What is the primary purpose of a pressure limiting thermostatic expansion valve?

The primary purpose of a pressure limiting thermostatic expansion valve is to prevent overloading the compressor. This valve plays a crucial role in the refrigeration cycle by controlling the amount of refrigerant that enters the evaporator, which can lead to operational imbalances that put excessive strain on the compressor.

When the system experiences a change in pressure that could potentially overload the compressor, the thermostatic expansion valve automatically adjusts to reduce refrigerant flow. By doing so, it helps maintain suitable operating conditions that prevent the compressor from becoming overburdened. This not only protects the compressor from damage but also contributes to the overall efficiency and reliability of the refrigeration system, ensuring it operates within safe parameters.

In this context, other options may present aspects related to the operation of the refrigeration system, but they do not address the primary function of the pressure limiting thermostatic expansion valve as directly as the preventive aspect regarding compressor overload.