Air conditioning: what you need to know about its functioning

Many consumers consider air conditioning as the most effective and convenient way to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home. The principle of operation, as well as the device of different models of such technology is approximately the same. The difference is only in the location of the equipment.

Air conditioner

Any modern air conditioner consists of four basic elements, such as:

1. capacitor;
2. fan;
3. compressor;
4. evaporator.

Air cooling

The functioning of the air conditioner is based on the use of so-called freon - a substance that can absorb and give off heat.

Freon cooling begins in the outdoor unit, where the substance is in a gaseous state. From this section, it moves the compressor, in which under the influence of high pressure the gas is compressed and, as a result, is heated.

Freon enters the condenser, cooling and turning into a liquid. In this form, it moves to a thermostatic valve, in which at a lower pressure the freon is heated and, as a result, boils and evaporates.

Already in the evaporator, the substance is blown by the warm air coming from the room, cooling and turning back into gas. When refrigerated, Freon moves into free space. According to this principle, continuous circulation of this substance in the air conditioning system is carried out.

Heating

In the cold season, air conditioning works the same as in the warm. The only difference is the direction of movement of freon.

When the room is heated, this substance moves in the opposite direction, which is provided by the valve of the outdoor unit. The heat exchangers in this case change places, suggesting heating of the air in the outdoor and heat transfer in the indoor unit. An air conditioner with a four-way valve, thus, due to a change in the direction of movement of freon, swaps the condenser and evaporator.

The principle of changing the aggregate state of freon, accompanied by absorption and heat generation, is the basis of the work of any modern air conditioner, regardless of type and model.

Air conditioner problems

One of the most serious problems is the compressor's water hammer. The reason for their occurrence is liquefied freon entering the compressor. This problem most often occurs due to clogged filters, which significantly reduces the heat transfer efficiency in the evaporator.

Another reason is the operation of the air conditioner at low temperatures. Because of this, the freon entering the evaporator cools too much.

Operating modes

Modern air conditioners use several basic modes for their operation:

1. Cooling. This is the most used mode, typical for all modern models of air conditioners;
2. Heating. Such a function is available in almost all models of air conditioners, while being the main mode for heat pumps;
3. Ventilation. This mode involves the use of a fan in the indoor unit that rotates without cooling or heating. But there are models capable of supplying external air to it similarly to ventilation systems;
4. Night. Many air conditioners in this mode of operation slow down the rotation of the fan and increase the permissible temperature differences in the room. For example, if the device is configured to cool the air to a temperature of +24 ° C, then in night mode the indicator of this parameter can increase to + 25 ... + 27 ° C. This ensures almost silent operation of the air conditioner and significant energy savings;
5. With a timer.It allows you to configure the air conditioner to turn on and / or off at a certain point in time. It is important to use the timer, for example, before bedtime, when there is no desire to get out of bed, but you want to save electricity at night. There are models of air conditioners equipped with a weekly timer function with the ability to turn the device off and on at different times;
6. Duty heating. A similar function is found in progressive heat pump designs. Standby heating mode is used when there is no one in the house, but in the rooms it is required to maintain the temperature at + 8 ... + 10 ° C. It is also relevant when creating a "smart home" system.