PRINCIPLE OF AIR CONDITIONING

Air Conditioning
Air Conditioning is defined as the simultaneous control of the Temperature of Air, Humidity of air,
Purity of air and Motion of air for the purposes of Human Comfort, Food Processing and other
Industrial Purposes.
Human Comfort
The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) defines
the Human Comfort as:
Human Comfort is that condition of mind which expresses satisfaction with the thermal
environment.
Metabolic Rate:
The rate at which human body produces heat is called the Metabolic Rate. The heat produced by a
normal healthy person while sleeping is called the Basal Metabolic Rate. It is of the order of 60 W.
The maximum value may be 10 times as much as this for a person engaged in continuous hard work.
The temperature of the body remains almost constant at about 36.9 C for tissues at the surface or the
skin and about 37.20 C for the deep tissues. Body temperature in the morning after sleep is 0.50 C less
than its temperature in the afternoon. A value of 40.5 C is considered serious and 4350 C is almost
fatal.
Human comfort is influenced by physiological factors determined by the rate of heat generation
within the body and the rate of heat dissipation to the surrounding atmosphere by
convection and by the evaporation of the sweat produced.
AIR CONDITIONING Vs REFRIGERATION
Sl.No

Refrigeration

Air Conditioning

Refrigeration is the method of lowering

down the temperature of a closed space to
a value much less than that of its
surrounding atmosphere.

Air conditioning is the method of

controlling the temperature of a closed
space to bring it to a value less or greater
than that of its surrounding atmosphere.

Temperature required in the refrigeration

is much less than that required by air
conditioning,
Refrigeration helps to produce air
conditioning.
Required mainly for preservation of food
stuff, blood, medicine, etc.

Temperature required in the air conditioning is

much more than that required by refrigeration.

3
4

Air conditioning does not help producing

refrigeration.
Required mainly for human comfort and
maintaining working accuracy of machinery
and equipments.

Air Cooling:
Air Cooling is often confused with the term Air Conditioning. Air Cooling consists merely a blower
with refrigerating unit. It provides only a flow of cool filtered air.
LOADS ENCOUNTERED IN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS
The air conditioning system carries the following loads:

1. The heat emitted from the bodies of the occupants in the room /conditioned space.
2. The heat transfer by conduction from the walls, floors, doors and windows of the
conditioned space.
3. The heat emitted from the stored products, equipments, etc., in the conditioned space.
4. The heat load due to solar radiation.
1.3 TERMINOLOGY
Psychrometry
Psychrometry is that branch of physical science dealing with the study of the properties of air and
water vapour mixture. A few psychrometric properties are defined below:
1. Atmospheric Air
Air in the atmosphere is referred to as Atmospheric Air.
2. Dry Air
Pure Dry Air mainly consists of Nitrogen and Oxygen and some other gases in small quantity
like Carbon dioxide, Hydrogen, etc.
3. Moisture
Atmospheric air normally contains water vapour, known as Moisture.
4. Moist Air
Moist Air is defined as a mixture of dry air and water vapour. The maximum quantity of water vapour
present in the air depends upon the air temperature.
5. Saturated Air
Saturated Air is that air which contains maximum amount of water vapour which the air can
hold at a given temperature.
6. Degree of Saturation
Degree of Saturation is defined as the ratio of mass of water vapour in unit mass of dry air to
mass of water vapour in unit mass of dry air when air is saturated at the same temperature.
7. Humidity
Humidity is defined as the moisture content present in the atmospheric air. The atmosphere
always contains some moisture in the form of water vapour.
8. Relative Humidity
Relative Humidity is the ratio of mass of water vapour present in a given volume of dry air to
the mass of water vapour required to Saturate the same volume of dry air at the same
temperature. It is represented in percentage, It is 0% for dry air and 100% for saturated
air.
For example. 50% relative humidity means that the air contains one-half the amount of
moisture that it is capab1e of holding. Relative humidity changes as the air temperature
changes.
9. Absolute Humidity
Absolute Humidity is defined as the mass of water vapour contained in a given volume of air.
It is expressed n gram of water vapour per cubic meter of air.
10. Temperature-Humidity Index (T.H.I.)
It is also termed as Discomfort Index. It expresses in numerical values the relationship between
comfort or discomfort temperature and humidity. It is felt that T.H.I. at 20C provides a comfortable
atmosphere.
11. Dry Bulb Temperature (D.B. T.)
Dry Bulb Temperature is the atmospheric air temperature recorded by a thermometer whose
bulb is exposed to the atmosphere.
12. Wet Bulb Temperature (W.B. T.)
It is defined as the temperature of air measured by a thermometer when its bulb is covered with a wet
cloth and is exposed to a current of air.
Note: For saturated air, D.B.T. and W.B.T. are the same.
13. Air Purity
People do not feel comfortable while breathing contaminated air even if it is within the acceptable
temperature and humidity ranges. So, proper filtration, cleaning and purification of air is necessary to
keep it free from dust, dirt and other impurities.

