The refrigerant condenser
In the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant releases its heat in the condenser. Different designs and systems are used in everyday life.
The refrigerant condenser is an important component in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Its main task is to transfer the heat absorbed by the system to its surroundings. The condenser adjusts and regulates the condensation pressure in the refrigeration cycle. Depending on how much or how little heat is released to the surroundings, the condensation pressure of the refrigeration and air conditioning system is established on the high-pressure side.
Heat exchange takes place through a heat exchanger. From an energy perspective, it is beneficial to utilize the waste heat here.
– Keywords: heat recovery or heat pump –
Heat transport within the refrigeration and air conditioning system is carried out by a refrigerant.
– The refrigerant –
In the condenser, the refrigerant is transformed from a gaseous to a liquid state through heat dissipation. There are thermodynamically three zones in the condenser:
- De-superheating zone
- Condensing zone
- Subcooling zone
In the condensing zone, one could also speak of condensation, which is why the refrigerant condenser is also referred to as a condenser.
construction types
The condenser is available in different operating modes and designs. Depending on the on-site installation conditions, the capacity of the refrigeration system, and the application, an individual assessment and appropriate selection of the design are necessary for each refrigeration and air conditioning system.
AIR-COOLED CONDENSERS
Air-cooled condensers with finned heat exchangers are the most common.
They consist of a block with a tube system to which fins are attached or pushed onto. The tubes are usually internally ribbed. All of this increases the heat transfer surface area and ensures smaller dimensions of the condenser itself. Heat dissipation to the ambient air is achieved through dry heat exchange surfaces using fans or natural convection.
Air-cooled condensers are available in the following configurations:
- Vertical
- Horizontal
- V-shaped
- Directly in the ventilation duct
