What is the primary purpose of a condenser in a refrigeration system?

The primary purpose of a condenser in a refrigeration system is to release heat to the environment. In the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant exits the compressor as a high-pressure, high-temperature vapor. As this vapor enters the condenser, it is cooled by air or water that flows around or through the condenser coils. During this process, the refrigerant releases its heat to the surrounding environment and changes from a vapor to a liquid state. This heat release is essential for the refrigeration cycle to continue effectively, allowing the refrigerant to then cycle back through the system to absorb heat from the space being refrigerated. This function ensures that the refrigeration system can maintain the desired low temperatures inside the refrigerated space.