Hello,

Hope I can get some help with this concept I am struggling with.

What happens to the refrigeration cycle at extremely low ambient temperatures. If there is nothing to regulate the system, wouldn't the fluid exit the condenser at an extremely low temperature? And if that were to happen, the refrigeration cycle would not be possible.

Is there always, without stating it, a system in place (such as an ORI/ORD) that regulates the fluid at the condensor exit (or, more pertinently, expansion valve inlet)? Can I correctly assume this to be the case if I know that the condensor is experiencing free cooling.

Would the condenser type have an affect on this? Air-cooled vs evap condenser for example?

In other words, if someone claims that there commercial refrigeration system operates at a COP of 3.5 for the whole year (give or take negligible variations), and the system involves free cooling of the condensor, should I accept it?

Thank you!