Which defrost process converts the evaporator into a condenser?

The defrost process that converts the evaporator into a condenser is known as gas defrost. In this method, a refrigerant gas is redirected from the compressor to the evaporator. This process employs the refrigerant in a reversed flow, enabling the evaporator to release heat instead of absorbing it. As a result, the evaporator temporarily operates like a condenser, transferring heat away and facilitating the defrosting of ice or frost that has accumulated on the evaporator coils.

Gas defrost is particularly effective in maintaining efficient operation in refrigeration systems and is often used in commercial applications where frequent or heavy frost buildup can occur. The other defrost methods, while effective in their own ways, do not involve this conversion of the evaporator into a condenser. Air defrost relies on ambient air to melt the frost, electric defrost uses heating elements, and water defrost employs warm water to clear the coils, none of which directly change the operational role of the evaporator to that of a condenser.