Which factor would have the least effect on the capacity of a water cooled condenser?

The capacity of a water-cooled condenser is influenced by several factors, but ambient air temperature tends to have the least impact in this scenario. Water-cooled condensers primarily rely on the circulation of water to remove heat from the refrigerant. The effectiveness of this heat exchange depends mostly on the temperature and flow rate of the cooling water, which acts as the primary heat sink.

Unlike air-cooled systems, where ambient air temperature can directly influence heat rejection, water-cooled systems maintain a more stable environment due to the properties of water. This stability allows the condenser to operate efficiently despite fluctuations in air temperature.

While the water flow rate is critical for effective heat transfer, and the type of refrigerant can affect how well it rids itself of heat, the size of the condenser can also determine its capacity. However, changes in ambient air temperature do not play a significant role in the functioning of a water-cooled condenser since it is designed to operate primarily based on the characteristics of the water used for cooling.