Which component in the refrigeration cycle is responsible for heat absorption?

The component responsible for heat absorption in the refrigeration cycle is the evaporator. In this part of the system, the refrigerant enters as a low-pressure liquid and absorbs heat from the surrounding environment, which causes the refrigerant to evaporate and change into a low-pressure vapor. This heat absorption is crucial as it cools down the air or fluid that is being refrigerated or conditioned. The evaporator plays a vital role by effectively transferring thermal energy from the space to be cooled into the refrigerant, allowing it to perform its function in the refrigeration cycle.

The other components serve different roles; for example, the compressor increases the pressure of the vapor refrigerant and moves it through the system. The condenser is where the refrigerant releases the heat it absorbed in the evaporator and condenses back into a liquid. The expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator, controlling its pressure and temperature. Each component plays a critical part in the process, but it is the evaporator that specifically focuses on absorbing heat.