What does a refrigerant do in a refrigeration cycle?

In a refrigeration cycle, the primary function of a refrigerant is to absorb heat from the environment. This process occurs as the refrigerant evaporates within the evaporator coil, where it transforms from a liquid to a gas while collecting heat from the surrounding area. This absorption of heat is what allows refrigeration systems to cool areas or substances, such as food in a refrigerator or air in an air conditioning system.

Once the refrigerant has absorbed the heat, it is then compressed and transferred to the condenser, where it releases the heat to the outside environment. This cycle of absorption and release is fundamental to the operation of refrigeration and heat pump systems, making the refrigerant's role crucial for efficient thermal management.