A severe freeze-up may cause:

A severe freeze-up can lead to liquid flood back in a refrigeration system. When ice forms within the evaporator or other parts of the refrigeration system, it can restrict the flow of refrigerant. This restriction can cause liquid refrigerant to accumulate in areas that normally should only contain vapor. As the system operates, this buildup of liquid can lead to liquid flood back to the compressor.

Liquid flood back is problematic because compressors are designed to handle vapor, not liquid. Introducing liquid refrigerant into a compressor can cause serious damage, as compressors are not equipped to compress liquid. This scenario not only compromises the efficiency of the system but can also lead to costly repairs or even compressor failure. The implications of a freeze-up highlight the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring of the refrigeration system to prevent ice formation and ensure a steady flow of refrigerant.

Other options, such as high discharge pressure, high suction pressure, and damage to the thermal expansion valve (TEV), are plausible effects in refrigeration systems, but they do not directly result from a severe freeze-up in the same way that liquid flood back does. In the case of a freeze-up, the primary concern is the physical blockage and liquid accumulating in the wrong areas.