How does an evaporative condenser operate?

An evaporative condenser operates by utilizing water to cool and condense refrigerant vapor through the process of evaporation. In this system, warm refrigerant vapor enters the condenser, where it is cooled by air passing over it. At the same time, water is sprayed or trickled over the condensing coils.

As the warm refrigerant vapor comes into contact with the cooler water, the water absorbs heat from the refrigerant. Some of the water evaporates, which further cools the remaining water and enhances the efficiency of the heat exchange process. This combined action results in the refrigerant vapor condensing into liquid form as it loses heat to the water that is evaporating. The efficiency is enhanced because evaporation requires energy, which draws more heat from the refrigerant.

This method of cooling is more efficient in certain climates than traditional air-cooled systems, leading to lower operating costs. It is particularly useful in large industrial applications where efficient heat rejection is crucial.

The other options do not correctly describe the function of an evaporative condenser. Steam is not used in the condensation process (which negates the first choice), electrical cooling systems are different from the evaporative cooling mechanism discussed (thus ruling out the third option), and the process does not involve mechanical energy