How an air conditioner works: the principle of operation of the air conditioner, its structure and technical diagram

The key to long-term and efficient operation of the air conditioner is its proper operation and regular maintenance. Do you agree? But in order to prevent breakdowns of this very expensive equipment, it is advisable to study the device and also consider the operating principle of the air conditioner.

It is these issues that we will discuss in our material - we will analyze in detail the main structural elements of standard climate control equipment. We’ll also talk about the principle and features of its functioning, and provide a typical diagram. We will supplement the article with visual photos and useful video recommendations.

The design of a typical air conditioner

It is difficult to imagine the comfortable life of a modern person without air conditioning. And so that when using it the user does not have problems and breakdowns, it is advisable to familiarize yourself in general terms with the design and operating principle of this type of climate control equipment. We will talk further about the main components and design elements of the air conditioner.

Main structural elements of equipment

If a user were to see a cross-section of an air conditioner that increases the comfort of his or her stay, he would find quite a lot of structural elements and components there. Some of them are used to control the unit, helping the standard electronics and the user to control the situation.

And the main ones that influence functionality are such design elements as:

• evaporator, which is located in the indoor unit of the air conditioner and is designed to ensure that the refrigerant used absorbs heat when it turns into a gaseous state;
• capacitor — this structural element is located in the external unit of the air conditioner and is designed to ensure the transition of the existing refrigerant into a liquid state, with the simultaneous release of heat.

At their core, both elements are radiators. Which occupy a significant part in the design of air conditioning units. This is necessary to ensure effective heat exchange between the refrigerant and air.

The diagram shows the indoor unit of a typical air conditioner, regardless of brand, model and performance. And its main element is always the evaporator, which occupies most of the body

The evaporator and condenser are a structure consisting of small-diameter copper pipes with transverse aluminum plates placed on them, which are designed to increase the rate of heat transfer.

What else affects the performance of air conditioners?

In addition to the evaporator and condenser listed above, there are several other design elements that ensure the efficiency of climate control equipment.

These include:

• fans;
• compressor;
• thermostatic valve (valve).

Products such as fans, installed in each air conditioner unit. Their task is to enhance the air flow that blows over the evaporator or condenser. This significantly improves the performance of the system as a whole.

Compressor It is quite possible to call it the heart of any modern air conditioner. The reason is that it is he who ensures the movement of refrigerant through the refrigeration circuit. Which usually consists of copper tubes.

The diagram shows the external unit of a modern air conditioner. Moreover, its main element is traditionally the capacitor, which is indicated in blue. A fan is located next to the specified structural element, without which it will not be possible to achieve efficient operation of the system

In addition, the compressor is designed to compress the refrigerant behind the evaporator. Which also improves the performance of any air conditioner.

We talked about compressor diagnostics and troubleshooting features in this material.

Thermostatic valve designed to reduce the refrigerant pressure in front of the evaporator. This feature provides better heat transfer.

The role of refrigerant in the operation of climate control equipment

Any modern air conditioner is a technical system consisting of a number of units and parts. But they will all be useless without refrigerant, which is a substance that easily passes from a liquid to a gaseous state and vice versa. At the same time, releasing or absorbing a significant amount of heat.

There are more than 4 dozen types of freon, but only some of them are used as a refrigerant. At the same time, the most in demand today is R-22 - it is what fuels more than 98% of air conditioners. But you should remember that its days are already numbered and this should be taken into account when purchasing climate control equipment

Various types of a substance called freon have been used as a refrigerant for many decades - it is mainly a mixture of ethane and methane.The main feature of this substance is its low boiling point. What happens at 5-10 °C. In this case, freon can heat up to 70-90° during evaporation. These features allow you to remove a huge amount of heat, and quite quickly.

And the specified refrigerant is colorless, odorless and, most importantly, harmless to the health of users. At the same time, the most popular type of freon today (R-22) has a negative impact on the ozone layer of the atmosphere. Therefore, if you are not indifferent to environmental problems, then you should purchase air conditioners that run on refrigerant R-410. Which does not destroy the protective layers of the atmosphere.

The photo shows refilling the air conditioner with freon. But it should be remembered that according to the so-called Montreal Protocol, the use of R-22 freon must be stopped by 2030. And this is a very important point. Since the less time remains before the specified period, the less advisable it is to purchase air conditioners that run on harmful refrigerant

On practice refilling air conditioner with freon is performed quite rarely. For example, after repair, maintenance, leakage. And in any case, the specified refrigerant (R-410) will not harm the health of users and their pets.

