​Where And How To Install The Condensing Unit?

Condensing units are common temperature control devices found in refrigerators, air conditioners, heat pumps, and chillers. They move energy in the form of heat by compressing a gas called "refrigerant", which is then pumped into a coil system and uses the air around the coil to heat and cool the space. Electronic controls, fans, pumps, and coils manage the work of the condensers.

Condensing units ensure practicality, especially for commercial and industrial facilities. In addition to being versatile, they offer safety and excellent performance.

What is a condensing unit?

A condensing unit is a group of components responsible for compressing and cooling the refrigerant fluid, performing heat exchange, and facilitating cooling of the indoor unit. The condensing unit is installed on the high-pressure side of the system and consists of interconnected compressors, condensers, and fans. A unit may contain additional items such as a liquid tank, filter drier, service valve, protective grille, and evaporation pan. The condensing unit is easy to apply and reduces installation time and maintenance costs of the refrigeration system. It provides the flexibility and high performance required for refrigeration projects.

 Copeland Air-cooled Hermetic Compressor Unit          

Applications of Condensing unit applications

Different condensing unit models are available in various sizes. They are suitable for high, medium, and low evaporative temperatures and range from small applications that can be used for residential use to large applications for industrial and manufacturing plants. The most common applications of condensing units include freezers, display cabinets, water dispensers, commercial refrigerators, hospitals, and restaurants.

Where And How To Install The Condensing Unit?

In refrigeration systems, the condensing unit is separate from the freezer. For air conditioners, it can be located on the outside of the room, where external ventilation helps to cool the refrigerant fluid passing through the interior of the system. In addition to this, the unit is isolated from the external environment and the noise is hardly perceived by the occupants of the internal environment.

Air Cooled Piston Condensing Unit          

A number of precautions must be taken by the contractor at the time of installation.

The condensing unit must be installed in a ventilated environment that allows fresh air to flow into the condenser. Therefore, avoid enclosed areas, close to walls, heat sources, or other systems. 

If installed in an enclosed environment, make sure that the condensing unit will receive fresh air at the condenser inlet and have a clear outlet for hot air. Also avoid areas where sunlight, dust, rain, and strong drafts occur, which can interfere with the proper operation of the unit.

Choose a solid, durable surface to mount the unit on and avoid irregular, uneven areas or soft surfaces.

Condensing units should not be located away from the cold part of the cycle (evaporator) to avoid pressure loss in the piping, which can reduce efficiency. In addition, piping away from the system may accumulate and stagnate oil, which can damage the compressor. Therefore, it is recommended to use the simplest and shortest piping possible.

Avoid placing the condenser unit above or below the evaporator height.