USCG Exam PracticeRefrigeration cycle and components
In the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle, what is the primary function of the evaporator?
- A. To compress low-pressure vapor to a high pressure
- B. To condense high-pressure vapor back into a liquid
- ✓ To absorb heat from the refrigerated space by boiling low-pressure liquid refrigerantCorrect
- D. To throttle high-pressure liquid to a lower pressure
Why C is correct
The evaporator is where low-pressure liquid refrigerant boils, absorbing heat (latent heat) from the surrounding space and turning into low-pressure vapor. This is the useful cooling effect of the cycle. Compression is the compressor's function, condensing is the condenser's function, and throttling is the metering device's function.