What does Condensation refer to in air conditioning systems?

Condensation in air conditioning systems refers to the process where water vapor in the air turns into liquid water when it comes into contact with a surface that is below the dew point temperature. This process is critical for the removal of humidity from the air, thereby improving comfort levels indoors. The condenser plays a significant role in this context because it is the component of the air conditioning system that expels heat absorbed from the indoor air to the outside environment.

In cooling systems, as the refrigerant circulates through the condenser, it releases heat, which causes the moisture in the air to condense on cold surfaces, such as cooling coils. This is why the condenser is inherently associated with the condensation process – it facilitates the cooling cycle and helps manage the humidity levels within the enclosed space.

While other components, such as air handling units (AHUs) and fan coil units (FCUs), contribute to the overall functioning of air conditioning by circulating conditioned air, and while cooling coils might facilitate condensation as well, it is the condenser that is primarily responsible for the heat exchange process leading to the condensation of moisture. Thus, identifying condensation directly with the condenser is justified in the context of air conditioning systems.