What primary role does a compressor serve in a refrigeration cycle?

A compressor plays a vital role in a refrigeration cycle by increasing the pressure of the refrigerant. When the refrigerant enters the compressor, it is typically in a low-pressure gas state. The compressor takes this low-pressure gas and compresses it, resulting in a high-pressure gas. This increase in pressure is critical because it elevates the temperature of the refrigerant, enabling it to release heat effectively later in the cycle.

Having a high-pressure refrigerant is essential for the subsequent phases of the refrigeration cycle, particularly when the refrigerant moves to the condenser, where it releases heat to the environment and changes from a gas back to a liquid state. This transformation is fundamental for maintaining the cooling effect in the evaporator, where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the space intended to be cooled. Therefore, the primary function of the compressor is to pump the refrigerant through the system by increasing its pressure.