In which section does the low side of the refrigeration cycle begin?

The beginning of the low side of the refrigeration cycle is at the expansion valve. This component is crucial as it allows the refrigerant to expand and drop in pressure, which is essential for the refrigeration process. When the refrigerant leaves the expansion valve, it enters the evaporator as a low-pressure mixture, which facilitates the absorption of heat from the environment into the refrigerant.

Understanding the refrigeration cycle is vital; the low side operates under lower pressures compared to the high side, which begins after the compressor. The expansion valve effectively transitions the refrigerant from a higher-pressure state after it has exited the condenser, setting the stage for the refrigeration effect. Hence, the correct identification of the low side's beginning at the expansion valve is fundamental to understanding how refrigeration systems operate effectively.