What is the main function of a compressor in a mobile AC system?

The main function of a compressor in a mobile AC system is to compress refrigerant and circulate it through the system. This is crucial because the compressor increases the pressure of the refrigerant, which allows it to flow through the system and undergo the necessary phase changes to absorb and release heat.

In the air conditioning cycle, the compressor plays a vital role in moving the refrigerant from the evaporator, where it absorbs heat from the cabin air, to the condenser, where it releases that heat to the outside environment. By compressing the refrigerant, the compressor also raises its temperature, making it effective in transferring heat. This cycle is what enables the AC system to cool the air inside the vehicle effectively.

The other options, while related to the overall operation of the AC system, do not reflect the primary role of the compressor. Cooling the air is a result of the entire system working together, moisture removal is typically managed by a different component known as the accumulator or receiver-drier, and filtering contaminants is handled by the receiver-drier or inline filters in the system, not the compressor itself. Thus, the compressor's primary function centers on compressing and circulating refrigerant to maintain the cooling cycle.