This article will focus on the outdoor unit. The indoor unit of the air conditioner, as you know, is located indoors. It is the second component of the split system.
The principle of operation of such a device as an outdoor unit of an air conditioner is based on the absorption of heat during evaporation and its release during condensation. The system is usually filled with freon. When the unit is operating for cooling, the liquid begins to circulate through the indoor unit, after which it evaporates and then settles in the outer part.
To heat the room, the refrigerant in the outdoor unit evaporates and it settles as condensation inside.
With the help of a compressor, the coolant passes from one state to another by creating a difference in pressure in the apparatus. At the same time, the system transfers three times more electricity. What are the air conditioners equipped with in this case? The outdoor units of split systems are complemented by an internal structure.
Design features of the outdoor unitair conditioner
For example, let's 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 a scroll-type spiral. Piston models are not as expensive, but they are less reliable, especially at low outside temperatures.
- A four-way valve that is mounted in reversible models of air conditioners (hot and cold modes). In heating mode, this valve changes the direction of freon flow. At the same time, the indoor and outdoor units seem to change their functions: the indoor unit provides heating, and the outdoor unit provides cooling.
- Control board. This part is present only in inverter-type units. In other configurations, all electronics are located in the indoor unit, as temperature and humidity changes can damage the operation of electronic components.
- A fan that provides airflow to 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 range of temperatures. The fan, as a rule, has 2-3 speed modes and the smoothness of their regulation.
- Radiator. It provides cooling and condensation of freon. The air stream blown through the condenser is heated.
- System filterfreon. 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 can get into the air conditioner during its installation. If the installation was performed unskillfully, 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 between the outdoor and indoor units.
- Quick release cover for protection. It closes the connections on the fittings and the terminal block. The latter is used to connect electrical cables. In some configurations, the protective cover covers only the terminal block, while the connections on the fittings are on the outside.
Installing a split system
Every year in our country, a lot of household wall, ceiling and window split systems are purchased. Large companies, in addition to selling 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.
- First, the main point. The outdoor unit of the split system must be mounted in the outer part of the dwelling, 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. It will ensure the flow of air during operation of the unit. If the deviceexposed to cooling in an enclosed space, it will overheat. As long as the new temperature sensor is functioning, it will notify about the automatic shutdown of the air conditioner until the outdoor unit cools down. At high temperatures, the device will only function for 5 minutes, and it will take half an hour to cool down when turned off. If the temperature sensor fails, the outdoor unit will simply overheat and burn out. 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. To carry out diagnostics of a split system, there is also a need to charge the device with refrigerant. The service technician must have easy access to the valves located on the side of the outdoor unit (usually on the left side). The valves are closed with 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 operate noisily at night. The maximum allowable value is 32 dB.
- Optimal condensate drainage should be organized so that it does not fall on the walls of the building, the entrance canopy 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 the unit to walls based on aerated concrete, to the outer lining of the dwelling and to the insulation layer is contraindicated.
- Brackets with a block must be provided with the most reliable base and fastening.
- In order 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 interfere with normal airflow.
- Categorically a large number of bends of the copper pipeline are not allowed, as the creases interfere with the full pumping of freon by the compressor.
- The maximum indicator of the length of the pipeline between the modules of the split system should not exceed the length specified by the manufacturer. Otherwise, the level of work efficiency is noticeably reduced.
- Do not expose the rear of the unit to direct sunlight. Therefore, there should not be a very large distance from the outer wall to the outdoor unit.
- It is desirable to provide protection against moisture penetration.
Compliance with the installation of all existing rules will allow the unit to function for a long time without failures.
Selecting the location of the outdoor unit
With standard installation, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is fixed under the window a little below the level of the window sill or to the side of the window, while not affecting the territory of the neighbors' apartment.
There are also not quite common options for the location of an external device. If the allowable length of the route and the height difference allow, then the installation is carried out on the roof or in the attic.
Many install outdoor units of air conditioners on the front of the balcony or loggia. Can be installed inside them, provided there is no glazing.
Those who live in privatehouses or on the ground floor, they often install the unit under the loggia, thereby protecting it from the adverse effects of precipitation and without violating the appearance of the building.
With special interest should be taken to the installation of the outdoor unit in the basement. Such a project is possible with increased track sizes and elevation differences. If there is heating in the basement, then the air conditioner will provide not only cooling, but also warming up on frosty days.
For this purpose, it is not necessary to install a winter kit on the device or purchase a system with a wide temperature range, since the outdoor unit of the air conditioner installed in the basement will not be exposed to very low temperatures. The main thing in this case is to ensure normal air circulation in order to avoid overheating of the heat exchanger.
