The key to a safe stay in modern homes and apartments is to maintain an optimal microclimate. A key role is played by air conditioning equipment. What is an air conditioner? This is a device that is used to adjust the temperature, and in some cases, humidity conditions. At the same time, the set of functions and even its design device, depending on the model, may be different.
The general concept of an air conditioning appliance
This is an electrical device, the list of the main tasks of which includes maintaining a comfortable climatic conditions in rooms for various purposes. In addition, there are small-sized air conditioners for vehicles and industrial equipment. The bulk of these devices is the class of household and industrial models. In the second case, the target application has a slightly different character than in the domestic segment. But in both categories, the basic concept of an air conditioner can be represented as follows: an electrical appliance whose work is aimed at regulating the temperature in a certain range. According to the regulations, climatic equipment must provide the ability to regulate the temperature in the range of 17-25 ° C. At the same time, modern devices are able to support modes in the range from -5 to 40 ° C. In addition, multifunctional devices also regulate humidity (coefficient - 50-60%), air mass mobility (up to 0.15 m / s) and even the content of some gases (for example, oxygen).
Purpose of the air conditioner
Most often, equipment is designed for lowering temperature with the function of humidifying the air. In summer, the cooling mode is especially in demand, but recently models have appeared that provide heating due to the heat pump. Although there is no question of a full-fledged heating function even at the level of a domestic heater. In determining industrial air conditioners, it is fundamentally important to note their multifunctionality - these are devices that, in addition to the tasks of temperature control, also implement air purification. This function is required at enterprises whose activities are associated with the processing of materials and various kinds of raw materials, during which small dust particles are emitted. To maintain sanitary standards at production sites and the comfort of workers, for example, at wood processing factories, industrial air conditioning is used. In addition to its expanded functionality, it is also distinguished by high power, which allows it to constantly serve premises with an area of up to 250-300 m 2 .
The device compressor models
It is this type of air conditioner that can work both for cooling and for heating air, which in many respects determines its wide distribution. The basic set of components in the internal structure of a compressor-type air conditioner can be represented as follows:
- Condenser - a compact radiator module in a unit designed for outdoor installation (from the street). This unit provides the process of condensation, that is, the transition of gas into a liquid state. Typically, radiators are made of aluminum or copper.
- The compressor performs the function of compressing the refrigerant (a working medium like freon) and maintains its circulation in the refrigeration circuit.
- The evaporative radiator is located in the indoor unit (indoors). It provides a reverse condensation process, that is, with a sharp drop in pressure, the refrigerant already passes from a liquid to a gaseous state.
- Control valves - throttle, reducing the pressure in the area in front of the evaporator.
- Fans provide air circulation, thereby blowing the condenser with the evaporator unit.
The device of evaporative models
A simpler in design device that performs the tasks of cooling and ventilation. Its advantages include the lack of technological processes associated with the processing of harmful substances like freon during operation. An air conditioner device of this type is formed by the following elements:
- Electric motor - controls the operation of the fan, which, in turn, provides the supply of air masses.
- Pipeline infrastructure. Formed by a pump with valves to control the processes of supply and discharge of the aqueous medium.
- Evaporative filters - purify water, preventing harmful particles from entering the air. Usually made from cellulose and have a cellular structure.
- The water tray is made of high-strength plastic or metal, resistant to temperature extremes and the aquatic environment.
Modern models of evaporative air conditioners with indirect evaporation have the advantage of eliminating the penetration of moisture into the room.
The principle of operation of a compressor air conditioner
The operation of the device is based on the circulation of refrigerant (freon) along the piping contour with the technological points of its processing. Refrigerant is supplied to the inlet of the compressor unit under low pressure, followed by the process of compression and heating. Next, freon is sent to the condenser, where due to intensive blowing, its temperature decreases, and the medium itself goes into a liquid state, generating heat. As a result, air is heated. At the next stage, the principle of operation and the installation of a compressor-type air conditioner will have several similarities with models of an evaporative type, which is expressed by the function of a thermostatic valve. The fact is that after leaving the compressor, freon enters this valve and some of it evaporates under conditions of lowering temperature and pressure. In the evaporator, the refrigerant takes a gaseous form, absorbs warm air and cools. This cycle is repeated several times until the established microclimatic indicators are achieved.
