Final answer:
The scroll compressor compresses refrigerant gas by using two interleaved scrolls that gradually reduce the volume between them, causing the gas to be compressed. It raises the temperature and pressure of the gas, which allows it to flow through the condenser coils and release heat to the surroundings, causing the gas to condense into a liquid.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scroll compressor is a type of compressor commonly used in refrigeration systems. It works by compressing refrigerant gas through the use of two interleaved scrolls, or spiral-shaped plates. As the compressor rotates, the gas is drawn into the outer scrolls and trapped between them. As the compressor continues to rotate, the gas is gradually compressed and forced towards the center of the scrolls, where it is discharged at a higher pressure. This process results in the compression of the refrigerant gas, which raises its temperature and pressure.
One way to understand how the scroll compressor works is by comparing it to a pair of interlocking gears. As the gears rotate, the spaces between them decrease, causing the gas to be compressed. Similarly, in a scroll compressor, the scrolls rotate in a way that gradually reduces the volume between them, resulting in compression of the gas.