Refrigeration is the process of transferring heat from a space or substance to another place to reduce the temperature and keep it at a lower level. This is accomplished by removing heat from one area through a process of evaporation or compression and then releasing that heat in another area.

Refrigeration is used in a wide range of applications, from food preservation and pharmaceutical manufacturing to air conditioning in buildings and cooling of electronic equipment. Refrigeration systems use different types of refrigerants, which are substances that absorb heat from the air or the surface in contact with them and vaporize, then condense again to release that heat.

The refrigeration process is carried out through a thermodynamic cycle that includes several components, such as the compressor, the evaporator, the condenser and the expansion device. Refrigeration systems are also classified based on their cooling capacity, from small systems used in homes and offices to industrial systems used in large manufacturing facilities.

In summary, refrigeration is an essential process for human comfort and safety, as well as for the production and manufacture of goods and services, and its development has been fundamental in the evolution of modern technology.