What process occurs at the evaporator in a refrigeration system?

In a refrigeration system, the evaporator plays a crucial role in the heat exchange process. It absorbs heat from the environment or the area being cooled. This absorption of heat occurs as the refrigerant inside the evaporator coil evaporates from a liquid state to a gaseous state. As the refrigerant changes state, it takes in heat from the surroundings, effectively lowering the temperature of the space being cooled. This process is fundamental to refrigeration, as it allows for the removal of heat, which is essential for cooling applications.

The other options relate to functions that do not represent the primary role of the evaporator. Controlling flow pertains more to components like expansion valves, storing refrigerant refers to the roles of the receiver or accumulator in the system, and rejecting heat is a function of the condenser, where the refrigerant releases the absorbed heat to the outside environment.