What happens to the refrigerant in the condenser of a refrigeration system?

In the condenser of a refrigeration system, the refrigerant loses heat. This process occurs after the refrigerant has absorbed heat from the area being cooled and has been compressed into a high-pressure gas in the compressor. As this high-pressure gas enters the condenser, it is exposed to a cooler environment, often the outside air or water.

During this stage, the refrigerant releases its absorbed heat to the surroundings. As it loses heat, the refrigerant begins to condense from a gas back into a liquid state. This change of state is essential for the refrigeration cycle to continue, as it allows the refrigerant to return to the evaporator, where it can pick up more heat from the space being cooled. This heat exchange process is pivotal in maintaining the efficiency of the refrigeration system.