Which factor influences the capacity of an air-cooled condenser?

The capacity of an air-cooled condenser is significantly influenced by ambient temperature. As the outdoor temperature rises, the efficiency of the condenser decreases because it relies on a temperature difference between the refrigerant and the surrounding air to effectively transfer heat. A higher ambient temperature results in a reduced ability to reject heat from the refrigerant, leading to a decrease in the overall cooling capacity of the system. Conversely, lower ambient temperatures can enhance this heat exchange process, allowing the condenser to operate more efficiently and effectively.

While other factors, such as ambient humidity, refrigerant type, and compressor size, may have some impact, they do not have as direct a relationship with the condenser's ability to reject heat as ambient temperature does. Humidity can affect the performance of the condenser but is secondary to temperature. The refrigerant type determines properties like pressure and temperature glide but does not directly influence the heat exchange efficiency in terms of ambient conditions. Compressor size is more related to the capacity of the entire system rather than specifically to the condenser itself.