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[[File:Refrigeration - Single stage vapor compression.png|thumbnail|300px|A single-stage vapor compression refrigeration system]]

[[File:Refrigeration - Single stage vapor compression.png|thumbnail|300px|A single-stage vapor compression refrigeration system]]

The most common kind of refrigeration uses the vapor compression cycle.  This method, which uses the reverse Brayton cycle,<ref>http://www.brighthubengineering.com/hvac/20590-comparison-of-vapor-compression-cycle-and-gas-cycle</ref> is employed by household refrigerators, home air conditioners, automobile air conditioners, and other coolant devices.  It is the most efficient refrigeration cycle currently available.

The most common kind of refrigeration uses the vapor compression cycle.  This method, which uses the reverse Brayton cycle,<ref>http://www.brighthubengineering.com/hvac/20590-comparison-of-vapor-compression-cycle-and-gas-cycle</ref> is employed by household refrigerators, home air conditioners, automobile air conditioners, and other coolant devices.  It is the most efficient refrigeration cycle currently available.

#To begin, gaseous refrigerant is compressed (by the compressor) and pushed into the condenser.  The refrigerant becomes a liquid in the condenser, which is fairly hot.  Heat is removed from the refrigerant by some kind of heat sink, usually a radiator with a fan pushing air across it, but other systems can be used, including fluid cooled systems.  

#To begin, gaseous refrigerant is compressed (by the compressor) and pushed into the condenser.   

#The refrigerant becomes a hot liquid in the condenser.  Heat is removed from the refrigerant by some kind of heat sink, usually a radiator with a fan pushing air across it, but other systems can be used, including fluid cooled systems.  

#Next, the cooled liquid is passed to an expansion valve, which reduces the pressure on the refrigerant and allows it space to convert back to a gas.

#Next, the cooled liquid is passed to an expansion valve, which reduces the pressure on the refrigerant and allows it space to convert back to a gas.

#Then, the refrigerant is moved to the evaporator, where it is converted into a gas.  This decompression consumes heat, making the surrounding area very cold.  A fan moves air (or in some cases, liquid) through the evaporator, which gives heat to the refrigerant as it changes states of matter, but also cools air (or liquid) coming from outside the system.  

#Then, the refrigerant is moved to the evaporator, where it is converted into a gas.  This decompression consumes heat, making the surrounding area very cold.  A fan moves air (or in some cases, liquid) through the evaporator, which gives heat to the refrigerant as it changes states of matter, but also cools air (or liquid) coming from outside the system.