It's cool in the basement in summer, so it has its own pole. In this position, the operation of the outdoor unit will have a high efficiency index, since the air in the basement is colder than outside.
What should the outdoor unit be mounted on
When installing the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, be sure to fix it. The standard form of fastening involves the use of brackets, which consist of two welded strips. They are made, as a rule, from an ordinary profile with a different section. They are equipped with two holes for attaching the air conditioner itself. Such elements can withstand heavy loads, exceeding the weight of the average block by several times.
Cradle mounted air conditioners
Installationoutdoor units of air conditioners on the roof, floor or ground involves the use of special stands for the outdoor unit of the unit. They are made from metal with a powder coated finish. Stands are attached to the surface by means of welded holes (facade fasteners on frames). They have sliding bars that can be adjusted to any size of the unit. Normally, the stand can support more than 250kg, which is the weight of a very large industrial air conditioner.
Repair work
As a rule, the breakdown of the outdoor unit is caused by the failure of the mechanics of the device or its electronic system.
The first group can include malfunctions of the refrigeration module, and the second - failures in the operation of the control board and disturbances in the electrical circuit.
Mechanical failures
These include the following faults:
- outdoor unit of the air conditioner is frozen;
- unusual noise and vibration appeared;
- airflow of the heat exchanger is insufficient;
- oil smudges appeared on the boards.
There are other reasons for the freezing of the outdoor unit, and this happens not only in winter, but also in summer.
The system may contain excess refrigerant, air or moisture. Perhaps the capillary tubes are clogged or the device needs preventive cleaning (filters are replaced, the panels of both units are washed, dirty deposits are removed from the fanand heat exchanger).
Wrong copper piping length is often encountered. There may also be a lack or high content of freon.
Electronics failure
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 indoor unit body.
When the board burns, the outdoor unit may smoke. Although such a phenomenon, as a rule, indicates a burnout of an electric motor, compressor or fan. If the outdoor unit smokes when heated in winter, this may be a signal not of fire, but of defrosting of the heat exchanger. In this case, steam can be mistaken for smoke.
Regardless of the severity of the breakdown, you must immediately disconnect the device from the power supply and contact the repair service.
Outdoor unit models
Models of outdoor units are presented by different companies. There are devices of various sizes and capacities in the segment. 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 manufacturers.
Mitsubishi Electric Model MXZ-8B140VA
The Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-8B140VA air conditioner outdoor unit is produced 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 for a multi-zone air conditioning system with inverter type regulation. The unit has a high level of performance.
Indoor units in this configuration operate independently of each other, except for the simultaneous operation of cooling and heating.
System Features
Mitsubishi air conditioner outdoor unit has:
- cooling mode;
- dry;
- air ventilation;
- mode on an automatic basis.
The outdoor unit has a modern and 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 performance regulation guarantees the unit to quickly reach the desired mode and then slow down the compressor speed. This makes it possible to save energy without compromising the quality of the unit.
The device has low noise and vibration levels. It uses optimized stabilizers that provide an even and smooth distribution of air masses. This minimizes the contact of air with the fan, and therefore achieves a reduction in noise during operation.
The air conditioner has a high level of efficiency in cooling mode. This function is applicable for special usage conditions. For example, to cool the room in winter.
The main indicator of the aggregateis its high level of energy efficiency, achieved by smooth regulation of the heat exchanger.
Outdoor unit model from Daikin manufacturer
The Daikin outdoor unit has established itself in the market as a quality unit.
It differs in the following indicators:
- Daikin's RXYQ-T outdoor unit has a special refrigerant temperature control circuit that allows the VRV to be set individually. This ensures maximum convenience and also improves seasonal efficiency.
- Using variable refrigerant temperatures can improve seasonal efficiency by up to 28%.
- High comfort level, no cold drafts at low outlet air temperature, thanks to variable refrigerant temperature and inverter technology.
- VRV configuration tool performs fine-tuning and commissioning.
- The integrated circuit in the room temperature control system ensures fresh air supply. The system is also distinguished by a very simple installation, automatic filling and testing.
- The presence of a display on the outdoor unit allows you to get information about possible failures in the operation of the unit, check its parameters and functionality.
- High static pressure makes it possible to mount the outdoor unit indoors.
- Wide segment of outdoor units makes it possible to connect stylish household unitsDaikin Emura, Nexura series, etc.
- Flexibility of installation of the system is provided by the length of the tracks (the maximum sum is up to 1000 m).
- The height difference between the indoor modules has been increased to 30m, which makes the unit's application area wider.
- The system is being put into operation in stages.
