What is the purpose of a condenser in a refrigeration system?

The purpose of a condenser in a refrigeration system is to remove latent and sensible heat from the refrigerant. In this component of the system, the refrigerant, which is typically in a gaseous state after passing through the compressor, enters the condenser and gets cooled down. As the refrigerant loses heat to the surrounding air (or water), it transitions from a vapor to a liquid state—this process involves both the removal of sensible heat (the heat that causes a temperature change) and latent heat (the heat removed during phase changes, such as vapor to liquid).

By effectively facilitating this heat exchange process, the condenser plays a crucial role in ensuring the overall efficiency and function of the refrigeration system. This phase change is necessary for the refrigeration cycle to continue, allowing the refrigerant to be pumped back into the evaporator as a low-pressure liquid, where it will absorb heat again from the environment being cooled. Thus, the condenser is vital in maintaining the cycle of refrigeration by performing the heat removal function essential for refrigerant transformation.