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What prevents excessive compressor air pressure from building up?

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Final answer:

Excessive air pressure in a compressor is managed by including safety mechanisms like pressure-reducing valves, which allow the compressed gas to expand and cool, thus lowering the pressure before it circulates back into the system.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prevent excessive compressor air pressure from building up, systems often incorporate pressure-reducing valves and other safety mechanisms. For example, when an electrically driven compressor inputs work (W), it raises the temperature and pressure of a gas. That gas is then forced into the condenser coils within a heated space. Due to the higher temperature of the gas compared to the room, heat transfer occurs, and the gas condenses into a liquid. This liquid passes through a pressure-reducing valve before returning to the evaporator coils outdoors, where it is cooled through expansion.

In various applications, from HVAC systems to vehicle tires, maintaining the proper air pressure is crucial for efficiency and safety. Devices like pressure relief valves or burst discs are used to release excess pressure and prevent the risk of explosion or damage. Similarly, maintaining the recommended tire pressure in vehicles ensures optimal performance and safety while driving.

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