The key to successful living in modern houses and apartments is to maintain an optimal microclimate. Air conditioning plays a key role in this. What is an air conditioner? This is a device that is used to adjust the temperature, and in some cases, the humidity. At the same time, the set of functions and even its structural arrangement may be different depending on the model.
General concept of air conditioning device
This is an electrical device, the list of the main tasks of which includes maintaining 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 a class of household and industrial models. In the second case, the intended use has a slightly different character,than in the residential segment. But in both categories, the basic concept of an air conditioner can be represented as follows: an electrical appliance, the work of which is aimed at regulating the temperature regime in a certain range. According to the standards, climate control equipment must provide the possibility of temperature regulation 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 (factor - 50-60%), air mass mobility (up to 0.15 m / s) and even the content of certain gases (for example, oxygen).
Air conditioner appointment
Most often, the equipment is designed for the task of lowering the temperature with the function of humidifying the air. In summer, the cooling mode is especially in demand, but recently models have also appeared that provide heating due to a heat pump. Although there is no talk of a full-fledged heating function even at the level of a household heater. In defining air conditioners for industrial use, it is fundamentally important to note their versatility - these are devices that, in addition to the tasks of temperature regulation, also implement air purification. This function is required in enterprises whose activities are related to the processing of materials and various kinds of raw materials, during which fine dust particles are released. To maintain sanitary standards at production sites and the comfort of workers, for example, in wood processing factories, an industrial air conditioner is used. In addition to advanced functionality, it also featureshigh power that allows you to constantly serve rooms up to 250-300 m22.
Device of compressor models
It is this type of air conditioners that can work both for cooling and heating air, which largely determines its wide distribution. The basic set of components in the internal device of a compressor-type air conditioner can be represented as follows:
- Condenser - a compact radiator module in a block designed for outdoor installation (from the street side). This node provides the process of condensation, that is, the transition of gas into a liquid state. Radiators are usually made of aluminum or copper.
- The compressor performs the function of compressing the refrigerant (working medium like freon) and keeps it circulating in the refrigeration circuit.
- The evaporative radiator is located in the indoor unit (indoor). Provides a process that is the reverse of condensation, that is, with a sharp drop in pressure, the refrigerant already passes from a liquid state to a gaseous state.
- Regulation fittings - a throttle that reduces pressure in the area before the evaporator.
- Fans circulate air flow, thereby blowing around the condenser with the evaporator unit.
Evaporative models device
A simpler design device that performs the tasks of cooling and ventilation. Its advantages include the absence of technological processes associated with the processing of harmful substances like freon during operation. Devicethis type of air conditioner 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. It is formed by a pump with valves to control the processes of supply and discharge of the aqueous medium.
- Evaporative filters - purify water by preventing harmful particles from entering the air. Usually made from cellulose and have a honeycomb structure.
- The water tray is made of high-strength plastic or metal, resistant to temperature extremes and the water environment.
Modern models of evaporative air conditioners with the possibility of indirect evaporation have the advantage of eliminating the penetration of moisture into the room.
The principle of the compressor air conditioner
The operation of the device is based on the circulation of refrigerant (freon) along the contour of pipelines with technological points of its processing. A refrigerant is supplied to the inlet of the compressor unit at low pressure, after which the process of its compression and heating follows. Further, freon is sent to the condenser, where, due to intensive blowing, its temperature decreases, and the medium itself passes into a liquid state, while releasing heat. As a result, air is heated. At the next stage, the principle of operation and device of the compressor type air conditioner will have several similarities with the evaporative type models, which is expressed by the function of the expansion valve. The fact is that after leaving the compressorfreon enters this valve and some of it evaporates under conditions of lower temperature and pressure. In the evaporator, the refrigerant takes on a gaseous form, absorbs warm air and cools down. This cycle is repeated several times until the set microclimatic indicators are reached.
Evaporative air conditioner operation principle
The process of cooling as a result of evaporation of the aquatic environment can be implemented in different ways, which is why direct and indirect regulation of the microclimate is distinguished. In the first case, cooling is based on an isenthalpy process and is recommended for use in cold weather. In summer, however, direct expansion air conditioners can only be effective at low humidity levels. The principle of the 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 regulation of which will depend on external irrigation with water flowing into the pan. Indirect evaporation reduces the performance of the air conditioner, but expands the functionality of the 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 carried from place to place by plugging into an outlet in any available location.
- Wall fixtures. This is the classic and most common form factor, which involves the division into two blocks -indoor and outdoor.
- Channel models. They are integrated into the main air duct system - as a rule, they are placed in a niche above the ceiling with the outlet of the working part to the room.
- Cassette models. Also a kind of ceiling air conditioner, but which is not built into the ventilation channel, but communicates with it through pipes.
- Floor-ceiling devices. They are placed on the principle of conventional heaters - convectors or radiators. They have low performance, but are in high demand due to their compact size and stylish design.
- Column 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 mostly stationary and provide for communication with an external cooling unit.
Features of split systems
This group includes all models of air conditioners that are divided into two blocks, 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 working processes take place in the remote unit, and the internal module only provides communication with it, being also responsible for regulating the microclimate parameters. This separation reduces the harmful effects of the refrigerant and completely eliminates the noise in the room from the working compressor.
As a result of the technological improvement of the two-unit design, the concept of a multi-split system has been successfully applied. This type of air conditioner device is different in that several compressors with condensers and multi-way valves can be used in one working infrastructure. Multi-component systems allow you to control from one indoor unit, while controlling the operation of several outdoor units.
Possibilities of modern air conditioners
Regardless of the form factor and principle of operation, most of the new generation models provide enhanced control over the processes of microclimate regulation. What is a modern air conditioner in terms of user control? This is an ergonomic device that, through remote control, provides information about temperature, humidity and even the composition of the air. The console usually has 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 through mobile devices.
Using the air conditioner
After installation, in addition to using the device for its intended purpose, the owner is required to perform a number of preventive maintenance operations. For example, the design of an air conditioner system with a compressor unit provides for the presence of a special infrastructure for convenient measurement of performance indicators, which can be monitored andthe state of the refrigerant that periodically requires replacement. As for evaporation systems, they need constant renewal 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.
Pros of air conditioning
Each type of this device has its advantages and weaknesses, but, in principle, they are the best solution for the tasks of regulating microclimatic parameters. For example, compressor models win in terms of power and versatility of use, while evaporative models are distinguished by energy efficiency and ventilation capabilities. For the industrial field of application, the device of the air conditioner of the split system with multi-component connection of working modules is optimally suited. In this case, with a small amount of installation measures, it is possible to provide many rooms with effective high-power microclimate controllers.
Cons of air conditioning
The main complaints about this equipment, in addition to the need for maintenance and their structural complexity, concern he alth hazards. And this also applies to devices that do not involve the use of refrigerants. After all, what is an air conditioner as a regulator of microclimatic parameters? This is a tool that theoretically allows you to change the indicators of temperature, humidity and the rate of movement of air flows in an accelerated mode. If it is wrong to approach the process of changing these indicators, sharplyby adjusting their values, 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 as a whole, taking into account the functional content, features of the workflow, the possibility of regulating individual microclimate parameters, etc. Of course, power consumption is also important. What is an air conditioner in terms of energy costs? On average, such devices consume 0.8-1 kW / h. At the same time, it should be taken into account that approximately 1 kW of cooling power is spent on servicing a room with an area of up to 10 m22. If we are talking about evaporative models, then this figure can be reduced to 0.8 kW, since its principle of operation is less costly in terms of energy resources.
