What happens in a capillary tube air conditioning system when there is a refrigerant overcharge?

When a capillary tube air conditioning system experiences a refrigerant overcharge, it results in high suction pressure and high discharge pressure. This phenomenon occurs because the excess refrigerant fills the evaporator, leading to a reduced ability to absorb heat efficiently. Consequently, the system becomes unable to maintain the proper refrigerant flow rate through the capillary tube, which restricts the refrigerant expansion process necessary for proper cooling.

The high pressure on both the suction and discharge sides indicates that the compressor is working harder to overcome these increased pressures, which can lead to further operational issues. The system efficiency declines, and other symptoms may manifest, disrupting the normal functioning of the air conditioning system.

In contrast, lower pressures typically indicate a balanced system that functions well. Reduced cooling efficiency and increased compressor noise are also potential effects of an overcharge but do not directly address the immediate pressure changes. Therefore, the focus on the high pressures directly correlates with the impacts of refrigerant overcharging in this specific scenario.