Using a condenser to cool down the incoming refrigerant gas in a refrigeration cycle is not practical or efficient for several reasons:
Heat transfer efficiency: Water has a much higher heat transfer coefficient compared to air. This means that water can absorb heat more effectively than air. Cooling the refrigerant gas using cold water allows for efficient heat transfer, resulting in faster and more effective cooling.
Temperature control: The use of cold water allows for precise temperature control in the condenser. By adjusting the flow rate and temperature of the water, it is possible to maintain the desired condensing temperature. In contrast, using air as a cooling medium would provide less control over the condensing temperature, which could affect the overall performance of the refrigeration cycle.
Thermal capacity: Water has a higher thermal capacity than air, meaning it can absorb more heat energy per unit volume. This higher thermal capacity enables water to remove larger amounts of heat from the refrigerant gas, leading to more efficient cooling.
Size and cost considerations: To achieve efficient cooling using air, a large condenser surface area would be required due to the lower heat transfer capabilities of air. This would result in a larger and more expensive condenser. Using water as a cooling medium allows for smaller condenser sizes, reducing equipment and installation costs.
Environmental considerations: Water is a readily available and environmentally friendly cooling medium. It can be easily sourced and reused within a closed-loop system, reducing water wastage. In contrast, using air as a cooling medium would require significant amounts of energy to generate cold air, resulting in higher energy consumption and potentially increased environmental impact.
Overall, using cold water in a condenser is the preferred method in most refrigeration cycles due to its superior heat transfer properties, precise temperature control, higher thermal capacity, cost-effectiveness, and environmental advantages.