Final answer:
In a water-cooled condenser, water is used to cool the refrigerant, causing it to condense from a gas to a liquid as it releases heat to the surrounding space.
Step-by-step explanation:
When using a water-cooled condenser, the role of the water is to cool the refrigerant. The process involves an electrically driven compressor that raises the temperature and pressure of a gaseous refrigerant, which is then forced into the condenser coils. Within these coils, the hot gas releases its heat to the surrounding space and, with the help of the cooling water, condenses to a liquid. Subsequently, the now-liquid refrigerant passes through a pressure-reducing valve and onto the outdoor evaporator coils, where it is cooled further through expansion. In a cooling cycle, the evaporator and condenser coils switch functions and the fluid flow direction is reversed.