The function of the condenser is to transfer heat from the high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant to the outside air.
In light vehicle applications it is normally positioned in front of the radiator where it is exposed to maximum ram air flow when the vehicle is in motion.
The air flow is assisted by the engine cooling fan or by an auxiliary electric fan and these must create sufficient air flow when the vehicle is stationary.
The condenser is usually made as a continuous coil of thin tube meshed with a compact series of fins surrounding it.
The fins increase the surface area available to maximize the amount of heat transferred from the refrigerant to the outside air.
The evaporator is mounted in the passenger compartment and is positioned so that air from the cabin interior can be passed across its external surface.
It is normally constructed of aluminum tube with fins attached to increase the surface area. This maximizes the rate of heat removal from the air.
