What role do heat exchangers play in the air-cycle cooling system?

Heat exchangers are crucial components in the air-cycle cooling system as they function to absorb and release heat, thereby regulating the temperature of the air within the system. This process involves transferring heat from the warmer air that needs to be cooled to the cooler surrounding air, maintaining optimal operating temperatures for the aircraft's systems.

In air-cycle cooling systems, this heat exchange facilitates efficient cooling, particularly in areas such as cabin temperature control and equipment cooling. By maximizing heat transfer, heat exchangers help ensure that the system operates within the necessary thermal limits, protecting sensitive components and enhancing overall efficiency. This function is especially important in aviation, where maintaining appropriate temperature ranges is critical for safety and performance during flight.

The other aspects mentioned, such as compressing air or generating high-pressure air, are functions associated with different components of the system and do not accurately reflect the primary role of heat exchangers within the air-cycle cooling framework.