Why is the compressor a vital part of a refrigeration system?

The compressor is indeed a vital component of a refrigeration system primarily because it compresses the refrigerant and raises its pressure. This process is essential for the refrigeration cycle to function effectively. When the refrigerant is compressed, its temperature also rises, which allows it to release heat efficiently when it passes through the condenser.

By raising the pressure of the refrigerant, the compressor ensures that the refrigerant can move through the entire refrigeration system, transitioning from a gaseous state in the evaporator to a liquid state in the condenser. This pressure difference is crucial as it facilitates the absorption of heat from the environment in the evaporator while also allowing the refrigerant to expel that heat in the condenser.

Without the compressor performing this function, the system would not be able to circulate the refrigerant effectively, and the cooling process would fail to operate as intended, rendering the refrigeration system ineffective.