Question

In a window air conditioner which one among the following types of condensers is used ?

• A. Natural convection air cooled
• B. Forced convection air cooled
• C. Water cooled
• D. Evaporative

Hint:

A window air conditioner has no water supply, and a fan blows outside air over its condenser coil.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The condenser is the part that throws out the heat of the refrigerant to the surroundings. Condensers are grouped by the cooling medium they use: air, water, or both (evaporative).

Step 2: Key Approach:
A window air conditioner is a small, self-contained unit. It has no water supply or cooling tower. So its condenser must be cooled by room-side outdoor air.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The condenser coil sits at the back of the unit, outside the room.
A propeller (condenser) fan, driven by the same motor as the blower, pushes outside air over the finned coil.
The moving air carries away the heat, so the refrigerant vapour condenses to liquid.
This air movement by a fan is forced convection, so the unit uses a forced convection air cooled condenser.

Step 4: Why the other options are wrong.
Natural convection air cooled condensers have no fan. They are used only in very small units like domestic refrigerators.
Water cooled condensers need a water supply and pump. They are used in large plants, not in a window unit.
Evaporative condensers need a water spray and a pump. They are also used in large systems.

Final Answer:
A window air conditioner uses a forced convection air cooled condenser. This is option (B).