The capacity of an evaporative condenser is influenced by what factor?

The capacity of an evaporative condenser is predominantly influenced by the wet-bulb temperature of the entering air. This is because the wet-bulb temperature accounts for the effects of both temperature and humidity, reflecting the cooling potential of the air.

In an evaporative condenser, the refrigerant is cooled through the evaporation of water, where the heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the water. The lower the wet-bulb temperature, the greater the potential for cooling, as this indicates that the air can absorb more moisture and allows for more effective heat exchange. Therefore, a lower wet-bulb temperature enhances the cooling capacity of the evaporative condenser, leading to improved efficiency in heat removal from the refrigerant.

This relationship is critical in the design and operation of such systems, where maximizing efficiency and cooling capacity is important, particularly in warmer climates or during periods of high ambient temperatures.