What is the main purpose of a refrigeration system's evaporator coil?

The main purpose of a refrigeration system's evaporator coil is to absorb heat. In a refrigeration cycle, the evaporator coil plays a crucial role in cooling spaces or substances. As the refrigerant flows through the evaporator, it evaporates from a liquid state into a vapor by absorbing heat from the surrounding environment, such as the air in a refrigerator or a room. This heat exchange results in a drop in temperature, thereby providing the cooling effect.

When the refrigerant absorbs heat, it undergoes a phase change, which is essential for maintaining the efficiency of the cooling process. The absorbed heat is then carried away by the refrigerant as it moves to the compressor, completing the cycle. This function of heat absorption is what differentiates the evaporator coil from other components in the refrigeration system, such as the condenser, which is designed to release heat by condensing vapor back into a liquid.