What two mediums are used for condensing refrigerant?

The use of air and water as mediums for condensing refrigerant is fundamentally based on their thermal properties and availability. When refrigerants pass through the condenser, they release heat absorbed from the evaporator, turning from a vapor to a liquid state.

Air-cooled condensers rely on atmospheric air to dissipate this heat. They have fans that draw ambient air over the condenser coils, allowing the heat to transfer from the refrigerant to the air, effectively condensing the refrigerant. This method is commonly used in smaller systems and in locations where water is scarce or expensive.

Water-cooled condensers, on the other hand, utilize water as a more efficient heat transfer medium. Water absorbs heat from the refrigerant and is often circulated through a cooling tower or another heat exchange system. This setup is generally more efficient than air cooling because water has a higher heat capacity and can remove heat more effectively.

The combination of these two cooling methods allows for flexibility and efficiency in various refrigeration systems, depending on the specific application and environmental conditions.