What is the main function of a compressor in a refrigeration cycle?

The main function of a compressor in a refrigeration cycle is to increase the pressure of the refrigerant vapor. During the refrigeration process, the compressor takes in low-pressure refrigerant vapor from the evaporator side and compresses it into a high-pressure vapor. This increase in pressure raises the temperature of the refrigerant, allowing it to efficiently transfer heat when it moves through the condenser. The role of the compressor is crucial because it facilitates the flow of refrigerant throughout the entire refrigeration system, ensuring that heat is absorbed from the space to be cooled and expelled outside. By elevating the pressure, the compressor also ensures that the refrigerant can condense back into a liquid state at a higher temperature, thus completing the cycle effectively. This is why the function of increasing pressure is the primary and defining role of the compressor in the refrigeration cycle.