What is Water Cooled Condenser? Explanation & Types

Here, the cooling medium used is water. Water cooled condensers are designed for condensing temperature of 6°C to 15°C above the temperature of entering water. These condensers are used in large capacity refrigerating plants, such as, cold storages, ice plants and large air conditioning installations. These are most suitable, where adequate supply of clean water is available. There are two systems, by which, cooling water is supplied to the condenser. These systems are:

1. Waste water system
2. Re-circulated water system.

 Waste water system

The water is taken from municipality water supply system and is disposed off in sewer, after circulating it in the condenser. This system is only adopted, at the places, where supply of water is quite cheap and its disposal is not objectionable.

Re-circulated water system

The water coming out of the condenser is not disposed off as a waste. It is circulated again and again after cooling it every time with the help of spray ponds or cool ng towers. This system is adopted in places, where limited quantity of water is available.

Types of Water Cooled Condenser

According to construction, the water cooled condenser may be classified into the following three groups:

1. Shell and tube type,
2. Shell and coil type,
3. Double tube or pipe type.

Advantages of Water Cooled Condensers

1. High heat transfer capacity.
2. Useful for high capacity installations.
3. It operates quietly (less noisy operation).
4. Any refrigeration system using this condenser has higher COP.

Disadvantages of Water Cooled Condenser

1. The water cooled condenser requires cooling tower, since less quantity of water is available in municipality area and water has to be recycled.
2. Water taken from lakes and rivers for cooling purpose cannot be thrown back in warm state, since it affects the marine life adversely.
3. High capital cost and maintenance cost.
4. Use of water leads to severe fouling problem of heat exchange surfaces.

Applications of Water Cooled Condensers

1. Cold storage.
2. Ice plants.
3. Freezers having large refrigeration capacity.
4. Large refrigeration capacity air conditioning installations.