Step 1: Locate the condenser in the cycle:
The condenser is a heat exchanger placed after the compressor. It receives hot, high-pressure refrigerant vapour from the compressor.
Step 2: State the function:
The condenser removes heat from the refrigerant and rejects it to the surroundings, using air or water as the cooling medium.
This heat includes the heat taken in by the evaporator and the work done by the compressor.
Step 3: What happens to the refrigerant:
The hot vapour first cools down to its condensing temperature. Then it condenses to a liquid at constant pressure.
The liquid goes forward to the expansion device.
Final Answer:
The function of the condenser is to remove heat from the high-pressure refrigerant vapour and change it into a liquid.