The Condenser’s main function is to act as a heat exchanger and allow heat to flow from the hot refrigerant to the cooler outside air. R134a entering the condenser will be a high-pressure high-temperature vapor. As the R134a vapor travels through the tubes of the A/C condenser heat is given off to the cooler ambient air; the refrigerant vapor condenses and changes to a liquid state.
At this point, a large amount of heat is given off by the R134a. The refrigerant will now be a hot, high-pressure liquid.
Serpentine Condensers
This type of A/C condenser consists of one long tube which is coiled over and back on itself with cooling fins in between the tubes.
Parallel flow Condensers
Parallel flow a/c condenser design is very similar to a cross-flow radiator. Instead of refrigerant traveling through one passage (like serpentine type), it can now travel across numerous passages. This will give a larger surface area for the cooler ambient air to contact. (Recommended for R134a)
Classic Auto Air Support Section
For an in-depth dive into a/c condensers check out Classic Auto Air’s condensers support section by clicking here.