Condensers: Types, Construction, Operation, Selection, and Sizing

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a common type of condenser used in refrigeration systems?

Accepted Answer

Plate-and-frame

Answer

Evaporative

Answer

Air-cooled

Answer

Water-cooled

Question 2

What is the primary function of a condenser in a refrigeration system?

Accepted Answer

To transfer heat from the refrigerant to the surrounding environment.

Answer

To compress the refrigerant.

Answer

To expand the refrigerant.

Answer

To evaporate the refrigerant.

Question 3

Which of the following factors is MOST important when selecting a condenser for a specific application?

Accepted Answer

Heat load

Answer

Condenser size

Answer

Evaporator capacity

Answer

Refrigerant type

Question 4

What is the primary function of a condenser fan motor in an air-cooled condenser?

Accepted Answer

To circulate air over the condenser coils.

Answer

To drive the compressor.

Answer

To pump water through the condenser.

Answer

To expand the refrigerant.

Question 5

Which of the following is a common cause of reduced condenser performance?

Accepted Answer

Dirty condenser coils

Answer

Leaking refrigerant

Answer

Undersized evaporator

Answer

Oversized condenser

Question 6

In a heat pump system, what is the primary function of the condenser during the heating mode?

Accepted Answer

To release heat into the building.

Answer

To evaporate the refrigerant.

Answer

To compress the refrigerant.

Answer

To absorb heat from the building.

Question 7

Which type of condenser relies on a fan to move air over the condenser coils?

Accepted Answer

Air-cooled condenser

Answer

Double-pipe condenser

Answer

Water-cooled condenser

Answer

Evaporative condenser

Question 8

What is the main purpose of a condenser in a refrigeration system?

Accepted Answer

To release heat from the refrigerant to the surrounding environment.

Answer

To cool the refrigerant.

Answer

To compress the refrigerant.

Question 9

Which of the following factors has the LEAST impact on the performance of an air-cooled condenser?

Accepted Answer

Relative humidity

Answer

Condenser surface area

Answer

Air temperature

Answer

Airflow rate

Question 10

What is the primary function of the expansion valve in a refrigeration system?

Accepted Answer

To regulate the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator.

Answer

To condense the refrigerant.

Answer

To evaporate the refrigerant.

Question 11

Which condenser type needs a circulating pump to function?

Accepted Answer

Water-cooled condenser

Answer

Evaporative condenser

Answer

Air-cooled condenser

Question 12

What is the purpose of fins on a condenser?

Accepted Answer

To increase the surface area for heat transfer

Answer

To prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris

Answer

To reduce the weight of the condenser

Answer

To improve the structural integrity of the condenser

Question 13

Which condenser type is most common in home air conditioning systems?

Accepted Answer

Air-cooled condenser

Answer

Refrigerant-cooled condenser

Answer

Water-cooled condenser

Answer

Evaporative condenser

Question 14

What is the primary role of a condenser in a refrigeration system?

Accepted Answer

To reject heat from the refrigerant

Answer

To expand the refrigerant

Answer

To compress the refrigerant

Answer

To absorb heat from the refrigerant

Question 15

What is the main factor determining the required condenser size for a system?

Accepted Answer

The cooling load of the system

Answer

The type of refrigerant used

Answer

The size of the compressor

Answer

The ambient temperature

Question 16

What is the function of the fan in an air-cooled condenser?

Accepted Answer

To move air across the condenser coils for heat exchange

Answer

To circulate refrigerant within the system

Answer

To cool the compressor

Answer

To reduce noise levels

Question 17

What is the key difference between a fin-and-tube and a shell-and-tube condenser?

Accepted Answer

Fin-and-tube condensers use fins to increase heat transfer area, while shell-and-tube condensers rely on a shell and tube arrangement.

Answer

Fin-and-tube condensers are for larger applications, while shell-and-tube condensers are for smaller applications.

Question 18

What is the role of a water pump in a water-cooled condenser system?

Accepted Answer

To circulate water through the condenser for heat removal

Answer

To pump refrigerant through the system

Answer

To increase the pressure in the condenser

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a common issue affecting condensers?

