Illustration 1 | g02255154 |
(1) Condenser
(2) Receiver-dryer (3) Compressor |
The refrigerant condenser function is to act as a heat exchanger and allow heat to flow from the hot refrigerant to the cooler outside air.
When the refrigerant leaves compressor (3), the refrigerant pressure is increased. The increased pressure of the refrigerant causes an increase in temperature of the refrigerant. Since the temperature of the refrigerant is high and the pressure of the refrigerant is high, the refrigerant leaves the compressor as a vapor. The refrigerant vapor enters condenser (1).
The refrigerant vapor must be converted into a liquid in order to increase the efficiency of the air conditioning system. In order to convert the refrigerant vapor into a liquid, the refrigerant must lose heat. As the high temperature, high-pressure refrigerant vapor passes through the condenser, the condenser fins absorb heat from the refrigerant vapor. The condenser fins transfer the heat efficiently to the outside air.
The temperature of the refrigerant and the pressure of the refrigerant decrease until the temperature of saturation is reached. When the temperature of the refrigerant vapor is equal to the temperature of saturation, the refrigerant becomes a high temperature, high-pressure liquid. The temperature of saturation of the refrigerant depends on the pressure of the refrigerant. When the refrigerant is converted into a liquid, the refrigerant leaves the condenser and flows to receiver-dryer (2).
If the refrigerant is not cooled enough, the air inside the cab at the evaporator coil will not be cooled sufficiently. In order to prevent this situation, good ventilation must be provided. The condenser is in a location that is exposed to outside air. This location will make cooling the refrigerant more efficient.