PRINCIPLE OF AIR CONDITIONER OPERATION
The base of the process is peculiarity of
liquids to absorb heat during evaporation and to give it back during condensation. Refrigerant
circulates in the air conditioner, which, depending on temperature and pressure, changes its
aggregate state, i.e. becomes either gas or liquid.
The four basic components - compressor, condenser, throttling device and
evaporator - are interconnected by interconnecting pipes, creating a refrigerant circuit, within
which the refrigerant flows.
Principle of operation of an air conditioner
How an air conditioner works
The refrigerant gas, with a low temperature, flows from the evaporator to the
compressor. The compressor compresses the gas and both the pressure and the temperature of the
refrigerant gas increase at the same time. Then the hot refrigerant enters the condenser under high
pressure.
In the condenser, the
gas cools down as it is blown by a stream of cooler air and turns into a liquid, giving off heat.
And the air leaving the condenser is heated by the heat given off by the compressed
refrigerant.
The refrigerant
then enters the throttling device. At this point it is somewhat warmer than atmospheric air, in a
liquid state and under high pressure. As it passes through the throttling device, the pressure of
the refrigerant decreases sharply. This is accompanied by a decrease in its temperature.
At the end of the cycle, the refrigerant
returns to the evaporator where it is affected by room air. The refrigerant becomes a gas again,
taking heat from the room. And such cycle repeats as long as the air conditioner is on.
HOW TO AVOID
BREAKAGE?
Perhaps, one of the
most difficult problems while working of split-system is a refrigerant, that did not manage to
transform into gas. The liquid gets from evaporator to compressor inlet, and as liquid is
incompressible substance, there is a hydraulic shock. The main cause of the breakdown is in dirty
filters of the indoor unit, clogging with popliteal fluff of the condenser surface of the outdoor
unit. That is why
prophylaxis
is necessary: regular cleaning and routine inspection by a
specialist.
If you follow the simple rules, the
split-system will serve you for many years, providing reliable and perfect
air conditioning.
