Vapor-compression refrigeration

A refrigeration cycle that uses a circulating refrigerant, compressor, and heat exchangers to move heat from a colder space to a warmer one.

Vapor-comcompression refrigeration cycle: The sequence of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation that transfers heat in a vapor-compression system. This cycle names the four stages that produce the refrigeration effect.
Refrigeration: The removal of heat from a space or substance to lower or maintain its temperature. Vapor-compression equipment is one widely used way to achieve refrigeration.
Refrigerator: An insulated appliance that removes heat from an interior compartment to keep its contents cold. Domestic refrigerators commonly use a compact vapor-compression system.
Absorption refrigerator: A refrigerator that uses heat and an absorbent-refrigerant pair instead of a mechanical vapor compressor. It can replace compressor work with a heat source in suitable applications.
Refrigerant: A working fluid that absorbs heat at low temperature and releases it at higher temperature in a refrigeration system. Its phase changes carry heat between the evaporator and condenser.
Heat pump: A device that uses work to transfer heat from a lower-temperature source to a higher-temperature sink. The same cycle can be operated to deliver heat rather than cooling.
Air conditioning: The control of indoor temperature, humidity, air movement, and cleanliness. Many air conditioners use the cycle to remove heat from indoor air.
Thermoelectric cooling: Cooling produced by electric current through a junction of dissimilar materials. It moves heat without a circulating refrigerant or vapor-compression loop.
Compressor: A machine that raises a gas's pressure by supplying mechanical work. It raises refrigerant pressure and temperature so the condenser can reject heat.
Latent heat: Energy absorbed or released during a change of phase without a temperature change. Refrigerant evaporation and condensation move substantial heat through phase change.

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