The compressor is the most important part of a refrigerator for its functioning. The refrigerator works on a basic thermodynamic principle: it removes heat from the inside of the fridge and transfers it to the external environment, thus cooling the interior.
Here's how it works:
Compressor: The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator. It is a motorized pump responsible for compressing the refrigerant gas (usually a type of Freon) to increase its pressure and temperature. This compressed gas then moves to the condenser coils.
Condenser Coils: The high-pressure, high-temperature gas flows through the condenser coils, usually located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator. The heat from the compressed gas is released to the surrounding air, causing the gas to condense and turn into a high-pressure liquid.
Expansion Valve: The high-pressure liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve or capillary tube, where its pressure is reduced, and it changes back into a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid-gas mixture.
Evaporator Coils: The low-pressure liquid-gas mixture then enters the evaporator coils, typically located inside the refrigerator's main compartment. As the refrigerant evaporates in these coils, it absorbs heat from the interior of the fridge, cooling the air inside.
Fan: Inside the refrigerator, there is usually a fan that circulates the cold air from the evaporator coils throughout the fridge to ensure a uniform temperature.
Thermostat: The thermostat monitors the temperature inside the fridge and signals the compressor to turn on or off as needed to maintain the desired temperature.
The compressor's role in compressing the refrigerant and maintaining the flow of refrigerant throughout the system is crucial for the cooling process. Without the compressor, the refrigerator would not be able to extract heat from the interior, and the cooling process would not occur, rendering the appliance useless in preserving food and keeping it fresh.