Which statement best describes the condenser inlet state?

Which statement best describes the condenser inlet state?

• A. High pressure/highly superheated vapor
• B. Low pressure vapor
• C. Liquid
• D. Low pressure liquid

Answer: (D)

In a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant entering the condenser is high-pressure vapor, often superheated. The compressor raises both the pressure and temperature of the vapor, so by the time it reaches the condenser it remains in the vapor phase (typically above its saturation temperature for that pressure). The condenser’s job is to reject heat and condense that vapor into a high-pressure liquid. Therefore the inlet state is high-pressure vapor (often superheated), not liquid or low-pressure. Liquid would appear after condensation, and low-pressure states occur on the evaporator/expansion side.

In a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant entering the condenser is high-pressure vapor, often superheated. The compressor raises both the pressure and temperature of the vapor, so by the time it reaches the condenser it remains in the vapor phase (typically above its saturation temperature for that pressure). The condenser’s job is to reject heat and condense that vapor into a high-pressure liquid. Therefore the inlet state is high-pressure vapor (often superheated), not liquid or low-pressure. Liquid would appear after condensation, and low-pressure states occur on the evaporator/expansion side.