What is the primary purpose of a compressor in refrigeration?

The primary purpose of a compressor in refrigeration systems is to circulate refrigerant throughout the system. The compressor plays a crucial role by taking low-pressure refrigerant vapor from the evaporator and compressing it into high-pressure vapor. This process raises the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant, allowing it to flow to the condenser where it can release heat. By circulating the refrigerant, the compressor ensures that the refrigeration cycle continues to function effectively.

While other processes such as expanding the refrigerant or removing heat occur within the system, they are not the primary function of the compressor itself. The compressor's main job is to maintain the flow of refrigerant through the entire refrigeration cycle, facilitating heat absorption and removal processes necessary for cooling.