What is the function of the compressor in a vapor-cycle cooling system?

The function of the compressor in a vapor-cycle cooling system is to circulate refrigerant through the system. This is a critical role because the compressor compresses the refrigerant, raising its pressure and temperature, which allows the refrigerant to flow through the system where it can absorb heat from the cabin and then release that heat outside.

In this process, the refrigerant transitions from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure gas, enabling it to move through the condenser, where heat is expelled. This circulation is essential for maintaining the cooling cycle, ensuring that the system operates effectively to regulate cabin temperature. The compressor essentially perpetuates the cycle that allows for heat absorption and rejection, making it a key component of thermal management in cabin atmosphere control.