What is the primary role of the condenser in a refrigeration system?

The primary role of the condenser in a refrigeration system is to release heat. After the refrigerant absorbs heat from the low-temperature space through the evaporator, it travels to the condenser in a gaseous state. Inside the condenser, the refrigerant releases this absorbed heat to the outside environment, causing it to condense and change back into a liquid state.

This process is crucial because it allows the refrigeration cycle to continue; the refrigerant returns to the evaporator as a liquid, ready to absorb more heat. The efficiency of the overall refrigeration process is highly dependent on the condenser's ability to effectively release heat. The operation of the condenser thus ensures that the system maintains the necessary temperature differential for effective cooling.