What role does a compressor serve in a refrigerant system?

In a refrigerant system, the compressor plays a crucial role by increasing the pressure of the refrigerant. When the refrigerant vapor enters the compressor, it is at a low pressure and temperature. The compressor draws in this low-pressure vapor and compresses it, which increases both its pressure and temperature. This change is vital because, at higher pressures, the refrigerant can release heat more effectively in the condenser, where it transitions from vapor to liquid.

The increase in pressure also ensures that the refrigerant can circulate through the system efficiently, allowing it to absorb heat from the environment during its passage through the evaporator. Subsequently, this enables the refrigerant to continue the cycle of heat absorption and rejection necessary for effective cooling. Understanding this process helps clarify the fundamental operation of a refrigeration system.