In a refrigeration cycle, what is the function of the condenser?

The function of the condenser in a refrigeration cycle is to remove heat from the refrigerant. During the refrigeration process, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the area being cooled as it evaporates in the evaporator. This vaporized refrigerant then moves to the condenser, where it releases the absorbed heat to the surrounding environment, typically air or water.

As the refrigerant cools down in the condenser, it changes phase from a gas to a liquid—a critical step in the refrigeration cycle. This process is essential for maintaining the low temperatures required in the evaporator, ensuring the cycle continues efficiently. The removal of heat from the refrigerant is key to this phase change and is crucial for the overall functionality of the refrigeration system.

While liquefying the refrigerant is a result of this heat removal, the primary role of the condenser is focused on the heat exchange process. Consequently, understanding the role of the condenser in transferring heat away from the refrigerant is fundamental to grasping how refrigeration systems operate effectively.