Difference Between Evaporator And Condenser

The main difference between evaporator and condenser in refrigeration system lies in their function, working principle and structure. ‌

Function and working principle
Evaporator: The main function of evaporator is to absorb heat. In the evaporator, liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator through expansion valve or capillary tube. Due to the pressure reduction, the refrigerant vaporizes rapidly. The vaporization process is an endothermic process. The refrigerant absorbs a large amount of heat from the surrounding environment (such as indoor air), thereby reducing the temperature of the surrounding environment. ‌
Condenser: The function of condenser is opposite to that of evaporator. It is used to release heat. High temperature and high pressure gaseous refrigerant releases heat in condenser through heat exchange with the external environment (such as outdoor air or cooling water), cools itself and condenses into liquid. This process is to discharge the absorbed heat to the external environment.
Structure and application
Evaporator: Evaporator is usually designed in flat or coil shape, the purpose is to increase the contact area with the surrounding air and improve the heat exchange efficiency. Common evaporators include plate type, tube type and fin type. Evaporators are usually installed inside spaces that need to be cooled, such as the freezer compartment of a refrigerator, the indoor unit of an air conditioner, etc.
‌Condenser‌: Condensers are commonly air-cooled and water-cooled. Air-cooled condensers look like a large radiator and dissipate heat through forced convection from a fan; water-cooled condensers use circulating water to remove heat and are often used in large central air conditioning systems. Condensers are usually installed outdoors or in well-ventilated areas for more efficient heat exchange.
Operating parameters
‌Evaporator‌: The refrigerant pressure and temperature inside the evaporator are low.
‌Condenser‌: The refrigerant pressure and temperature inside the condenser are both high.
The temperature inside the condenser can reach above 50°C and the pressure can be as high as 1.5MPa.