What component might be damaged if liquid refrigerant is introduced into the low side of a vapor-cycle cooling system when conditions are not ideal?

Introducing liquid refrigerant into the low side of a vapor-cycle cooling system, especially under non-ideal conditions, can lead to significant damage primarily to the compressor. The compressor is designed to compress vapor, and when liquid refrigerant enters it, this causes a phenomenon known as "liquid slugging."

Liquid slugging occurs because the compressor cannot compress the liquid refrigerant effectively, resulting in mechanical damage to the internal components such as the pistons, cylinders, and valves. This can lead to severe operational issues, including potential seizure of the compressor, which may necessitate a complete replacement.

Other components in the system, such as the condenser and its operation, are not typically at risk from liquid refrigerant entering the low side since they handle high-side pressures and primarily involve vapor. The expansion valve is designed to control the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator and can handle some liquid refrigerant without immediate damage, although repeated exposure can lead to undue stress. The evaporator, while part of the cooling process, is primarily exposed to low pressures and vapors; thus it does not experience the same risk of damage from liquid refrigerant as the compressor does.

Hence, the primary component at risk when liquid refrigerant is forced into the low