How does the refrigeration cycle work?

A refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration circuit – the heart of the heat pump – which is either liquid or gaseous depending on the temperature and pressure conditions. This refrigerant absorbs the energy supplied from the air, ground or water. In the refrigeration circuit, this temperature is further increased by pressure and finally transferred to the heating system.
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  1. Evaporator
    Absorption of heat from the air, ground or water. The refrigerant, which is initially liquid, evaporates and becomes gaseous.

  2. Compressor
    The refrigerant is compressed and heats itself up. It gets into a gaseous state here.

  3. Condenser
    The refrigerant liquefies. The energy (heat) is transferred to the heating system (radiators, underfloor heating pipes). 

  4. Expansion valve
    Here, the pressure is reduced and the refrigerant cools down.