Despite the fact that today there are air conditioning systems in many apartments and houses, not every user knows about their features and structure. The operating principle of the air conditioner is very simple. To understand it, you need to remember the lessons of school physics, when the absorption of heat by a liquid was studied and experiments were carried out when alcohol, when evaporated, created a pleasant chill on the hand.
Content
- Features of the device
- Equipment operation
- Types of air conditioners
- Frequent breakdowns and repairs
Features of the device
Regardless of the model and type, all modern air conditioners are arranged in approximately the same way. The device includes the following elements:
- throttle;
- compressor;
- capacitor;
- fan;
- evaporator.
The compressor is responsible for the compression of freon and its circulation through the equipment. The working mixture is converted into liquid by means of a condenser, which is located inside the external block. Freon is converted into gas by an evaporator. The throttle is responsible for adjusting the pressure of the circulating freon. All this is cooled by fans.
According to this principle, each unit-air conditioner of the split system operates. Ceiling and wall devices differ only in the layout of the working elements in the case.
Equipment operation
The parts of the air conditioning system, except for the rotating fans, are fastened together with thin copper tubes. There are also models with aluminum tubes on sale. Refrigerant (freon) moves along them. He alternately takes on a liquid, then a gaseous state. Fans help prevent overheating of all equipment.
The temperature and pressure of gaseous freon is 10-16 degrees and 4-6 atm. respectively. When the cooler is compressed by the compressor, the pressure increases, and the freon reaches a temperature of 80-90 degrees Celsius.
The heated working mixture enters the condenser, in which it begins to cool and release thermal energy, being converted into liquid. Then the refrigerant is sent to the evaporator through the throttle. Here liquid and gaseous freon mixes and evaporates, forming cold. The refrigerant is then sent back to the compressor and the whole process is repeated.
Types of air conditioners
There are several types of air conditioning systems on the market today, although they all work in a similar way. According to the method of air supply, air conditioners are conditionally classified as follows:
- recirculating;
- supply air;
- devices with recuperation option.
The latest models use internal air for operation, external air masses are used for supply air, and both technologies are used in recuperative devices. There is another classification of such equipment:
-
Monoblock. These units have a single block that combines all the options. It is very easy to use these air conditioners. In addition, they are very durable and easy to repair. The disadvantages include only the high cost. - Split systems imply the presence of a pair of blocks separated from each other. One device is installed on the outer wall of the building, and the other is installed inside the building. The units are connected with a special pipe for refrigerant circulation. The evaporator and fans of this type of systems are located in the indoor unit, while other elements are located in the external one. Split systems can have different shapes: there are wall, ceiling and floor systems.
- Multi-split units are equipped with several indoor units. These devices are also ceiling, wall and floor.
The choice of a specific variety depends on the characteristics and area of the room, on financial capabilities and personal preferences. Experts recommend not to save on the purchase of air conditioning systems, since the quality here is in direct proportion to the cost.
Frequent breakdowns and repairs
Now, in order to set up and install such equipment at work or at home, you do not need to understand how it works. However, you should be aware of the most common faults. Experts note that most often split systems break down due to water hammer: that is, freon simply does not have time to convert into gas inside the evaporator.
This happens for various reasons. Basically, this problem is typical for budget models, the design of which occurred with some violations. Even with minor voltage surges, malfunctions can occur in them. Water hammer often occurs when activating equipment in freezing temperatures. For example, the cheapest systems break down at -12 degrees.
Clogged filters are another situation contributing to water hammer. Split systems must be monitored. From time to time, the system needs to be subjected to a routine inspection so as not to spend money on repairs later.
Another breakdown is associated with a refrigerant (freon) leak. This often happens when the tubing is incorrectly installed. In budget models, factory defects are often found. You can determine the malfunction visually by seeing freezing on the back of the device.
Improper installation can accidentally allow moisture and / or air to enter the equipment flow. This will eventually lead to damage to the device.
Therefore, when thinking about installing a split system, it is better to contact experienced professionals who have extensive experience.
An air conditioning unit allows you to create an optimal microclimate and temperature in an office or home. In recent years, models equipped with the option of humidification and ionization of the ambient air began to appear more and more often. These systems are very beneficial to health, but they must be properly and constantly looked after, repaired and cleaned in a timely manner. Dirty filter elements are unlikely to be beneficial. Experts note cases when people faced health problems due to split systems that were not regularly maintained.
