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

The primary function of the evaporator in a refrigeration system is to absorb heat from the environment, which is a crucial process for cooling. In this part of the system, the refrigerant enters as a low-pressure liquid and absorbs heat from the surrounding air or liquid, causing the refrigerant to evaporate into a vapor. This absorption of heat effectively cools the area being served by the refrigeration system, allowing it to lower the temperature of the environment.

In contrast, functions like condensing the refrigerant into a liquid are performed by the condenser, while expanding the refrigerant is done in the expansion device or valve. The compression of vapor refrigerant occurs in the compressor, where the vapor is pressurized before returning to the condenser. Each component has a specific role, but the evaporator's main job is to absorb heat, facilitating the overall cooling effect in the system.