What is the purpose of the compressor in an air conditioning system?

What is the purpose of the compressor in an air conditioning system?

• A. To cool the indoor air directly
• B. To pump refrigerant and raise its pressure and temperature
• C. To absorb heat from indoor air
• D. To filter dust and allergens from the air

Answer: (B)

The compressor plays a crucial role in the air conditioning system by pumping refrigerant and raising its pressure and temperature. This process is vital for the functioning of the refrigeration cycle, which is the heart of how air conditioning systems cool indoor spaces. When the refrigerant enters the compressor, it is in a low-pressure gaseous state. The compressor then compresses this gas, significantly increasing its pressure and temperature. This transformation makes it possible for the refrigerant to flow to the condenser, where it can release the excess heat absorbed from the indoor air. This cycle of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation enables the air conditioning system to effectively remove heat from the indoor environment, thus providing a cooling effect. Understanding the function of the compressor is key to grasping how refrigerant circulates through the system and how heat exchange occurs, which ultimately allows for cooling of the air inside a building.

The compressor plays a crucial role in the air conditioning system by pumping refrigerant and raising its pressure and temperature. This process is vital for the functioning of the refrigeration cycle, which is the heart of how air conditioning systems cool indoor spaces.

When the refrigerant enters the compressor, it is in a low-pressure gaseous state. The compressor then compresses this gas, significantly increasing its pressure and temperature. This transformation makes it possible for the refrigerant to flow to the condenser, where it can release the excess heat absorbed from the indoor air. This cycle of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation enables the air conditioning system to effectively remove heat from the indoor environment, thus providing a cooling effect.

Understanding the function of the compressor is key to grasping how refrigerant circulates through the system and how heat exchange occurs, which ultimately allows for cooling of the air inside a building.