Refrigerators typically use an electric motor called a "compressor" to circulate refrigerant and maintain the cooling process. The compressor is a crucial component of the refrigeration system, responsible for compressing the refrigerant gas, raising its temperature and pressure, and then pushing it through the condenser coils to release heat. As the refrigerant loses heat and condenses into a liquid, it flows through the expansion valve, where it undergoes a phase change and becomes a low-pressure, low-temperature gas. This cold gas is then passed through the evaporator coils inside the refrigerator, where it absorbs heat from the interior, keeping the contents cool.
The compressor is typically powered by electricity and is responsible for the continuous cycle of refrigerant compression and expansion, allowing the refrigerator to maintain the desired low temperature. It is essential for keeping your food fresh and preserving perishable items.