Where does the refrigerant absorb the latent heat of vaporization?

The refrigerant absorbs the latent heat of vaporization in the evaporator. This component of the refrigeration cycle is essential for the cooling process.

In the evaporator, the refrigerant enters as a low-pressure liquid and absorbs heat from the surrounding environment, which often includes the air or a secondary fluid that needs to be cooled. As it absorbs this heat, the refrigerant undergoes a phase change and evaporates, converting from a liquid to a gas. This phase change requires energy, referred to as the latent heat of vaporization.

The efficiency of the cooling system heavily relies on this process because it is the means through which heat is removed from the area or substance being cooled. This is why the evaporator plays a critical role in refrigeration cycles, as it is specifically designed to facilitate the absorption of heat effectively. In contrast, the other components listed play different roles, such as removing heat from the refrigerant or adjusting its pressure, but none are involved in absorbing heat for the cooling purpose.