What is the function of a refrigeration compressor?

The function of a refrigeration compressor is to compress refrigerant gas and circulate it through the system. Specifically, the compressor takes in low-pressure refrigerant gas from the evaporator and compresses it to a high-pressure gas. This process is essential for the refrigeration cycle, enabling the refrigerant to absorb heat from the space being cooled and then release that heat outside when it passes through the condenser. By circulating the refrigerant, the compressor ensures the continuous flow of the refrigerant through the various components of the cooling system, which is critical for efficient operation.

In contrast, while there are various components in a refrigeration system that serve other functions, the compressor's role is uniquely focused on managing and moving the refrigerant in its gaseous state under pressure. The other options, while they describe important functions within the context of refrigeration, do not accurately capture the core responsibility of the compressor. For example, the removal of moisture from the air is typically handled by a dehumidifier or an air conditioner’s evaporator coil, and cooling of the refrigerant is managed primarily in the condenser, not by the compressor itself.