Describe the working principle of a heat pump a... - SS2 Physics Heat and Thermodynamics Question

A heat pump is a device that operates on the same principles as a refrigerator but with a different purpose. It extracts heat from a low-temperature source (such as the outdoor environment) and transfers it to a high-temperature reservoir (such as a building interior). The working principle of a heat pump involves the same components as a refrigerator: compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. However, the roles of the components are reversed compared to a refrigerator. In a heat pump, the evaporator absorbs heat from the surroundings, and the condenser releases heat to the high-temperature reservoir. The heat pump's objective is to provide heating to a space rather than cooling it, making it a versatile and energy-efficient solution for space heating. In essence, a heat pump can be considered a reversible refrigerator, capable of both cooling and heating.