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Types of Condensers

How a condenser rejects heat depends on its type. The three main types are:

1. Water-Cooled Condenser:
   1. How it works: Uses water from a cooling tower to absorb heat from the refrigerant. The warm water is then pumped to the cooling tower where it is cooled by evaporation before being recirculated.
   1. Advantages: Much more efficient and quieter than air-cooled. Allows for a more compact chiller design. Used in large commercial and industrial applications.
   1. Disadvantages: Requires a cooling tower, water treatment, and more maintenance.
2. Air-Cooled Condenser:
   1. How it works: Uses ambient air to absorb heat from the refrigerant. A large fan blows air across the condenser coils, much like a car radiator.
   1. Advantages: Simpler installation, no water usage or cooling tower required. Lower maintenance.

Disadvantages: Less efficient, especially on hot days. Larger physical size and noisier due to the fans. Common in smaller commercial applications or where water is scarce

1. Evaporative Condenser:
   1. How it works: A hybrid of the two. It sprays water directly over the condenser coils while a fan simultaneously pulls air through them. The heat rejection is achieved primarily through the evaporation of that water, which is very efficient.
   1. Advantages: Very high efficiency. More compact than an air-cooled system for the same capacity.
   1. Disadvantages: Requires water treatment and more maintenance than a pure air-cooled system. Risk of freezing in cold climates.