What is the primary function of a compressor in a refrigeration system?

The primary function of a compressor in a refrigeration system is to compress refrigerant for circulation. This process is essential for the refrigeration cycle, as the compressor raises the pressure of the refrigerant vapor, enabling it to move through the system. By increasing the pressure, the compressor ensures that the refrigerant can release heat effectively in the condenser after it has absorbed heat from the refrigerated space.

When the refrigerant is compressed, its temperature also increases, allowing it to transition into a high-pressure gas that is directed toward the condenser. This step is crucial, as it prepares the refrigerant for the heat exchange process that will occur next, where it will condense into a liquid and release the heat it absorbed from the environment. Understanding this role of the compressor is vital for anyone working with refrigeration systems, as it maintains the cycle of heat absorption and rejection that is fundamental to effective refrigeration.