The capacity of an evaporative condenser primarily depends on which factor?

The capacity of an evaporative condenser is primarily influenced by the wet bulb temperature of the entering air. This is because the wet bulb temperature reflects the amount of moisture in the air and its ability to absorb heat through evaporation. In an evaporative condenser, the process relies on the evaporation of water to cool the refrigerant.

As air with a lower wet bulb temperature passes over the condenser coils, it can facilitate more efficient heat transfer from the refrigerant to the air, increasing the condenser’s cooling capacity. Conversely, a higher wet bulb temperature indicates higher moisture content in the air, which results in a decreased ability for the system to absorb heat, thus reducing overall capacity.

While other factors, such as the dry bulb temperature, pressure of the refrigerant, and flow rate of water, can play a role in system efficiency and operation, the wet bulb temperature is the most critical factor determining the capacity of an evaporative condenser. This sensitivity to humidity levels is what ultimately governs the condenser's performance in real operating conditions.