What component in the compression refrigeration system absorbs heat from the surrounding medium?

In a compression refrigeration system, the evaporator is the component responsible for absorbing heat from the surrounding medium. During the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant enters the evaporator at a low pressure and low temperature. As it evaporates due to the surrounding heat it absorbs, the refrigerant changes from a liquid to a vapor state, effectively removing heat from the environment or the space that is being cooled.

This heat absorption is a crucial function because it creates the necessary cooling effect. The cooled air or fluid is then circulated back into the area needing refrigeration. In contrast, other components like the condenser release heat instead of absorbing it, as they are responsible for condensing the refrigerant vapor back into a liquid after it has absorbed heat in the evaporator. The compressor’s role is to increase the pressure of the refrigerant vapor to allow it to enter the condenser effectively, while the liquid receiver simply holds liquid refrigerant before it returns to the evaporator.