Location of the condenser in a refrigeration cycle A condenser operates on which side (pressure level) of a standard vapour-compression system?

Introduction / Context:
Component placement by pressure level is core knowledge in refrigeration. Misidentifying low-side/high-side components leads to diagnostic errors and safety risks.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Standard single-stage vapour-compression system: evaporator, compressor, condenser, expansion device.
• No special economizers or intermediate vessels.

Concept / Approach:
The compressor raises vapour from low-pressure evaporator conditions to high-pressure discharge. The condenser receives this high-pressure, high-temperature vapour and rejects heat to condense it into high-pressure liquid. Only after throttling through the expansion device does the pressure drop back to the low side for the evaporator.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Trace the cycle: evaporator (low P) → compressor (raises P) → condenser (high P) → expansion device (drops P) → evaporator.Therefore, the condenser is a high-pressure component.

Verification / Alternative check:
Pressure gauges on service ports show high-side pressure at condenser outlet/liquid line and low-side pressure at evaporator/suction line.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Low-pressure side is the evaporator and suction line; “both” is impossible for a single component; the condenser is integral to the sealed circuit.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing the role of receiver (also high-side) with condenser; or assuming subcooling changes pressure classification (it does not).

Final Answer:
High-pressure side