Accepted Answer

Overcharging of the refrigerant

Answer

Leaking refrigerant

Answer

Clogged condenser coils

Answer

Corrosion of the condenser coils

Question 20

What is the primary function of a condenser in a refrigeration system?

Accepted Answer

To release heat from the refrigerant to the surroundings

Answer

To absorb heat from the surroundings

Answer

To compress the refrigerant

Answer

To expand the refrigerant

Question 21

What is the purpose of fins on an air-cooled condenser?

Accepted Answer

To increase heat transfer surface area

Answer

To reduce air resistance

Answer

To support the condenser coils

Answer

To prevent corrosion

Question 22

What type of condenser is typically used in large-scale refrigeration systems?

Accepted Answer

Shell and tube

Answer

Evaporative

Answer

Air-cooled

Answer

Plate and frame

Question 23

What is the primary advantage of a plate and frame condenser?

Accepted Answer

Compact size

Answer

Corrosion resistance

Answer

High efficiency

Answer

Low cost

Question 24

Which of the following is a common maintenance task for condensers?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning coils

Answer

Repairing leaks

Answer

Adjusting thermostat

Answer

Replacing refrigerant

Question 25

Which of the following is the primary function of a condenser in a refrigeration system?

Accepted Answer

To remove heat from the refrigerant

Answer

To expand the refrigerant

Answer

To compress the refrigerant

Answer

To filter the refrigerant

Question 26

What is the most common type of condenser used in residential air conditioning systems?

Accepted Answer

Air-cooled condenser

Answer

Shell and tube condenser

Answer

Water-cooled condenser

Answer

Evaporative condenser

Question 27

What are the main components of an air-cooled condenser?

Accepted Answer

Coil, fins, and fan

Answer

Coil, tubes, and compressor

Answer

Tubes, fins, and expansion valve

Answer

Compressor, condenser, and evaporator

Question 28

What is the purpose of subcooling in a refrigeration system?

Accepted Answer

To remove excess heat from the liquid refrigerant

Answer

To reduce the refrigerant's temperature

Answer

To increase the refrigerant's pressure

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a consideration when selecting a condenser for a specific application?

Accepted Answer

Price

Answer

Heat load

Answer

Refrigerant type

Answer

Operating conditions

Question 30

What is the purpose of a condenser fan motor in an air-cooled condenser?

Accepted Answer

To circulate air across the condenser coil

Answer

To compress the refrigerant

Answer

To remove heat from the refrigerant

Answer

To expand the refrigerant

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a function of a condenser in a refrigeration system?

Accepted Answer

To circulate refrigerant

Answer

To increase the pressure of the refrigerant

Answer

To convert the refrigerant from a gas to a liquid

Answer

To remove heat from the refrigerant

Question 32

What is the most common type of condenser used in residential air conditioners?

Accepted Answer

Coil-on-tube condenser

Answer

Shell-and-tube condenser

Answer

Evaporative condenser

Answer

Plate-fin condenser

Question 33

Which of the following factors does NOT affect the capacity of a condenser?

Accepted Answer

Refrigerant flow rate

Answer

Condenser surface area

Answer

Air flow rate

Answer

Condensing temperature

Question 34

What is the purpose of a subcooling coil in a condenser?

Accepted Answer

To further cool the liquid refrigerant before it enters the expansion device

Answer

To increase the pressure of the liquid refrigerant

Answer

To condense the refrigerant vapor

Question 35

What is the ideal condensing temperature for a refrigeration system?

Accepted Answer

As low as possible

Answer

Equal to the ambient temperature

Answer

Equal to the evaporation temperature

Answer

As high as possible

Question 36

Which of the following is a benefit of using a microchannel condenser?

Accepted Answer

Higher heat transfer efficiency

Answer

Larger surface area

Answer

Easier to clean

Answer

Lower cost

Question 37

What is the role of the fan in a condenser?

Accepted Answer

To circulate air over the condenser coils

Answer

To cool the compressor

Answer

To compress the refrigerant

Answer

To circulate the refrigerant

Question 38

What is the purpose of a condenser in an automotive air conditioning system?

Accepted Answer

To remove heat from the refrigerant

Answer

To store the refrigerant

Answer

To circulate the refrigerant

Answer

To compress the refrigerant

Question 39

What is the primary function of a condenser in a refrigeration system?

