What is the primary function of a heat exchanger in a refrigeration system?

The primary function of a heat exchanger in a refrigeration system is to subcool the liquid refrigerant. In this context, subcooling refers to the process of lowering the temperature of the liquid refrigerant below its saturation temperature at a given pressure. This is crucial for enhancing the system's efficiency.

When the refrigerant flows through the heat exchanger, it is often exposed to colder surfaces, which allows heat to be transferred away from the refrigerant. This process ensures that the refrigerant enters the expansion device at a lower temperature, preventing issues such as refrigerant flash gas and improving the overall cooling efficiency of the system.

In refrigeration systems, effective subcooling can lead to a reduction in energy consumption and an increase in cooling capacity, making it a vital component of the system's performance.