Which of the following can cause high head pressure at the compressor?

High head pressure at the compressor is often caused by a loss of condensing cooling flow. The compressor’s role is to compress refrigerant gas, which is then sent to the condenser where it releases heat and turns into a liquid. If the cooling flow in the condenser is diminished—due to a failure in the cooling medium (like loss of water flow in water-cooled condensers or inadequate airflow in air-cooled condensers)—the refrigerant cannot effectively release its heat. As a result, the pressure in the condenser increases, leading to higher head pressure at the compressor.

This phenomenon underscores the importance of adequate cooling for efficient refrigerant condensation. If the surrounding medium (air or water) does not effectively absorb the heat from the refrigerant, the pressures will escalate, potentially causing operational issues or even equipment damage. Understanding the relationship between cooling flow and head pressure is crucial for maintaining the system's efficiency and reliability.