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Condenser
Cooling fan
Heat is expelled from the condenser.
A phase change occurs.
Replacement:
In the event of an accident, impact or leak,
the condenser must be replaced.
The most common problems with condensers are:
g
perforation due to impacts or corrosion
g
fins clogged or damaged by insects, soiling or
high-pressure cleaners
g
Leaks from the inlet and outlet couplings
g
insufficient performance caused by adaptable
products
Operation:
Refrigerant side
1. upstream of the condenser, the vapour
discharged by the compressor enters at:
g
High temperature (from 60°C to 120°C)
g
High pressure (from 10 to 20 bars)
2. in the condenser, the refrigerant fluid yields
its heat in the following processes:
g
Desuperheating (drop of 20°C to 30°C)
g
Condensation (liquefaction of the vapour at
constant temperature and pressure)
g
Subcooling (liquid saturated with a drop of 5°C
to 10°C) relative to the condensation tempera-
ture
3. downstream of the condenser, the refrigerant
is in the liquid phase, at:
g
Medium temperature (from 45°C to 55°C)
g
High pressure (from 9 to 20 bars)
Air side
1. upstream of the condenser, the incoming air is
tepid (from 20°C to 35°C).
2. in the condenser, the air stream gradually heats
up by absorbing the heat yielded by the refrigerant
fluid.
3. downstream of the condenser, the outgoing air
is warmer than the incoming air (from 50°C to 65°C).
11. The components
of the A/C Loop
The condenser