The principle of operation of the evaporative air conditioner
The cooling process as a result of evaporation of the aqueous medium can be implemented in different ways, because of which direct and indirect microclimate regulation is distinguished. In the first case, cooling is based on the isoenthalpic process and is recommended for use in cold weather. In summer, air conditioners with direct evaporation can be effective only with a small coefficient of humidity. The principle of the design of an air conditioner with indirect cooling involves the use of a surface heat exchanger with an air cooler. Cooled air circulates through the channels connecting them, the temperature control of which will depend on external irrigation with water flowing into the sump. Indirect evaporation reduces the performance of the air conditioner, but expands the functionality of regulation due to the reduced moisture content of the supply air.
Varieties of air conditioners in terms of installation
- Mobile air conditioners. The most compact models that can be moved from place to place by connecting to an outlet in any accessible place.
- Wall mounted appliances. This is the classic and most common form factor, suggesting a separation into two blocks - internal and external.
- Channel models. Integrate into the main system of air ducts - as a rule, they are placed in the overhead niche with the output of the working part to the room.
- Cassette models. It’s also a kind of ceiling air conditioner, but which is not built into the ventilation channel, but is connected to it through pipes.
- Floor and ceiling devices. They are placed according to the principle of conventional heaters - convectors or radiators. They have low performance, but due to their compact size and stylish design are in high demand.
- Columned models. The form factor, as the name implies, is presented in the form of a column. That is, the installation is carried out on the floor, however, unlike mobile air conditioners, such devices are mainly stationary and provide for communication with an external cooling unit.
Features of split systems
This group includes all models of air conditioners, which require separation into two units, one of which is taken out to the street, and the other is mounted indoors. A typical split air conditioner device provides for a compressor, condenser, filters, fans and a connecting line. Actually, the main work processes take place in the remote unit, and the internal module only provides communication with it, also responsible for regulating the microclimate parameters. This separation allows you to reduce the harmful effects of the refrigerant and completely eliminates the noise in the room from the working compressor.
As a result of technological improvement of the two-unit design, the concept of a multi-split system appeared and is successfully applied. The device of this type of air conditioner is characterized in that several compressors with condensers and multi-way valves can be involved in one working infrastructure. Multicomponent systems allow control from one indoor unit, while controlling the operation of several external modules.
Features of modern air conditioners
Regardless of the form factor and principle of operation, most models of the new generation provide advanced capabilities for controlling the climate regulation processes. What is a modern type of air conditioner in terms of user control? This is an ergonomic device that through remote control provides the ability to inform about temperature, humidity and even the composition of the air. The remote control is usually provided with a digital display with controls (sometimes touch). Also, a Wi-Fi module is integrated into some devices to implement remote control at a remote distance via mobile devices.
Air conditioner operation
After installation, in addition to using the device for its intended purpose, the owner is required to perform a series of preventive operations related to maintenance. For example, an air conditioning system device with a compressor unit provides for the availability of special infrastructure for convenient measurement of operational indicators, which can also monitor the state of the refrigerant, which periodically requires replacement. As for the evaporation systems, they need constant updating of the aquatic environment with topping up. Also, to maintain the working condition, it is recommended to regularly purge the communication channels, clean the blocks and the drainage system.
Air conditioner advantages
Each type of this device has its own advantages and weaknesses, but, in principle, they are the best solution for fulfilling the tasks of regulating microclimatic parameters. For example, compressor models benefit in power and versatility, while evaporative models are energy efficient and have room ventilation capabilities. For an industrial field of application, the split-unit air conditioner device with multi-component connection of working modules is optimally suited. In this case, with a small amount of installation activities, it is possible to provide many rooms with effective microclimate controllers of high power.
Cons of the air conditioner
The main claims to this equipment, in addition to the need for maintenance and their structural complexity, relate to harm to health. Moreover, this applies to devices that do not provide for the use of refrigerants. After all, what is air conditioning as a regulator of microclimatic parameters? This is a tool that theoretically allows you to change the temperature, humidity and air flow rates in accelerated mode. If it is wrong to approach the process of changing these indicators, sharply adjusting their values, then the risk of diseases and, above all, colds increases.
Conclusion
In order for the air conditioner not to disappoint during operation, it is necessary to approach its choice correctly. Experts recommend considering this issue in a comprehensive manner, taking into account the functional content, features of the work process, the possibility of regulating individual microclimate parameters, etc. Of course, power consumption is also of considerable importance. What is air conditioning in terms of energy consumption? On average, such devices consume 0.8-1 kW / h. It should be borne in mind that approximately 1 kW of cooling power is spent on servicing a room with an area of up to 10 m 2 . If we are talking about evaporative models, then this indicator can be reduced to 0.8 kW, since its principle of operation is less expensive in energy resources.