Question

A company is about to establish an industrial refrigeration plant in an area where there is difficulty in accessing large quantities of water. During the design process of the refrigeration plant, you have been tasked to select a suitable condenser for application considering factors such as maintenance, cost,efficiency, effectiveness and size. What type of condenser will you select and why?

Answer 1

An air-cooled condenser is best for an area with limited water supply, as it is maintenance-friendly, cost-effective, and efficient without needing a large water supply.

Step-by-step explanation:

When selecting a suitable condenser for an industrial refrigeration plant in an area with limited water supply, the best option to consider would be an air-cooled condenser. Air-cooled condensers do not require a large supply of water, which makes them ideal for locations with water scarcity. They function by transferring heat from the refrigerant to the air that is blown over it by fans.

These types of condensers offer ease of maintenance and have lower operational costs compared to water-cooled systems, which require a consistent and often costly water supply, as well as more complex maintenance due to scaling and corrosion issues. Additionally, air-cooled systems can efficiently remove heat despite the higher temperature differences between the condensing temperature and the ambient air temperature. Considering the size, while air-cooled condensers may require more space compared to water-cooled counterparts, their effectiveness and the avoidance of water treatment facilities often justify their footprint in situations where water is a constraint.