WD Catalog 2018

4-10

Chapter 4

– Air Conditioner Components

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Table of Contents

Index

Refrigerant flows through the condenser tubing from top to bottom. The fit-

tings are located for convenience of assembly. As hot refrigerant gas from the

compressor moves through the condenser tubing, it gives up heat energy to the

outside air stream. The refrigerant gas becomes cooler and at the right tem-

perature and pressure will “change state” in the condenser and become a

liquid. This change usually takes place in the bottom third of the condenser.

Condenser function requires the movement of a large amount of air between

the condenser fins. The air passing through the fins absorbs BTU’s of heat

energy from the hot, high pressure refrigerant gas inside the condenser. Engine

radiator or auxiliary fans must work properly and the condenser fins must be

kept clear of debris or obstructions for efficient condenser function. Figure 4-7

shows several types of condensers.

Note:

When refrigerant gas gives up heat to the outside air

and becomes a liquid inside the condenser—

it is still

hot

. Review the graph (Figure 4-2) for a moment and

note how hot the condenser temperature can be when

the refrigerant gas changes to a liquid inside the

condenser.

Most condensers are mounted in front of the radiator and attached to radiator

supports or the hood assembly. This location is the least costly for several

reasons: the engine cooling fan eliminates the need for a separate condenser

motor/fan assembly; the refrigerant hose to and from the condenser can be

shorter; and the condenser is better protected from the weather.

A Grilldenser is a condenser design that takes the place of a decorative non-

functional grill in front of the radiator.

Remote mounted condensers (such as roof mounts) are normally used when

there is no room for front mounting. Other reasons for remote mounted con-

densers are:

• A lack of room between the radiator and grill

• Critical engine cooling requirements

• Use of a radiator mounted air-to-air intercooler

• Insufficient airflow on off-highway equipment, pick-up or delivery

vehicles

RED DOT GRILLDENSER

(CONDENSER REPLACES

GRILL)

SERPENTINE CONDENSER

(RADIATOR MOUNT)

TUBE AND FIND CONDENSER

(REMOTE MOUNT TYPE)

Figure 4-7

These condenser types are

explained in the illustra-

tions. The typical behind

the grill condenser, a re-

mote mounted unit and a

Grilldenser.