What is the main function of the evaporator in a refrigeration system?

The main function of the evaporator in a refrigeration system is to absorb heat into the refrigerant. In this process, the refrigerant, which starts as a low-pressure liquid, flows through the evaporator coils. As it passes through these coils, it absorbs heat from the surrounding environment (such as the air inside a refrigerator or the space being cooled). This heat absorption causes the refrigerant to evaporate into a gas, which is essential for the refrigeration cycle to continue.

By absorbing heat, the evaporator effectively lowers the temperature of the environment, achieving the intended cooling effect. This heat exchange process is fundamental to the operation of any refrigeration system, as it initiates the cycle that leads to cooling by reducing the temperature of the area being conditioned.