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

The role of the compressor in a refrigeration system is primarily to compress the refrigerant gas, which increases its pressure and temperature. This process is crucial because it prepares the refrigerant to release its heat when it flows through the condenser. The compressor takes low-pressure refrigerant vapor from the evaporator and compresses it into a high-pressure gas.

This increase in pressure raises the boiling point of the refrigerant, allowing it to effectively transfer heat. As the refrigerant moves through the system, the high-pressure gas will then release heat in the condenser, transforming it into a liquid state. By achieving this, the compressor plays an essential part in maintaining the continuous cycle of refrigeration that keeps the system functioning efficiently.