In refrigeration applications, how do evaporators function regarding refrigerant?

Evaporators play a crucial role in refrigeration systems by absorbing heat from the environment, which transforms refrigerant from a liquid state into a gaseous state. As the refrigerant liquid passes through the evaporator coils, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air or water. This heat absorption causes the refrigerant to vaporize, effectively removing heat from the space to be cooled. This process is fundamental to the refrigeration cycle, as it is what allows the system to lower temperatures in the designated area.

The transformation of the refrigerant from liquid to gas is essential for the overall cooling effect, as it enables the system to continuously cycle and maintain reduced temperatures. Understanding this mechanism helps in grasping how cooling is achieved in various refrigeration applications, highlighting the evaporator's critical function in the process.