3.3.2.Factors Affecting the Condenser Capacity

Unit 3 - Parts of refrigeration systems

3.3.2.Factors Affecting the Condenser Capacity
The condenser capacity is the ability of the condenser to transfer heat from the hot vapour refrigerant to the condensing medium. The heat transfer capacity of a condenser depends upon the following factor.
Material
Different materials have different abilities of heat transfer, therefore the size of a condenser of a given capacity can be varied by selecting the right material. It may be noted that higher the ability of a material to transfer heat, the smaller will be the size of condenser.
Amount of contact
The condenser capacity may be varied by controlling the amount of contact between the condenser surface and the condensing medium This can be done by varying the surface area of the condenser and the rate of flow of the condensing medium over the condenser surface. The amount of liquid refrigerant level in the condenser also affects the amount of contact between the vapour refrigerant and the condensing medium.
Temperature Difference
The heat transfer capacity of a condenser greatly depends upon the temperature difference between the condensing medium and the vapour refrigerant. As the temperature difference increases, the heat transfers rate increases and therefore the condenser capacity increases.
Last modified: Monday, 22 August 2011, 10:32 AM