Which component is primarily responsible for removing heat from the refrigerant in a vapor-compression cycle?

In a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle, the component responsible for removing heat from the refrigerant is the condenser. The condenser facilitates the transfer of heat from the refrigerant to the surrounding environment, causing the refrigerant to lose heat and change from a vapor to a liquid.

As the refrigerant passes through the condenser, it releases heat absorbed during the evaporation phase in the evaporator, where the refrigerant takes in heat from the area to be cooled. This heat removal in the condenser is essential for the refrigeration cycle's efficiency, as it allows the refrigerant to condense and continue the cycle by returning to the expansion valve.

In contrast, the evaporator's role is to absorb heat from the space being cooled, while the compressor increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. The expansion valve, on the other hand, reduces the pressure of the refrigerant before it enters the evaporator.