In which part of the refrigeration cycle does heat absorption occur?

Heat absorption occurs in the evaporator of the refrigeration cycle. In this component, a refrigerant enters in a low-pressure state and absorbs heat from the surrounding environment—this can be from the interior of a building, for example. As the refrigerant absorbs heat, it changes from a liquid to a vapor, thus cooling the area around it. This is a critical function of the evaporator, as it effectively removes heat, allowing for temperature regulation and cooling in refrigeration systems.

The other components of the refrigeration cycle play different roles: the condenser releases heat, the compressor increases the pressure of the refrigerant, and the expansion valve regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator. Understanding the distinct functions of each component clarifies why heat absorption specifically takes place in the evaporator.