Accepted Answer

To transfer heat from the refrigerant to the surrounding air or water.

Answer

To compress the refrigerant vapor.

Answer

To expand the refrigerant vapor.

Question 40

Which type of condenser is most commonly used in residential air conditioning systems?

Accepted Answer

Air-cooled condenser

Answer

Refrigerant-cooled condenser

Answer

Evaporative condenser

Answer

Water-cooled condenser

Question 41

What is the primary advantage of using a water-cooled condenser compared to an air-cooled condenser?

Accepted Answer

Higher heat rejection capacity.

Answer

Smaller size.

Answer

Lower operating costs.

Answer

Less noise.

Question 42

Which component of a condenser is responsible for increasing the surface area for heat transfer?

Accepted Answer

Finned tubing

Answer

Compressor

Answer

Expansion valve

Answer

Evaporator

Question 43

What is the primary factor that influences the size of a condenser required for a specific application?

Accepted Answer

Cooling capacity of the system.

Answer

Ambient temperature.

Answer

Compressor power.

Answer

Refrigerant type.

Question 44

How does a fan assist in the operation of an air-cooled condenser?

Accepted Answer

By forcing air across the condenser coils to remove heat.

Answer

By regulating the refrigerant flow.

Answer

By pressurizing the refrigerant.

Question 45

What is the purpose of a condenser water pump in a water-cooled system?

Accepted Answer

To circulate cooling water through the condenser.

Answer

To regulate the water pressure.

Answer

To heat the water.

Answer

To filter the water.

Question 46

What happens to the refrigerant as it passes through the condenser?

Accepted Answer

It changes from a vapor to a liquid.

Answer

It changes from a liquid to a vapor.

Answer

Its pressure increases.

Question 47

What is the primary cause of a condenser becoming clogged with dirt and debris?

Accepted Answer

Neglecting regular maintenance and cleaning.

Answer

High ambient temperatures.

Answer

Improper installation.

Answer

Excessive refrigerant flow.

Question 48

You are troubleshooting a refrigeration system and notice that the condenser is running significantly hotter than normal. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Airflow restriction through the condenser coils.

Answer

Expansion valve failure.

Answer

Compressor malfunction.

Answer

Low refrigerant charge.

Question 49

What is the primary function of a condenser in a refrigeration system?

Accepted Answer

To release heat from the refrigerant.

Answer

To change the refrigerant from a gas to a liquid.

Answer

To regulate the flow of refrigerant.

Answer

To absorb heat from the refrigerant.

Question 50

Which of the following factors should be considered when selecting a condenser for a specific application?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

Heat rejection capacity

Answer

Space availability

Answer

Operating temperature

Question 51

What is the purpose of fins on an air-cooled condenser?

Accepted Answer

To increase the surface area for heat transfer.

Answer

To reduce the weight of the condenser.

Answer

To improve the appearance of the condenser.

Answer

To prevent corrosion.

Question 52

Which type of condenser is most commonly used in residential central air conditioning systems?

Accepted Answer

Air-cooled condenser

Answer

Evaporative condenser

Answer

Water-cooled condenser

Answer

Shell-and-tube condenser

Question 53

What is the optimal temperature range for the condenser of a refrigeration system?

Accepted Answer

10-15°C

Answer

5-10°C

Answer

20-25°C

Answer

15-20°C

Question 54

What is the purpose of a liquid-line filter in a refrigeration system with a condenser?

Accepted Answer

To remove contaminants from the refrigerant.

Answer

To lubricate the compressor.

Answer

To prevent the condenser from freezing.

Answer

To adjust the pressure of the refrigerant.

Question 55

Which of the following is a sign of a dirty or clogged condenser?

Accepted Answer

High head pressure

Answer

High suction pressure

Answer

Low suction pressure

Answer

Low head pressure

Question 56

What is the most common cause of condenser failure?

Accepted Answer

Corrosion

Answer

Mechanical damage

Answer

Electrical failure

Answer

Overheating

Question 57

What is the purpose of a condenser fan motor?

Accepted Answer

To circulate air across the condenser coils.

Answer

To pump refrigerant through the condenser.

Answer

To prevent the condenser from overheating.

Answer

To control the temperature of the condenser.