Operating principle and circuit diagram of the air conditioner

The air conditioner seems to be a fairly simple piece of equipment, the main structural components of which are not particularly complicated. Therefore, we will analyze in detail its operating principle, which is also extremely simple.

How does a typical air conditioner work?

As liquids evaporate, they absorb heat, actively, and during condensation (transition from a gaseous state back to a liquid) they release it.And these physical phenomena are traditionally the basis of the operating principle of air conditioners.

You can make sure that the specified method of heat removal is effective even at home. For example, applying any alcohol-containing solution to the surface of your skin, which, quickly evaporating, leaves behind a feeling of cold. Since heat from the surface of the body is absorbed and removed to the side.

To put it simply, the basis for the operation of any modern air conditioner is the boiling (with heat absorption) and condensation (with heat release) procedures. During these processes, heat is absorbed/released according to the formulas shown on the graph. Where Q is the amount of heat, L is the specific heat of vaporization, and m denotes the mass of the substance

This is exactly what happens indoors. The reason is that the liquid refrigerant, having entered the indoor unit of the air conditioner, actively and in large quantities absorbs excess heat, and its temperature rises significantly.

As a result, it evaporates and moves to the outdoor unit (usually located outside the building). Where, under the influence of colder air, pumped in significant quantities by a fan, the reverse process occurs.

The photo shows an air conditioner evaporator. Which in appearance resembles a regular radiator. Actually, that’s how it is. Since the design of this element ensures the most efficient blowing of warm room air, from which the refrigerant absorbs heat, so the room becomes cooler

That is, condensation occurs, as a result of which the refrigerant becomes liquid again, and, accordingly, heat is released. And then a new cycle will follow, and so on ad infinitum.

Schematic diagram of the equipment operation

Regardless of the type, type and name of the air conditioner, the air cooling process is always the same. So after switching on, the refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator. Moreover, its pressure is 3-5 atmospheres, and the temperature is in the range of 10-20 °C.

Next, in a gaseous state, freon moves to the compressor. And then it compresses to 15-20 atmospheres. In addition, the refrigerant is heated to 70-90 °C.

The diagram, in a simplified form, shows the operating principle of any modern air conditioner. So the figure shows that the refrigerant cooled in the condenser enters the flow regulator (thermostatic valve). Where its pressure decreases, which allows the liquid to cool even more. And then the refrigerant is transported to the evaporator, where the main process takes place. That is, cooling the air while simultaneously heating the refrigerant

After which the gas is transported to the condenser, actively blown by a fan. As a result of exposure to injected air at a lower temperature, freon releases heat, which leads to its transition to a liquid state.

But still its temperature remains 10-20 °C higher than that of the surrounding air. This problem is solved when the liquid moves through the expansion valve. Where the refrigerant pressure drops again to a small 3-5 atmospheres. This allows the freon to cool further and is ready for a new cycle of heat absorption, so it is again supplied to the evaporator.

The figure shows a schematic diagram of an air conditioner. In this case, one unit equipped with an evaporator is located indoors. And the second one, with a capacitor, is outside.This allows you to make the heat exchange procedure as efficient as possible. In addition, the unit, which is located on the street, always houses a compressor, which is the noisiest part of the structure

Features of the air conditioner

An air conditioner requires electricity to operate, but this is beneficial because it has a fairly high efficiency.

But if there are regular voltage drops in the network, then in order to avoid breakdown of this type of climate control equipment, you should immediately install and stabilizer.

Despite the simple and effective method of heat exchange, you should always remember that the air conditioner will only meet its declared characteristics with regular maintenance.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video attached below will help you deepen and consolidate your knowledge on the topic:

The operating principle of any air conditioner, regardless of brand, type, is quite simple. Because it is based on the simplest physical phenomena. At the same time, it should be remembered that climate control equipment has different technical characteristics. In addition, air conditioners are reliable, efficient, and easy to operate. What needs to be taken into account, as well as the future transition to safe freon, since this feature can lead to financial losses.

Would you like to supplement the above material with useful information or comments? Or do you still have questions about the topic of our article? Ask them to our experts and other site visitors in the feedback block below.