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EPA 608 Core Exam·Refrigeration Fundamentals

What is the function of the compressor in a refrigeration system?

  1. ATo absorb heat from the refrigerated space
  2. BTo reject heat to the environment
  3. To increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant vapor
  4. DTo change liquid refrigerant to vapor

Correct answer

To increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant vapor

Why

The compressor increases pressure and temperature of refrigerant vapor, enabling heat release in the condenser.

The concept behind this question

The refrigeration cycle moves heat rather than creating cold, and every question about pressures and temperatures comes back to it. The compressor raises the refrigerant's pressure and temperature; the condenser rejects heat and the refrigerant becomes liquid; the metering device drops the pressure; the evaporator absorbs heat from the space and the refrigerant boils back to vapour. Because pressure and temperature are related for a saturated refrigerant, a pressure reading plus a P/T chart tells you the saturation temperature — which is the basis for measuring superheat and subcooling.

More questions on this topic

Exam-style practice question. Not an official EPA exam question.