How do AirConditioners work?

Question

Does anyone know DETAILS of how it works? *not just, it cools air*

If possible explain the process start-to-finish

THANKS :D

Answer 1

1. The compressor compresses cool Freon gas, causing it to become hot, high-pressure Freon gas
2. This hot gas runs through a set of coils so it can dissipate its heat, and it condenses into a liquid.
3. The Freon liquid runs through an expansion valve, and in the process it evaporates to become cold, low-pressure Freon gas
4. This cold gas runs through a set of coils that allow the gas to absorb heat and cool down the air inside the building.

Answer 2

Lets start with the difference between air conditioning and refrigeration. Essentially both the processes are meant to cool a closed space so that temperature inside the space is lesser than the surroundings. The basic difference is comfort levels. Air conditioning as the name suggests is more concerned with maintaining the air in the specified closed space such that it brings comfort to the occupants where emphasis is on temperature, humidity, flow and purity. The comfort levels of humans are 24 degree celsius and 60% relative humidity. Unlike, in refrigeration the concern is just cooling where temperatures reach zero degrees or lesser (cryogenics).

Though there are specific differences, the cooling process is essentially the same in both air conditioning and refrigeration. Both deploy 'vapor compression cycle' although other systems are also available. An air conditioning unit consists of Compressor, Condensor, Expansion valve and Evaporator. A refrigerant is stored in the reservoir. Initially the compressor compresses the refrigerant thereby increasing its pressure and temperature. Then the refrigerant flows through the condensor which is nothing but a heat exchanger. The refrigerant loses heat in the condensor but its still 'hot' when compared to required conditions. Then the refrigerant flows through the expansion valve. The basic principle employed in this valve is the Joule Thomson Effect. The process is called 'throttling process'. In a throttling process, when a fluid expands suddenly its temperature decreases. So the refrigerant loses much of the heat here and flows into the evaporator. Air from the surroundings is made to flow across the evaporator. When the temperature of the air decreases the moisture present in it (if the air is humid) condenses and leaves the system as water. Thats why you see drops of water dripping from an AC unit. If the humidity of the air is still not in the acceptable range additional dehumidifiers are used. In case the air conditioning is for dry regions humidifiers are used to make the air 'moist'.

Answer 3

Many modern work places, homes and vehicles, now have Air Conditioning (A/C) Units installed. These operate by having an ‘Air Mover’ (Fan) circulating air through a chamber which contains refrigerated cooling coils.

The actual refrigeration system is installed OUTSIDE the building or space being cooled. The refrigeration coils are set into the cooling chamber, also outside or in a separate room, through which air from the INSIDE of the space is being drawn by the fan (air mover).

The cooling coils are carrying a refrigerant, that has been expanded across an expansion valve and is being re-vaporised by removing heat from the circulating air passing over the coils and, after cooling by the refrigerant, the air is discharged back into the building.

As the cooled air exchanges heat with the contents of the space, the space and contents cool down, the warmer air then returns to the fan to repeat the cycle.

At the same time, the air gives up much of its moisture (humidity) by condensation on the cooling coils. The condensed water is collected in a drip-tray and disposed of.

The amount of work done by the system depends on the insulation of the building or space being cooled. Poor insulation may result in the fridge unit not being able to handle the amount of heat to be removed.

Working, living and driving conditions are thereby made much more comfortable.

In summary, the process is as follows: -

THE HEAT REMOVED FROM THE SPACE AND ITS CONTENTS, IS ABSORBED BY THE EVAPORATION PROCESS OF THE REFRIGERANT LIQUID AS IT PASSES THROUGH THE COILS IN THE HEAT EXCHANGE CHAMBER.

THIS HEAT, TOGETHER WITH THE SUBSEQUENT HEAT OF COMPRESSION, PASSES INTO THE ATMOSPHERE (OR CONDENSER COOLANT), BY WAY OF THE OUTSIDE REFRIGERANT CONDENSER.

Answer 4

There are several different types that each use a different process for cooling the air.

See this Web Site:

http://home.howstuffworks.com/ac.htm

Answer 5

well, the theory of air-conditioning mainly depends on :the latent heat of 1-vaporization (the liquid freon inside the cooling coil of evaporator absorbs the heat of conditioned place the the mean of centrifugal fan..this freon evaporates and drawn by the suction side of compressor where it is compressed and collected inside the condenser at the outdoor side of conditioner
2-latent heat of condensation :the outdoor condenser fan cools the superheated hot vapor and converts this vapor into hot liquid...the main part performing the cooling effect is the capillary tube (0.1 to1mm in diameter)..the high presurre liqiud passes through this tube creating high friction losses and high pressure drop as well followed by high temp. drop (from150 F to 40 F liquid freon ) this liquid drawn by the suction side of comp. and flows in the cooling coil inside the evaporator..and the cycle repeated

Answer 6

One of the easiest is the old swamp cooler. It wets the pads and pull the air through it,and it will absorbed 60 calories for each cc that is evaporated.