What is the primary function of the condenser in a refrigeration system?

The primary function of the condenser in a refrigeration system is to condense vaporized refrigerant into a high-pressure liquid. This process occurs after the refrigerant has absorbed heat from the indoor environment via the evaporator and has become a low-pressure vapor. As the vapor flows into the condenser, it is exposed to ambient air (or water, in some systems), which allows heat to be released from the refrigerant. As a result, the refrigerant loses energy and transforms back into a liquid state at a higher pressure. This phase transition is crucial as it prepares the refrigerant for the next step in the refrigeration cycle, namely expansion through the expansion valve, where its pressure and temperature are reduced. This cycle of converting vapor back to liquid is essential for maintaining efficient refrigeration and air conditioning processes, ensuring that heat is effectively removed from the controlled environment.