Working Principle of Carbon Dioxide CO2 Dry Coolers

Working Principle of Carbon Dioxide CO2 Dry Coolers

In transcritical CO₂ refrigeration systems, CO₂ operates predominantly in a transcritical state due to its low critical temperature, preventing conventional condensation from completing the gas-liquid phase transition. The CO₂ dry cooler employs an air-cooled heat exchanger to dissipate the sensible heat of the high-pressure refrigerant. This process involves heat exchange between the CO₂ gas and a cooling medium such as air, thereby lowering the gas temperature. Some dry coolers further enhance convective heat transfer through methods like spray misting to improve cooling efficiency.

Typically constructed from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or copper alloys, these components offer excellent thermal conductivity, high strength, and superior corrosion resistance. They are designed to withstand the high temperatures, pressures, and harsh operating conditions inherent in CO₂ refrigeration systems.

Widely deployed in industrial refrigeration equipment such as chemical refrigerant circulation systems; commercial freezing units like large-scale low-temperature cold storage facilities; heat pump units for high-temperature hot water production; and precision temperature control systems requiring efficient cooling, such as constant-temperature environments in electronics manufacturing workshops.