Which aspect of refrigeration compressor operation does the term "piston displacement" refer to?

The term "piston displacement" specifically refers to the volume of refrigerant that is moved by the compressor during each cycle. In a refrigeration compressor, the piston's movement creates a change in volume within the cylinder, allowing it to compress the refrigerant gas and push it out into the system. This volume is crucial for determining the capacity of the compressor — essentially indicating how much refrigerant can be processed in a given amount of time.

Understanding piston displacement is important for assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of a refrigeration system. A compressor with a higher displacement will typically be able to move more refrigerant, potentially resulting in better cooling performance. It is a key factor in sizing compressors for specific applications, ensuring that they can meet the cooling load requirements effectively.