Which component of a refrigeration cycle is responsible for lowering the refrigerant's pressure?

The component of a refrigeration cycle that is responsible for lowering the refrigerant's pressure is the expansion valve. This device plays a crucial role in the refrigeration process by allowing the refrigerant, which is in a high-pressure, high-temperature state after leaving the condenser, to expand and decrease in pressure as it enters the evaporator.

When the refrigerant passes through the expansion valve, it undergoes a significant drop in pressure, which also results in a decrease in temperature. This pressure drop prepares the refrigerant to absorb heat from its surroundings in the evaporator, effectively enabling the refrigeration cycle to function. The expansion valve controls the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator, ensuring that the system runs efficiently while maintaining the desired cooling effect. Thus, the expansion valve is essential for initiating the cooling phase of the cycle by lowering the refrigerant's pressure.