Compressor vs Condenser - what's the difference?

[wavingerwin]

I read about refrigerators and often a fridge has two components:
1. compressor
2. condenser

The compressor compresses the vapor - what does it actually do? does it increase the temperature of the vapor?
The condenser condenses the vapor into liquid
and then the liquid is expanded, resulting liquid and vapor in low pressure providing coolness

If you compresses something, don't you just make it denser hence it has more pressure?
How can you compress something without making it denser?

Thank you

 

[russ_watters]

Yes, the compressor compresses, resulting in higher temperature and density/pressure. You got that image from wikipedia - the next image down on that page gives you detail of what happens in each process.

 

[sir-pinski]

for your question! The difference between a compressor and a condenser lies in their specific functions within a refrigeration system. The compressor is responsible for compressing the refrigerant vapor, which in turn increases its temperature and pressure. This hot and high-pressure vapor then moves to the condenser, where it is cooled down and condensed into a liquid form. The liquid is then passed through an expansion valve, which causes it to expand and become cold, resulting in the cooling effect.

To answer your question, when a gas is compressed, its density does increase, but this does not necessarily mean that its pressure increases as well. Pressure is a measure of force per unit area, and it is influenced by factors such as temperature and volume. So, while the compressor does increase the density of the refrigerant vapor, it also increases its temperature and pressure, which is necessary for the refrigeration process to work effectively.

Additionally, the condenser plays a crucial role in the refrigeration process by removing heat from the vapor and converting it into a liquid. This liquid is then sent to the expansion valve, which releases the pressure and causes the refrigerant to cool down. So, while the compressor is responsible for increasing the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, the condenser's main function is to cool and condense the vapor into a liquid.

In summary, the compressor and condenser work together to maintain the refrigeration cycle, with the compressor increasing the pressure and temperature of the vapor and the condenser cooling and condensing it into a liquid form. I hope this helps clarify the difference between the two components.