The speech in this article will be about the outdoor unit. The indoor unit of the air conditioner is known to be located indoors. It is the second component of the split system.
The principle of operation of such a device as the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is based on the absorption of heat during evaporation and its release during condensation. The system is usually stuffed with freon. When the unit is used for cooling, the liquid begins to circulate through the indoor unit, after which it evaporates and then precipitates in the outer part.
To heat the room, the refrigerant evaporates in the external module, and it settles like condensate inside.
With the help of a compressor, the coolant passes from one state to another by creating a difference in pressure in the apparatus. In this case, the electric power system transfers three times more. What are air conditioners equipped with in this case? The outdoor units of the split systems are complemented by an internal design.
Design features of the air conditioner outdoor unit
For example, take split air conditioners, the outdoor unit of which consists of several parts:
- Compressor. Its function is to compress Freon and maintain its movement along the refrigeration circuit. The compressor can be based on a piston or scroll-type spiral. Piston models are not so expensive, but they have less reliability, especially at low outdoor temperatures.
- Four-way valve, which is mounted in reversible models of air conditioners (heat and cold modes). In the heating mode, this valve changes the direction of entry of freon. In this case, the indoor and outdoor units seem to change their functions: the indoor unit provides heating, and the outdoor cooling.
- Control board. This part is present only in inverter-type units. In other configurations, all the electronics are located in the indoor unit, as changes in temperature and humidity can damage the operation of electronic components.
- The fan, which provides the flow of air flow blowing the condenser. In models of a cheap segment, it has one rotation speed. Such a unit works stably in a single temperature range coming from outside. In expensive models, the fan speed is designed for a wide temperature range. The fan, as a rule, has 2-3 speed modes and smoothness of their regulation.
- Radiator. It provides cooling and condensation of freon. The air stream blown through the condenser is heated.
- Freon system filter. The part is located in front of the inlet of the compressor device and serves as its protection against copper chips and other small particles that may get into the air conditioner during its installation. If the installation was performed unqualifiedly, and during the work an excessive amount of dirt got into the device, then the filter in this case will be powerless.
- Connections on fittings. Copper pipes are connected to them, which serve as connections of the outdoor and indoor units.
- Quick release cover for protection. It closes the connections on the fittings and terminal block. The latter is used to connect electrical cables. In some configurations, the protective cover covers only the terminal strip, while the connections on the fittings are located outside.
Split system installation
Every year in our country, a lot of household wall, ceiling and window split systems are purchased. Large companies, in addition to sales of units, offer services for their installation. It should be noted that the installation has its own nuances, non-compliance with which leads to a malfunction of the unit.
Basic installation rules
Many people wonder how to install the outdoor unit of the air conditioner correctly.
- The first, main point. The outdoor unit of the split system should be mounted in the outer part of the home, which will provide access to the open air cooling radiator. This means that if the unit is installed on a glazed balcony, the owner of the air conditioner must make sure that there is a window there. It will provide air during the operation of the unit. If the device is subjected to cooling in an enclosed space, this will lead to its overheating. While the new temperature sensor is functioning, it will notify about the automatic shutdown of the air conditioner until the outdoor unit cools. At high temperatures, the device will only be able to function for 5 minutes, and it will take him half an hour to cool off. If the temperature sensor fails, the outdoor unit will simply overheat and burn. Repair of the unit in this case will be expensive. Sometimes it’s even more profitable to buy a new air conditioner.
- The second significant point. For the diagnosis of the split system, there is also a need to charge the device with refrigerant. When servicing, the master must have unhindered access to the valves, which are located on the side of the outdoor unit (usually on the left side). Valves are closed by plastic caps. If it is impossible to reach the valves, then you will have to call a professional climber.
- The outdoor unit of the air conditioner should not work noisy at night. The maximum allowable value is 32 dB.
- An optimal drainage of condensate should be organized so that it does not fall on the walls of the building, the visor of the entrance and passers-by.
- Be sure to take into account the strength of the walls. The wall must withstand a load of several tens of kilograms. Mounting of the unit to the walls based on aerated concrete, to the outer cladding of the house and the insulation layer is contraindicated.
- The brackets with the unit must be provided with the most reliable base and fastening.
- To avoid overheating of the compressor device, the minimum distance from the wall to the outdoor unit should be at least 10 cm. Nothing should impede normal airflow.
- A large number of bends of the copper pipeline are categorically not allowed, since creases prevent the compressor from fully pumping freon.
- The maximum indicator of the length of the pipeline between the modules of the split system should not be higher than the length specified by the manufacturer. Otherwise, the level of work efficiency decreases markedly.
- Direct sunlight is not allowed on the back of the unit. Therefore, there should not be a very large distance from the outer wall to the outdoor unit.
- It is advisable to provide moisture protection.
Compliance with the installation of all existing rules will allow the unit to operate for a long time without failures.
Choosing an outdoor unit placement
With standard installation, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is fixed under the window slightly below the window sill or on the side of the window, without affecting the territory of the apartment's neighbors.
There are also not quite generally accepted options for the location of an external device. If the permissible path length and elevation allow, then the installation is carried out on the roof or in the attic.
Many carry out installation of outdoor units of air conditioners on the front of the balcony or loggia. You can install inside them, provided there is no glazing.
Those who live in private houses or on the ground floor often install the unit under the loggia, thereby protecting it from the adverse effects of rainfall and without disturbing the appearance of the structure.
