The vapor compression cycle is “where the magic happens” in a cooling or refrigeration system. Refrigerants of choice have changed over the years, but the compressor itself has been helping to pull that heat transfer rabbit out of the hat ever since American inventor Jacob Perkins received the first patent for his system in 1834.
Around 20 years later, Australian newspaper printer James Harrison observed that his metal type equipment was always cold upon cleaning them with ether. A bright idea ensued.