In refrigeration, which component is primarily responsible for converting low-pressure refrigerant vapor into high-pressure liquid?

The compressor is the key component in a refrigeration system responsible for converting low-pressure refrigerant vapor into high-pressure liquid. Its primary function involves compressing the refrigerant vapor, which boosts its pressure and temperature, allowing it to move through the refrigeration cycle.

When the low-pressure vapor enters the compressor, the mechanical action compresses the vapor, resulting in an increase in both pressure and temperature. This is a crucial step because only high-pressure refrigerant can be effectively condensed into a liquid in the subsequent component of the system. The high-pressure vapor then enters the condenser, where it releases heat and transforms into a high-pressure liquid.

This process is fundamental to the refrigeration cycle, as it allows the refrigerant to absorb heat from the environment during evaporation and then release it during condensation, facilitating the cooling effect that refrigeration systems provide.