1. Compression: The compressor receives low-pressure refrigerant gas from the evaporator coil. It then mechanically compresses the gas, resulting in a significant increase in its pressure and temperature.
2. Heat Transfer: During the compression process, the work done by the compressor converts mechanical energy into heat, causing the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant to rise.
3. Heat Rejection: The high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant gas from the compressor flows into the condenser coil. The condenser coil is typically located outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, allowing it to dissipate the heat absorbed during compression.
4. Expansion and Cooling: As the high-pressure refrigerant passes through the condenser coil, it releases its heat to the surrounding environment. This heat transfer causes the refrigerant to condense and turn back into a high-pressure liquid state.
5. Expansion Valve: The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through an expansion valve, which regulates the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator coil. The expansion valve controls the amount of refrigerant entering the evaporator to ensure optimal cooling.
6. Evaporation and Heat Absorption: The low-pressure liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator coil, which is located inside the air conditioner unit. As the refrigerant passes through the evaporator, it absorbs heat from the warm air inside the room, causing it to evaporate and turn into a low-pressure gas.
7. Refrigerant Cycle: The cycle repeats as the low-pressure gas returns to the compressor, and the process continues. The compressor's continuous compression of the refrigerant ensures a continuous flow of refrigerant through the system, enabling efficient heat transfer and cooling.
In summary, the compressor is a crucial component in the air conditioner's refrigeration cycle, responsible for compressing the refrigerant gas and initiating the heat transfer process that results in cooling the indoor air.
