Which component is responsible for starting the compressor in a refrigeration system?

In a refrigeration system, the component primarily responsible for starting the compressor is the capacitor. Capacitors are crucial in providing the initial surge of electricity needed to start the compressor motor, particularly in single-phase systems. When the compressor is powered on, the capacitor stores electrical energy and releases it quickly to give the motor the extra boost it requires to overcome its initial inertia and begin operating efficiently.

Capacitors are especially important in applications where high starting torque is essential for the compressor to reach its operational speed. Once the motor is running, the capacitor may either remain connected to the system or disconnect, depending on the specific setup and design of the refrigeration unit.

Other components, such as contactors and relays, play supporting roles in controlling the power supply to the compressor but do not directly provide the necessary starting boost. An accumulator, meanwhile, is primarily involved in managing refrigerant, particularly in systems operating with variable refrigerant flow, and does not have a direct role in starting the compressor. Thus, the capacitor holds the key function of initiating compressor operation in refrigeration systems.