tune in for a great discussion that will cover the what, why and how of avoiding call backs, and where we’ll share some hard lessons we’ve learned along the way.