The heat removed from the refrigerant by the condenser is which type of heat?

• A. Only sensible heat
• B. Both sensible and latent heat
• C. Only latent heat
• D. None of the above

Answer: (B)

In a condenser, the refrigerant releases heat as it changes state from vapor to liquid. That state change involves latent heat of condensation, which is released as the vapor becomes liquid. At the same time, the refrigerant is cooled from its inlet temperature (often superheated) down to the condensation temperature, and the liquid may be cooled further below the saturation point. This cooling without a phase change is sensible heat. So the heat rejected by the condenser includes both latent heat and sensible heat.