Where does the heat of compression or rejected BTUs occur in a refrigeration cycle?

The heat of compression or rejected BTUs occurs in the condenser of a refrigeration cycle. When the refrigerant exits the compressor, it is in a high-pressure and high-temperature gaseous state. During this phase, the refrigerant releases the heat absorbed in the evaporator as well as heat generated by the compression process itself.

In the condenser, the refrigerant undergoes a phase change from gas to liquid, which involves the release of latent heat. This is where the rejected BTUs are effectively removed from the refrigerant and transferred to the surroundings, typically through a cooling medium such as air or water. This process allows the refrigerant to cool and condense, which is critical for the proper functioning of the refrigeration system.

While the evaporator, expansion valve, and compressor play important roles within the cycle, they do not directly feature the heat rejection process associated with the heat of compression. The evaporator absorbs heat from the environment to cool the space, the expansion valve reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, and the compressor is responsible for increasing the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. Thus, the condenser is specifically where the heat of compression is managed and expelled from the system.