What is the primary use of a refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle?

The primary use of a refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle is to transfer heat. Refrigerants are designed to absorb heat from the environment (such as the air or a space to be cooled) during the evaporation process and release that heat outside the system during the condensation process. This heat exchange is critical because it allows for the cooling of an area or substance by moving heat away from it, effectively lowering the temperature.

Throughout the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant changes phase from liquid to gas and back again, which facilitates this heat transfer. For instance, when the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator coil, it absorbs heat and cools the surrounding area. Then, in the condenser, the refrigerant releases this absorbed heat to the outside environment. This dynamic process is essential for the function of refrigeration systems in various applications, such as air conditioning and refrigeration units.