The Compressor

The cooling cycle starts at the compressor, this component is also known as the heart of the system.

Refrigerant comes into the compressor as a low-pressure vapour, during the compression stage the refrigerant pressure and temperature are raised before leaving the compressor as a high-pressure vapour.

This high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant vapour is circulated around the system interconnecting pipework to the condenser.

The basic function of the compressor is to:

• Raise the refrigerant pressure and temperature.

• Reduce the volume of the refrigerant.

• Circulate the refrigerant around the system.