What is the role of seawater in relation to A/C plants?

Seawater plays a crucial role in the operation of air conditioning (A/C) plants, primarily for the purpose of heat removal. In marine environments, where A/C systems are often required to maintain comfortable temperatures and operate efficiently, seawater is used as a coolant. The process involves circulating seawater through heat exchangers, where it absorbs excess heat from the refrigerant or from the A/C system itself. This heat exchange process allows the refrigerant to cool down, enabling the A/C system to function effectively.

The use of seawater for this purpose is particularly vital in maintaining operational efficiency and preventing overheating of the A/C units, which can significantly affect their performance. Since seawater is readily available in large quantities when operating at sea, it serves as an effective medium for heat removal without the need for extensive additional resources.