Which component is responsible for compressing refrigerant vapor?

The compressor is the component responsible for compressing refrigerant vapor in a refrigeration or air conditioning system. Its primary function is to take in low-pressure refrigerant vapor from the evaporator and increase its pressure and temperature before sending it to the condenser. By compressing the refrigerant, the compressor facilitates the refrigeration cycle by allowing the refrigerant to flow through the system and exchange heat effectively.

This process is crucial because the refrigerant must be in a high-pressure, high-temperature state when it enters the condenser, where it releases heat and changes from vapor to liquid. Understanding the role of the compressor is essential for grasping how refrigerants move through the system, as it directly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of the cooling process.