In a refrigeration cycle, where does the refrigerant undergo phase change from liquid to gas?

In a refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant undergoes a phase change from liquid to gas in the evaporator. This component is crucial for the cooling process, as it facilitates the absorption of heat from the surroundings. When the liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator, it absorbs heat from the space that needs to be cooled, causing it to evaporate and change into a low-pressure gas.

This process is essential because it is where the refrigerant extracts thermal energy, effectively lowering the temperature of the environment that is being refrigerated. The gas then flows to the compressor, where it is compressed to a higher pressure, subsequently moving on to the condenser. Understanding this phase change in the evaporator is vital for grasping how refrigeration systems operate effectively to maintain desired temperatures.