Which component is responsible for circulating refrigerant in a refrigeration system?

The compressor is the key component responsible for circulating refrigerant in a refrigeration system. Its primary function is to compress the refrigerant gas, increasing its pressure and temperature before it moves on to the condenser. By doing so, the compressor creates a low-pressure area in the evaporator, which allows the refrigerant to absorb heat and evaporate, thus facilitating the cooling process.

The compressor's operation not only enables the movement of refrigerant throughout the system but also maintains the necessary pressure differentials that allow for the continual cycle of refrigeration—moving the refrigerant from the evaporator to the condenser, and back to the evaporator again.

Understanding the compressor's role is crucial in realizing how the refrigeration cycle operates, as it plays a vital part in both the compression and circulation stages of the refrigerant.