What is the main role of a condenser in a refrigeration system?

The main role of a condenser in a refrigeration system is to condense vapor refrigerant back to liquid. This is a critical function within the refrigeration cycle where the refrigerant, after having absorbed heat from the environment and transitioned from a liquid to a vapor state in the evaporator, needs to be cooled and converted back into a liquid.

In the condenser, the vapor refrigerant releases heat to another medium, typically air or water, and as it does so, it cools down and transforms back into a liquid. This change of state is essential for the ongoing efficiency and effectiveness of the refrigeration cycle, allowing the refrigerant to be reused in the system.

The other choices highlight aspects that are part of the refrigeration process but do not capture the central function of the condenser. For instance, while the condenser does help with heat transfer, it is specifically designed for the purpose of condensing vapor back to liquid, which is the key role it plays in maintaining the system's operation.