The refrigeration cycle consists of four primary components: the compressor, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator.
The compressor plays a crucial role by compressing the refrigerant, causing it to change from a gas to a liquid.
Next, the condenser, a type of heat exchanger, removes heat from the hot refrigerant vapor, causing it to condense back into a saturated liquid state.
The expansion device then reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, allowing it to expand and cool.
Finally, the evaporator absorbs heat from the cold room, causing the liquid refrigerant to evaporate back into a gas. This continuous cycle ensures efficient heat transfer and maintains the desired temperature within the cold room.
In addition to these primary components, refrigeration systems may also include other peripheral components such as oil separators, liquid receivers, liquid line filters, suction line filters, and suction accumulators.