The thermodynamic condenser is often used in the refrigeration, air conditioning or naval industry and in the production of electrical energy, in thermal or nuclear power plants.

Condensation "Condensation (change of state)") can be produced either using air through the use of a fan or with water (the latter is usually in a closed circuit with a cooling tower, in a river or the sea). Condensation serves to condense the vapor, after performing thermodynamic work; for example, a steam turbine or to condense the compressed steam of a cold compressor in a refrigeration circuit. It is possible to continue cooling this fluid, obtaining subcooled liquid in the case of air conditioning.

It takes different forms depending on the fluid and the medium. In the case of a fluid/air system, it is composed of a tube of constant diameter that curves 180° every certain length and some sheets, generally made of aluminum, between which the air circulates.

A condenser is a latent heat exchanger that converts steam (in the gaseous state) into steam in the liquid state, also known as phase transition"). The purpose is to condense the steam outlet (or extractor) of the steam turbine in order to obtain maximum efficiency and also obtain the condensed steam in the form of pure water back to the boiler "Boiler (machine)"). By condensing the steam from the extractor of the steam turbine, the pressure of the extractor, which is above atmospheric pressure, It is reduced to below atmospheric pressure, increasing the pressure drop of the steam between the inlet and outlet of the steam turbine. This reduction in pressure in the exhaust of the steam turbine generates more heat per unit mass of steam delivered to the steam turbine, by conversion of mechanical power.

The main function of the condenser in a thermal power plant is to be the "cold focus" or heat sink within the thermodynamic cycle of the thermal group. Therefore, its main mission is to condense the steam that comes from the exhaust of the steam turbine in conditions close to saturation and evacuate the condensation heat (latent heat) to the outside using an exchange fluid (air or water).

In the case of a refrigeration machine, the purpose of the condenser is to dissipate the heat absorbed in the evaporator and the energy of the compressor "Compressor (machine)").

Additionally, the condenser receives the following flows:.