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

The primary purpose of the compressor in a refrigeration system is to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. When the compressor takes in refrigerant gas, it compresses it, which results in an increase in pressure and temperature. This high-pressure refrigerant then moves through the system to dissipate heat in the condenser, allowing the refrigeration cycle to continue.

By increasing the pressure, the compressor plays a crucial role in enabling the refrigerant to absorb heat from the environment when it passes through the evaporator coil. This process is essential for the cooling effect that refrigeration systems provide. Therefore, understanding the compressor's function in increasing pressure is fundamental to grasping how refrigeration systems operate effectively.