Importance

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Abstract

A directional control valve is provided for switching the mode of operation in a heat transfer system which includes a compressor, for compressing a refrigerant, with discharge and suction ports, first and second heat exchangers, and an expansion valve provided between the first and second heat exchangers. The directional control valve includes a cylindrical valve body with a high pressure port which is fluidly connected to the discharge port through a conduit, a low pressure port which is fluidly connected to the suction port through a conduit, first and second ports which are connected to the first and second heat exchangers respectively through conduits. The directional control valve further includes a first valve element which is enclosed within the valve body and is rotational between first and second rotational positions about the axis of the valve body and an arrangement for rotating the first valve element between the first and second positions. The first valve element includes passages for fluidly connecting, at the first rotational position, the high pressure port to the second port, and connecting the low pressure port to the first port, and at the second rotational position, connecting the high pressure port to the first port, and connecting the low pressure port to the second port to switch the flow direction of the refrigerant in the heat transfer system.

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First Claim