14. Air Movement and Circulation

Even if temperature, humidity and air purity are satisfactory, a certain amount of air motion
(i.e., air velocity) and circulation is necessary for human comfort.
REQUIREMENTS OF COMFORT AIR CONDITIONING or FACTORS CONTROLLING
AIR CONDITIONING
The following factors are to be considered for effective air conditioning:
Human Discomfort
Moisture from human body evaporates. Thus, body heat is disposed. Hence, humidity inside a room
increases, causing difficulty in disposing of body heat. Also, the room temperature rises due to heat
dissipated from the body, causing human discomfort.
Human Comfort
Thermodynamically speaking, ideal human comfort exists when the rate of heat production
becomes equal to the rate of heat loss. The following parameters are required to be maintained for the
human comfort in air conditioning:
1. Temperature of Air
In air conditioning, the desired room temperature has to be maintained, though the
temperature of the outside air is different. It has been found that for human comfort, we
need a dry bulb temperature of 20C.
2. Humidity of Air
The control of humidity of air means the increasing or decreasing of moisture contents of air
during summer or winter respectively.
3. Purity of Air
You and I do not feel comfortable while breathing contaminated impure air, even if it is
within the acceptable air temperature and humidity ranges. The conditioned air must be free
from dust, bacteria, odour and toxic gases.
4. Air Circulation
A person inhales about 0.6 m3 of oxygen and exhales about 0.2 m3 of carbon-di-oxide per
hour. 1f the carbon-di-oxide level in the room increases above 2%, it will cause human
discomfort. Hence, air conditioner should supply enough quantity of fresh air. There
should be continuous air circulation in the air-conditioned space.
The feeling of comfort by individuals depends upon many factors such as age, types of
cloth used, duration of stay, etc. This feeling also differs from individual to individual.
CLASSIFICATION 01 AIR CONDlTI0NING SYSTEMS
1. Classification as to Major Function
(a) Comfort Air conditioning
Window Air Conditioner or Split Type Air Conditioner used in rooms creates atmospheric conditions
conducive to human comfort.
Central Air Conditioning
It is used in offices, hospitals, theatres, hotels, industries, etc,
(b) Industrial Air Conditioning
It is used in machine-part manufacturing plants, tool rooms, printing, photo-processing
plants, including CAD / CAM / CIM centers, etc.
2. Classification as to Season of the Year
(a) Summer Air Conditioning
This system controls all the four atmospheric conditions, (Temperature, Humidity, Air Purity
and, Air Movement and Circulation) for summer comfort. The major problems are to cool
the air and to remove excess moisture from it.
(b) Winter Air Conditioning
Such a system maintains indoor atmospheric conditions for winter comfort. The major
problems are to heat the air by electric heaters or furnaces and to bring moisture content up
to an acceptable level.
(c) Year-round Air Conditioning

