In a refrigeration cycle, the evaporator's role is to:

The role of the evaporator in a refrigeration cycle is to remove heat from the refrigerant. This process occurs as the refrigerant, which enters the evaporator as a low-pressure liquid, absorbs heat from the surrounding environment (such as the air or a liquid that needs to be cooled). As the refrigerant absorbs this heat, it changes state from a liquid to a vapor.

This heat absorption is what facilitates the cooling effect in the conditioned space, making the evaporator a critical component in maintaining the desired temperature. The effectiveness of this heat exchange process allows the refrigeration system to perform its function of cooling efficiently.

The other choices reflect different components or functions within the refrigeration cycle: condensing refrigerant vapor is a function of the condenser, compressing the refrigerant is the job of the compressor, and regulating the refrigerant flow is typically handled by expansion devices or thermostatic controls. The evaporator's primary and defining role remains focused on heat removal, which is essential for the cycle to operate effectively.