What is the excess energy source used for vaporization in a compression refrigeration system?

In a compression refrigeration system, the process of vaporization relies on latent heat, which is the energy absorbed or released during a phase change without a change in temperature. When a refrigerant changes from liquid to gas, it requires a significant amount of energy for this transformation, known as the latent heat of vaporization. This energy is essential in absorbing heat from the environment, thereby cooling the space to be refrigerated.

Sensible heat, on the other hand, is the heat that causes a change in temperature without a phase change. While sensible heat is essential for heating or cooling substances, it does not facilitate the changing state of refrigerants necessary for effective vaporization in this context.

Mechanical energy refers to the work done by the compressor to compress the refrigerant and does not directly contribute to the vaporization process itself. Thermal energy encompasses both sensible and latent heat, but it is the specific latent heat that is critical for enabling the phase change from liquid to gas in the refrigeration cycle.