Method and Apparatus For Reducing Heat Losses In Reversible Vapor Compression System

A reversing valve comprising:

• a valve housing defining a valve channel along a length thereof;
• a discharge inlet assembly comprising first and second discharge ports extending from a surface of the valve housing;
• a reversing assembly comprising:
• first and second reversing ports extending from the surface of the valve housing;
• and
• a suction port extending from the surface of the valve housing between the first and second reversing ports;
• and
• an actuator assembly slidably disposed within the valve channel and selectively positionable between a first position, wherein the first discharge port is fluidly connected to the first reversing port, and a second position, wherein the second discharge port is fluidly connected to the second reversing port.

A reversing valve comprising:

• a first reversing port;
• a second reversing port;
• a discharge port for providing a discharge flow to one of the first and second reversing ports;
• a suction port for receiving a suction flow from one of the first and second reversing ports;
• and
• means for reducing heat transfer to and from the discharge flow and/or the suction flow.