S14 — Condenser Water Systems (I-P)

As part of the vapor-compression cycle for mechanical refrigeration, the heat of compression produced must be rejected to complete the refrigeration cycle. Refrigerant systems may be cooled by air or water. In water-cooled systems, water flows through the condenser and is called condenser water. Condenser water systems are classified as (1) once-through systems (e.g., city water, well-water, or lake/groundwater systems), or (2) recirculating or cooling tower systems. This chapter focuses on open condenser water systems and evaporative coolers; for information on closed-loop systems used in ground-source heat pump loops, see Chapter 49 of this volume and Chapter 35 of the 2023 ASHRAE Handbook — HVAC Applications. Once-Through City Water Systems Open Cooling Tower Systems Low-Temperature (Water Economizer) Systems Closed-Circuit Evaporative Coolers Other Sources of Water Overpressure Caused by Thermal Fluid Expansion