In a mechanical refrigeration system, where is the compressor located?

In a mechanical refrigeration system, the compressor plays a crucial role in the refrigeration cycle by moving the refrigerant through the system and helping to convert low-pressure gas into high-pressure gas. The correct position of the compressor is between the evaporator and the condenser.

After the refrigerant absorbs heat from the environment in the evaporator, it turns into a low-pressure gas. The compressor then takes this low-pressure gas and compresses it into a high-pressure gas. This high-pressure gas then proceeds to the condenser, where it is cooled and condensed back into a liquid state.

This positioning is essential because it enables the compressor to effectively increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, facilitating its journey towards the condenser and maintaining the flow of the refrigeration cycle. Recognizing this arrangement is vital to understanding the overall operation of mechanical refrigeration systems.