Which component receives superheated vapor in a refrigeration system?

In a refrigeration system, the component that receives superheated vapor is the compressor. The role of the compressor is to take the low-pressure superheated vapor from the evaporator and increase its pressure and temperature. By compressing the vapor, it transforms it into a high-pressure superheated vapor, which is then sent to the condenser.

The compressor is crucial because it enables the cycle to continue flowing by providing the necessary pressure differential that allows refrigerant to move throughout the system. It essentially ensures that the refrigerant can absorb heat from the space being cooled and then expel that heat outside the system. Understanding the compressor's function is vital for anyone involved in refrigeration mechanics or maintenance, as it plays a key role in the efficiency and performance of the system.

The other components do not interact with superheated vapor in the same way; the evaporator is where the refrigerant absorbs heat and evaporates into a vapor, while the condenser releases heat and condenses the vapor back into a liquid. The expansion device regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator but does not handle superheated vapor directly.