In the refrigeration cycle, what device increases the pressure of the refrigerant?

In the refrigeration cycle, what device increases the pressure of the refrigerant?

• A. Evaporator
• B. Compressor
• C. Expansion valve
• D. Condenser

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that moving refrigerant through the cycle requires a pressure boost. The device that increases the pressure of the refrigerant is the compressor. It takes the low-pressure vapor returning from the evaporator and does work on it, raising both its pressure and temperature so it can flow into the condenser and reject heat as a high-pressure gas. The evaporator’s job is to absorb heat at low pressure, the expansion valve drops the pressure before the refrigerant enters the evaporator, and the condenser releases heat from the high-pressure refrigerant as it cools and condenses.

The key idea is that moving refrigerant through the cycle requires a pressure boost. The device that increases the pressure of the refrigerant is the compressor. It takes the low-pressure vapor returning from the evaporator and does work on it, raising both its pressure and temperature so it can flow into the condenser and reject heat as a high-pressure gas. The evaporator’s job is to absorb heat at low pressure, the expansion valve drops the pressure before the refrigerant enters the evaporator, and the condenser releases heat from the high-pressure refrigerant as it cools and condenses.