What is the role of the compressor in a refrigeration system?

The compressor's primary function in a refrigeration system is to compress the refrigerant gas. When the refrigerant gas enters the compressor, it is at low pressure and low temperature. The compressor works to increase its pressure, which raises its temperature as well. This process is crucial because it prepares the refrigerant for heat exchange in the condenser, where it will release the heat absorbed from the space being cooled.

The process of compression is essential for maintaining the refrigeration cycle, as it enables the refrigerant to circulate through the system efficiently. After the refrigerant is compressed, it moves to the condenser, where it releases heat to the environment and condenses into a liquid, ready to return to the evaporator.

Understanding the role of the compressor helps in grasping how refrigeration systems operate overall, highlighting that the compression of the refrigerant gas is a key step in the refrigeration process.