What is the primary function of a refrigeration compressor?

What is the primary function of a refrigeration compressor?

• A. Convert high-pressure vapor to a liquid.
• B. Change low-pressure, low-temperature vapor to a high-pressure, high-temperature vapor.
• C. Move refrigerant at constant pressure.
• D. Stabilize the system pressure.

Answer: (B)

Raising the refrigerant’s pressure and temperature is what the refrigeration compressor does. After heat from the space is absorbed in the evaporator, the refrigerant exists as a low-pressure, low-temperature vapor. The compressor then takes that vapor and compresses it, producing a high-pressure, high-temperature vapor. This high-energy vapor is then able to release heat in the condenser and condense back into a liquid, continuing the cycle. The compressor’s role is not to condense the vapor, move refrigerant at constant pressure, or stabilize system pressure—that’s handled by other components.

Raising the refrigerant’s pressure and temperature is what the refrigeration compressor does. After heat from the space is absorbed in the evaporator, the refrigerant exists as a low-pressure, low-temperature vapor. The compressor then takes that vapor and compresses it, producing a high-pressure, high-temperature vapor. This high-energy vapor is then able to release heat in the condenser and condense back into a liquid, continuing the cycle. The compressor’s role is not to condense the vapor, move refrigerant at constant pressure, or stabilize system pressure—that’s handled by other components.