The condensing temperature of refrigerant in a water cooled condenser is typically how much higher than the leaving water?

In a water-cooled condenser, the condensing temperature of the refrigerant is generally around 10°F higher than the temperature of the leaving water. This small temperature differential is essential for efficient heat transfer. The condenser operates by rejecting heat from the refrigerant to the incoming water, and maintaining a relatively close temperature difference allows for effective cooling of the refrigerant.

A 10°F temperature difference is ideal in providing sufficient capacity for the water to absorb the heat from the refrigerant while not exhausting excessive energy in the process. This efficiency is crucial for the overall performance of HVAC systems, as larger temperature differences could indicate a system underperforming or struggling to reject heat.

Higher temperature differences, such as 30°F, 75°F, or 100°F, could suggest inadequate cooling capacity, potential issues within the system, or unsatisfactory heat exchange between the refrigerant and the water. Therefore, the typical condensing temperature being around 10°F higher is a standard benchmark in the industry.