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

The primary function of the compressor in a refrigeration system is to increase the pressure of the refrigerant vapor coming from the evaporator. This high-pressure refrigerant then moves to the condenser for heat exchange. By compressing the refrigerant, the compressor raises its temperature and pressure, which is essential for allowing the refrigerant to release heat effectively in the condenser and then cycle back to the evaporator.

Although it is true that the compressor does circulate refrigerant throughout the system and is involved in the overall operation of the refrigeration cycle, its key role centers on pressurization. Understanding that the compressor's main job is to elevate the pressure makes sense in the context of how a refrigeration system operates: the refrigerant must be in a high-pressure state to facilitate proper heat transfer in the next phase, which is the condensation process.