Where is the condenser located in an A/C system?

Where is the condenser located in an A/C system?

• A. after the compressor and before the metering device or receiver dryer
• B. before the compressor
• C. after the metering device
• D. Inside the cabin

Answer: (C)

In an A/C system, the condenser sits on the high-pressure side, immediately after the compressor. Its job is to reject heat from the hot, high-pressure refrigerant and convert it from gas to a liquid. Because the metering device (expansion valve or orifice) and the evaporator require liquid refrigerant, the condenser must be located before the metering device (and before the receiver/drier in many systems). From there, the liquid refrigerant moves to the receiver/drier and then through the metering device into the evaporator, where it absorbs heat and returns as low-pressure vapor. The condenser is usually mounted outside the cabin, in front of the radiator, to maximize air flow and heat rejection.

In an A/C system, the condenser sits on the high-pressure side, immediately after the compressor. Its job is to reject heat from the hot, high-pressure refrigerant and convert it from gas to a liquid. Because the metering device (expansion valve or orifice) and the evaporator require liquid refrigerant, the condenser must be located before the metering device (and before the receiver/drier in many systems). From there, the liquid refrigerant moves to the receiver/drier and then through the metering device into the evaporator, where it absorbs heat and returns as low-pressure vapor. The condenser is usually mounted outside the cabin, in front of the radiator, to maximize air flow and heat rejection.