Which of the following is NOT a component of a basic air-cycle cooling system?

In a basic air-cycle cooling system, the main components typically include a compressor, turbine, and heat exchangers. The compressor's role is to increase the pressure of the air, for subsequent cooling. The turbine allows for the expansion of the compressed air, resulting in a drop in temperature, which is critical for the cooling effect. Heat exchangers are used to transfer heat from the cabin air to the cooler air created during the air-cycle process.

The evaporator is not a component of a basic air-cycle cooling system. This term is more commonly associated with vapor-cycle systems, where refrigerants are evaporated to absorb heat. In contrast, air-cycle systems operate using the principles of air expansion and compression, rather than the phase change of a refrigerant. Therefore, identifying the evaporator as not being part of the air-cycle system accurately highlights the distinctions between these two cooling technologies.