This system has heating and cooling equipment with automatic controls to maintain the four
parameters for human comfort round the year.
3. Classification as to Arrangement of Equipment
(a) Unitary Air Conditioning
Unitary or Window type air conditioner is of small capacity of to 2 tonnes. It is used for
air conditioning of rooms, small offices, operation theaters, etc.
(b) Central Air Conditioning
The central system is used for air conditioning of entire buildings, cinemas, etc.
IMPORTANT ACTIONS INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION OF AN AIR CONDITIONER
Air filtering, cleaning and purification
Air movement and circulation
Temperature control
Humidity control
Thus, air conditioning is the process of treating air so as to simultaneously control its temperature,
humidity, cleanliness and circulation in the conditioned space.
WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER or ROOM AIR CONDITIONER

As the name implies, all the components of an Air Conditioner are assembled inside a casing
installed in the window of a room at the window sill level. Hence, it s called Window Air
Conditioner. Fig. 1 shows the pictorial view of a window air conditioner.
Window Air Conditioner is designed to condition the air in a single room and is hence
known as Room Air Conditioner.
Description
See Fig. 2. The window air conditioner consists of a Vapour Compression Refrigeration System,
Air Filter, Double Shaft Motor, Centrifugal Blower and Propeller Type Fan. The vapour
compression refrigeration system consists of:
1. Evaporator
2. Compressor
3. Condenser
4. Expansion Valve in the form of a Capillary Tube
The Evaporator part is facing the room (INDOOR). The Condenser part projects outside the
room (OUTDOOR). The evaporator part is insulated from the condenser part. That is, the evaporator
and condenser coils are separated by an Insulated Partition to avoid the air movement between the
room and atmosphere.

A common Double Shaft Motor drives a Fan at one end and a Blower at the other end.
Adjustable Louvers continuously change the direction of air flow to ensure uniform distribution of
conditioned air inside the room.

Working Principle
Commonly used refrigerants are: Freon-12 and Freon-22.
Evaporator
Evaporator is a cooling coil made of copper. The Centrifugal Blower is installed behind the
evaporator.
The Blower sucks warm air from the room and sends it to the evaporator through the Air
Filter. [Air filter cleans the air by removing dust and dirt particles.] The Low Pressure Low
Temperature (LPLT) refrigerant inside the evaporator coil absorbs the heat from the room air and
evaporates. Therefore, the room air is cooled as well as dehumidified by continuous heat removal. The
dehumidified-cooled air is blown back into the room.
The desired temperature of 20C to 25C in the room for human body comfort is
maintained using the Control Panel.
Compressor
The LPLT evaporated refrigerant is drawn by the suction of the Compressor. The
compressor compresses it to High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) vapour. This vapour flows into
the Condenser Coil.
Condenser
The Fan draws the atmospheric air, which is circulated over the condenser coil. The
HPHT refrigerant vapour inside the condenser condenses by giving-off the heat to the air, which
absorbs the heat. This hot air is discharged to the atmosphere. The HPHT vapour is condensed to High
Pressure Low Temperature (HPLT) liquid refrigerant in the condenser.
Capillary Tube
Then the HPLT liquid expands to LPLT liquid in the Capillary Tube. This liquid refrigerant
is re-circulated through the evaporator. The cycle is repeated.
The evaporator outer surface is cold, as it contains low temperature liquid refrigerant. So,
water vapour in the warm humid air condenses to form water droplets on the outer surface of the
evaporator.