Of particular interest should be the installation of an external unit in the basement. Such a project is possible with increased track sizes and elevation differences. If the basement has heating, then the air conditioner will provide not only cooling, but also warming up on frosty days.
For this purpose, it is not necessary to resort to installing a winter kit on the device or to purchase a system with a wide temperature range, since the outdoor air conditioning unit installed in the basement will not be exposed to very low temperatures. The main thing in this case is ensuring normal air circulation in order to avoid overheating of the heat exchanger.
In the summer, the basement is cool, so it has its own pole. In this situation, the operation of the external module will have a high efficiency indicator, since the air in the basement is colder than the street.
What should the outdoor unit be fixed to?
When installing, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner must be fixed. The standard form of mounting involves the use of brackets, which consist of two welded strips. They are produced, as a rule, from an ordinary profile with different cross sections. They are equipped with two holes for mounting the air conditioner itself. Such elements can withstand large loads exceeding the weight of the middle block by several times.
Air conditioners located on stands
Installation of outdoor units of air conditioners on the roof, floor or ground involves the use of special stands for the outdoor unit unit. They are made of metal, which is powder coated. The supports are attached to the surface by means of welded holes (facade fasteners on the frame). They have sliding strips, customized to fit any size of unit. Typically, the stand can carry more than 250 kg, which is the weight of a very large industrial air conditioner.
Repair work
As a rule, a breakdown of the outdoor unit is caused by a failure of the mechanics of the device or its electronic system.
In the first group, you can include malfunctions of the refrigeration module, and in the second - malfunctions of the control board and violations in the electrical circuit.
Mechanical failure
The following malfunctions can be attributed to them:
- the outdoor unit is frozen;
- noise and vibration uncharacteristic for work appeared;
- Insufflation of the heat exchanger is insufficient;
- oil smudges appeared on the boards.
There are other reasons for the freezing of the outdoor module, and this happens not only in the winter, but also in the summer.
The system may contain excess refrigerant, air, or moisture. The capillary tubes may have been clogged or the device needs preventive cleaning (filters are replaced, the panels of both units are washed, dirty deposits from the fan and heat exchanger are removed).
Often the wrong length of the copper pipe is found. There may also be a shortage or increased content of freon.
Electronics malfunctions
An equally serious problem is a malfunction of the control board. Usually it is signaled by special codes and LED lamps. They are installed on the body of the indoor unit.
When the board burns, the outdoor unit may begin to smoke. Although this phenomenon, as a rule, indicates the burnout of an electric motor, compressor or fan. If the outdoor unit smokes when heated in the winter, this may not be a signal of a fire, but a defrost of the heat exchanger. In this case, steam can be mistaken for smoke.
Regardless of the degree of complexity of the breakdown, you must immediately disconnect the device from the power supply and contact a repair service.
Outdoor Unit Models
Models of outdoor units are presented by different companies. In the segment there are devices of various sizes and capacities. Each unit has its own technological features. The size of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner can also be different. For example, consider two models from different manufacturing companies.
Model Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-8B140VA
The outdoor unit of the Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-8B140VA air conditioner was manufactured by a world famous Japanese company. It is designed for cooling and heating air in rooms with an area of 140 square meters. m. This is an outdoor module multizone air conditioning system with regulation of inverter type. The unit has a high level of performance.
Indoor units in this configuration operate in an independent mode, with the exception of simultaneous operation during cooling and heating.
System features
The outdoor unit of the Mitsubishi air conditioner has:
- cooling mode;
- drainage;
- air ventilation;
- automatic mode.
The outdoor unit has a modern, elegant design.
The module can serve from 2 to 8 indoor units of various configurations, which form the basis of a multi-zone split system.
Inverter regulation of performance serves as a guarantee of the quick exit of the unit to the desired mode and the subsequent slowdown of the compressor rotation speed. This makes it possible to save energy without compromising the quality of the unit.
The device is inherent in low noise and vibration. It uses optimized stabilizers that provide a uniform and smooth distribution of air masses. This allows you to negate the contact of air with the fan, and, therefore, to reduce noise during operation.
The air conditioner has a high level of efficiency when working in cooling mode. This function is applicable for special conditions of use. For example, to cool the room in winter.
The main indicator of the unit is its high level of energy efficiency, achieved by smooth regulation of the heat exchanger.
Model of the outdoor unit from the manufacturer Daikin
The outdoor unit Daikin air conditioner has established itself in the market as a quality device.
It differs in the following indicators:
- The outdoor Daikin RXYQ-T module has a special refrigerant temperature control circuit that allows you to customize VRV individually. This provides maximum convenience and also increases seasonal efficiency.
- The use of variable refrigerant temperature indicators makes it possible to increase seasonal efficiency up to 28%.
- A high level of comfort, the absence of cold drafts at a low air temperature at the outlet is ensured through the use of variable refrigerant temperature and inverter technology.
- The VRV configuration device performs fine tuning and commissioning.
- An integrated circuit in the room temperature control system provides fresh air. The system also features a very simple installation, automatic refueling and testing.
- The presence of a display on the outdoor unit allows you to obtain information about possible malfunctions in the operation of the unit, to check its parameters and functionality.
- The high rate of static pressure makes it possible to mount the outdoor unit in the room.
- A wide segment of outdoor units makes it possible to connect stylish Daikin Emura, Nexura, and other household units.
- The flexibility of installing the system is ensured by the length of the tracks (maximum value of the sum is up to 1000 m).
- The height difference between the indoor modules is increased to 30 m, which makes the scope of the unit wider.
- The system is commissioned in stages.