Kia Sportage 2012 Condenser: 976062S500

Kia Sportage 2012 Condenser: 976062S500

This high-quality condenser for the 2012 Kia Sportage is a genuine DOWOON part, manufactured in South Korea. It’s brand new and guaranteed for quality, offering the best price available.

What is a Car Condenser?

The condenser is a crucial heat exchanger in your car’s air conditioning system. Located at the front of the vehicle, near the radiator, it’s comprised of small tubes and aluminum fins. Its primary function is to transform high-pressure, hot refrigerant gas into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant (a mixture of gas and liquid).

The condenser works in conjunction with the evaporator and compressor as part of the complete AC system. Air passing through the condenser helps cool the refrigerant. A cooling fan further assists in lowering the refrigerant temperature. The condenser’s simple design includes a heater core, blower motor, and water valve. The water valve, integrated into the engine’s coolant system, regulates the amount of coolant flowing to the heater core, controlled by the temperature dial on the dashboard.

Essentially, the condenser acts as a heat exchanger with the surrounding air. It uses hot coolant from the engine to heat the air, which is then blown into the car’s cabin by the blower. Therefore, the condenser’s temperature is initially low but increases as the coolant warms up. The coolant, after passing through the water valve, is directed to the heater core where it releases heat to the passing air. Some vehicles demand higher coolant flow to the AC condenser, especially those with high-performance engines. In such cases, addressing this increased demand may require additional measures.

Condenser Function Within the AC System

The condenser plays a vital role in the AC system, consuming up to 95% of the system’s electrical energy. It receives and liquifies refrigerant gas from the compressor, acting as a critical intermediary. Think of it as a large metal plate incorporating the compressor and condenser fan. When the condenser operates, the evaporator begins cooling, consuming electricity. When the condenser is inactive, the evaporator acts like a circulating fan.

The condenser itself includes an aluminum coil with aluminum fins to maximize surface area. The refrigerant flows through these tubes, releasing heat into the surrounding air. A fan aids in this cooling process. The AC compressor compresses the refrigerant gas, increasing its pressure and temperature. This high-pressure, high-temperature gas then passes through the condenser, releasing heat and condensing into a liquid. This high-pressure liquid then moves through an expansion valve, reducing its pressure and temperature. This low-pressure, low-temperature liquid travels to the evaporator where it absorbs heat from the car’s interior, evaporating into a gas. This low-pressure, low-temperature gas is then compressed by the compressor, restarting the cycle.

Vehicle Compatibility

• KIA SPORTAGE 2009-2013
• HYUNDAI TUCSON 2010-2014

Avoiding overloading or excessive dirt buildup is crucial for optimal condenser function and fuel efficiency.