[Have you observed the formation of water droplets on the outside of an ice-filled glass tumbler, due
to the condensation of moisture in the surrounding air?] These droplets are collected and drained.
Window air conditioners operate on 230 V, singe phase AC supply.
Capacity of Air Conditioner
Unit of Refrigeration is expressed in terms of Ton of Refrigeration (briefly written as TR). A Ton of
Refrigeration is the amount of heat absorbed to produce 1 ton of ice at 0C within 24 hours when the
initial condition of water is also at 0C. The value of I ton of refrigeration is 3.5 kJ / second or 3.5 kW
in S.I. units. Air conditioners are also specified by the same unit TR The room air conditioners have
capacities ranging from 0.75 to 4 TR in sizes of 0.75. 1, 1.5, 1.6, 2, 3 and 4 TR.
ADVANTAGES
1. Self-Contained Unit. Window air conditioner is a self-contained single-package unit.
2. For more than one room in a residential building, several window units can be used. A
separate temperature control s provided in each room in which the unit is installed.
3. No Ducks: Ducts are not required for air distribution. This advantage is especially
noticeable in residences n mild climates where central heating systems are not required.
4. Installation: Installation is simple and plumbing is not required.
DISADVANTAGES
1. Suitability: Not suitable for large halls and applications where heat and moisture loads are high.
2. Air Circulation: The unit has circulation of a fixed air quantity.
3. Installation Constrain: The installation must be made only on an external wall of the room.
SPLIT TYPE ROOM AIR CONDITIONER
See Fig. 3. The present trend in the Indian market is to go for the Split Type of the air conditioning
system. it is built in two parts: Cooling Unit and Condensing Unit and hence the name Split System.
Split Type Room Air Conditioner is also known as Split Package Unit.
A split package unit is designed with the fan and cooling or heating coil in one equipment section and
the condenser as well as the compressor in another section.

See Fig. 4. The cooling unit section is located in the room. The condenser and compressor are placed
in a remote location either indoors or outdoors.
COOLING UNIT (INDOOR UNIT)
1. Evaporator Coil and Capillary Tube
The High Pressure Low Temperature (HPLT) liquid refrigerant from the condenser is passed
to the capillary tube. In the capillary tube the refrigerant expands. The Low Pressure Low
Temperature (LPLT) liquid refrigerant then passes to the evaporator.
2. Evaporator Fan
Evaporator fan draws air continuously from the inside of the room through an Air Filler. The air is
forced to pass over the evaporator coil by the fan and is cooled by the refrigerant. Consequently, the
refrigerant evaporates by absorbing the heat from the air.
3. Mounting of Cooling Unit
Cooling unit may be floor mounted, wall mounted or ceiling mounted, depending on the requirement.
4. Controls
When a controlled atmosphere is required n air conditioning, the humidity of the air is varied. When
dry air is required, it is dehumidified by cooling or by dehydration. In the latter process, the air is
passed through absorptive chemicals such as silica jet. Air is humidified by circulation through water
sprays.

CONDENSING UNIT (OUTDOOR UNIT)

1. Compressor
High temperature evaporated refrigerant from the evaporator is drawn by the suction of the
compressor. The compressor compresses it and delivers it to the condenser.

2. Condenser Coil
The condenser can be air cooled n the case of room air conditioner or water cooled in the case of
centralized air conditioner. if a water cooled condenser is to be used, the condenser is provided with
connections for either city water or well water. For an air cooled condenser. these connections are not
required.
3. Condenser Fan
The condenser fan draws the atmospheric air from the exposed side. The High Pressure High
Temperature (HPHT) refrigerant passing inside the condenser condenses by giving-off the heat to the
atmospheric air.
To avoid any flashing of liquid refrigerant, a receiver in the liquid line is recommended, where the
distance between the condensing unit and cooling unit exceeds eight meters.
ADVANTAGES
1. Installation: No constraints on the installation of the split type air conditioner, as the condensing
unit can be located in any remote place.
2. Noise-Free Operation: Noise free operation, because of remote location of the condensing unit.
3. Wall Opening: No breakage or opening in the wall necessary.
4. Flexibility of Use: Feasibility of using multiple evaporators with single condensing unit making its
use more flexible.
DISADVANTAGES
1. Split Package Unit: Split type is a split package unit and not a single package self-contained unit.
2. While it is true that the Split System offers outstanding user conveniences. it is necessary to be
aware of the disadvantages also. These can be counter-balanced by the following actions:
. Usually a drop of 5-10% in capacity is observed in the split system due to the extended system
tubing, when compared to that of the Window unit. This loss in efficiency would be compensated
partially by selecting suitable sizes of the system tubes.
The other part of the loss can be taken care by increasing the air flow using four pole motor for the
condenser fan resulting in lower discharge pressure.
Split system has lot ofjoints. It is prone to refrigerant leakage. To avoid this problem, it is becoming a
common practice to eliminate these joints by brazing the system tubes at the site. The unit is then
evacuated and charged in the installed condition itself.

CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

Central Air Conditioning System is used for large commercial buildings, theatres, hospitals, hotels,
libraries, etc. in this system, the cooling and heating devices and the control unit are installed in one
particular location.
It is economical over multiple window systems for larger space. It spreads cooled air more uniformly
inside the hall. Fans blow the conditioned air through Air Ducts from the air conditioner. The Ducts
carry the conditioned air to various rooms of the building. Cooling capacity is 25 100 tonnes.
ADVANTAGES

Noiseless
It is totally isolated from the hall. Therefore, noise level is reduced very much.

Comfort Conditions
Comfort conditions are perfe.i. maintained in each and every room.

Easy Control
A Central Automatic Control Point is provided. Hence, control of operation is easier.

Zones

Central air conditioners can also be Zoned. Central air conditioners can supply air of different
temperatures to different parts of a building complex. A doctor with a crowded consulting room might
require cooler air than a lawyer in a smaller office. Thus, zoning maker it possible serve both their
needs.

Easy Maintenance
Since the cooling and heating equipment is installed in one location rather than several
locations, the maintenance of the system is easier.
Disadvantage

High Cost
The equipment and installation cost of the central system is very high.

COMFORT AIRCONDITIONING
1. Window Air Conditioner
Used in residential buildings, office rooms, etc., where the air conditioner can be installed in the
external wall.
2. Split Type Air Conditioner
Used in residential buildings, office rooms, etc., where the air conditioner cannot be installed in the
external wall.
3. Central Air Conditioning
Used in commercial complexes, institutional buildings, etc.
4. Efficient Functioning of Equipments
Used for efficient functioning of the equipments such as computers, machine tools, precision
instruments, electronic devices, telecommunication equipments. etc.
5. Commercial Air Conditioning
Used in hotels, restaurants, cinema halls, etc.
6. Summer Air Conditioning
Used in summer season. In summer air conditioning, mainly cooling of air is required. In this system,
the sensible heat of air is reduced by cooling.
7. Winter Air Conditioning
This system is meant for winter season. In winter air conditioning, mainly heating of air is required. in
this system, the sensible heat of air is increased by heating.
8. Year-Round Air Conditioning
This system controls the temperature and humidity of air of an enclosed space throughout the year
according to seasonal changes. In year-round system, provisions are made for both heating and
cooling the air as well as humidification (adding moisture) and dehumidification (removing moisture)
such that in any season the comfort can be provided.
9. Tall Buildings
Used for tall buildings where natural ventilation may not be possible due to high altitude.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
1. Food Industry
Used for cold storage of fruits and vegetables, food and soft drinks, photo materials. pharmaceuticals,
etc.
2. Hospitals
Used in hospitals to reduce infection risk.
3. Laboratories
Used in biological laboratories.
4. Machine Tool Industry
Used to control temperature and humidity in the manufacture of CNC machines, etc.
5. Instruments Manufacturing Industries
Used in industries manufacturing scientific instruments, electronic devices, etc.
6. Data Processing Centers
Used in data processing centers.
7. Textile Industry
Used in textile industries.
8. Printing Industry
To prevent the printing press from drying, cooling and swelling of paper.
9. Chemical Industries
Used in chemical industries such as paper mills, sugar mills, etc.
10. Photographic industry
To manufacture photographic materials and process the exposed film.
11. Space Exploration
Used in space exploration.
12. Military Operations
Used in computer aided tracking of missiles in military operations and atomic sub-marines.