AIRCONDITIONING BASICS

AIR-CONDITIONING CAPACITY
• TR or ton of refrigeration - unit of measure of all air
conditioners.
• Indicates a certain quantity of heat.
• British thermal unit (BTU) is the quantity of heat needed
to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree
F
• Calorie is the metric unit of heat quantity. It is heat
needed to raise temperature of 1 gm of water by 1 deg
C. 1000 Cal = 1 kilo calorie (K Cal)
• 1TR = 12000 BTU = 3000 K Cal
 AIR CONDITIONING IN TODAY'S
CONTEXT:
• In hot climate the air has to be cooled,
• in cold climate the air has to be heated,
• in dusty space the air has to be cleaned and
• In all the above cases the air has to be properly
distributed.
• Here air conditioning is required mainly for
human comfort.
• But some times for other purposes like
manufacturing goods, medicine, textiles etc the
temperature and humidity control may vary. For
this purpose also air conditioning is required.
 AIR CONDITIONING PROCESS
• Controlling the quality of indoor air for the benefit
of Human comfort, human health and
performance of equipment /process.
• Human comfort is related to the control of
temperature, humidity and air movement.
• A process called REFRIGERATION controls the
temperature and humidity.
• The human health is related to the control of
dust, pollutants and other contaminants. This is
achieved by filtration or by dilution of air.
 DEFINITIONS
• process of treating air and simultaneously
controlling temp, humidity, impurities and
distribution for comfort and health of human
being and/ or for the industrial process
permitting the best product yield during
manufacture and storage.
• Process, which heats, cools, cleans and
circulates air and controls its moisture content,
simultaneously and on a year round basis.
• Science, which deals with supplying and
maintaining desirable internal atmospheric
conditions irrespective of external conditions.
Temperature control, humidity control, air
movement & circulation, air filtering/
cleaning/ purification.
 TEMPERATURE CONTROL
• Temperature most suited to majority of people
• It varies in summer (20 to 23 deg C) and winter
(18 to 22 deg C) due to body temperature
• Office, club, lounge etc – 24.5deg C
• Residence, Hotel rooms, Guest house etc –
24deg C
• Shops, super markets, Cinema halls, Public
places – 23.5deg C
• Major operation theatre – 21deg C
• Computer rooms, Laboratories etc – 22deg C
 HUMIDITY CONTROL
• Amount of moisture present in air
• Varies from place to place & time to time
• Coastal areas are more humid
DEHUMIDIFICATION
• Removal of excess moisture from the air
HUMIDIFICATION
• Adding moisture to any volume
 RELATIVE HUMIDITY
• Ratio of amount of water vapour present in air to
maximum amount of vapour the air can hold in a given
temperature
• If the temperature increases the capacity to hold
moisture also increases
At 70°F, 8 grains = 100%. At 80°F, 11 grains = 100%.
• To increase RH, increase actual moisture content or
decrease the temperature of the air.
• To decrease RH, decrease the moisture content or
increase the temperature of the air.
• 100% indicates the saturation level
• Human comfort – 55 + 5%
• Pharmaceutical – 45 + 5%
• Computer lab etc – 50 + 5%
• Spinning & weaving – 65 + 5%
• Low humidity - the air has very less moisture
content. The air has tendency to absorb
moisture from the surrounding.
• High humidity – uncomfortable, reduces
evaporation process through skin and in turn
cooling of body. Our body maintain comfort by
perspiration as in coastal weather
 AIR MOVEMENT
Keeps the body comfortable during hot weather.
Increase in air movement results in,
• Increase of evaporation process as the moisture
of skin evaporates faster
• Increase of convection process as the warm air
next to the body is carried up faster.
• Increase of radiation process due to removal of
heat from the surrounding surfaces
• Decrease in air movement decreases
evaporation, convection and radiation which,
decreases heat removal process from our body,
keeps the body comfortable in cold weather
• Air movement is created by - fans or blowers,
through ducts for even distribution
 VENTILATION IN AC AREAS
• It is supply of fresh air, its circulation and
distribution
• Same air cannot be re-circulated again and
again. After some time some fresh air may be
added for human comfort. This is done through a
cowl (small opening) in AHU room.
• In rooms provided with window AC system
always allow some fresh air when ac is not being
used.
 DUST CONTROL
DUST CONTROL IN AC AREAS
• Dust enters ac areas through openings
like door etc
• Through occupants
• Use different types of filters
 PURITY & FILTERS:
• Air to be free from dust, dirt and other impurities
• Clean air for breathing and human health
• In food product manufacture place dirt, germs
create harmful effects
• Clean air needed in manufacturing processes
• Clogging of dirt etc., may create serious hazards to
machinery parts
To maintain purity Air filters are used.
• Filters are normally located in R.A. path
• Various filters effectively reduce the above hazards
 FILTERS
All air filters can be divided into five basic
types.
• Dry filters
• Viscous impingement filters
• Electronics filters
• Chemical filters
• Carbon filters
• Submission particulate “absolute” filters
 1 Dry filters
They separate dust, pollen and bacteria by using fabrics of
woven cotton, wool, felt, cellulose or fiber glass.
The filter is supported in wire or angle frame located in
return air path.
Fiber glass media is less expensive and very widely used.
Confined to smaller systems. Sizes - 450 x 450, 500 x 500,
600 x 600, etc
Airflow required is up to 5-metre cube per second.
Permanent dry type
• Efficiency 95%. Materials – fabrics processed from
plastics or brush type.
• Serviced by washing or by compressed air or vacuum
cleaning.
 Dry filters
Dry replaceable media type
• Efficiency 95%. Fabric media over metal frame
• Serviced by replacing the media.
• Used as main filter or as pre filter to high efficiency filters.
Throwaway type –
• Efficiency up to 95%. Used in smaller plants
• Panels with filter media of fabrics, plastics, glass or metal
fibre over wood or metal frame.
Standard filter -
• a) Metallic filter – ½”, 1”, 13/4” thick.
• b) Polypropylene coir filter – ¼” thick.
• These are used in simple applications of comfort A/c.
• It can be used in central, packaged and window units.
• Dust filteration is up to 25 to 30 microns.
2 VISCOUS IMPINGEMENT FILTERS
• screen or mesh in a metal frame.
• Glass fibre or other fiber filter medium covered with
viscous adhesive or oil film to retain dust particles.
• Metal media impingement filters are washed with hot
water / steam / solvent to remove dust particles. Later it
is cleaned with oil solution.
• Expensive Impingement filter - available in automatic roll
models
Viscous impingement filter –
• Efficiency 80 – 90% Used for industrial or engine air
taker.
• Serviced by washing and reoiling.
Automatic air filters -
• Efficiency up to 90%. Used for larger systems.
• Operation normally time switch controlled.
• Deposited dust can be removed manually.
Self Cleaning Viscous Type Air Filter
(Oil Wetted)
For removal of coarse and abrasive dust
usually used as first stage filter in
industrial application.
To remove fibrous dust from the main air
stream. very tough and rigid
Area like Cotton/ Textile/ Jute/ Mills, Steel
& Cement Plants, Fertilizer Units, DG set
house etc.
Self cleaning in nature, easy/ low
maintenance
Available on various designs in multiple
sizes to suit clients exact requirements
.
3 ELECTRONIC FILTERS
• High voltage used to attract dust particles over
electrically charged plates installed in the return air path.
• Impingement filters as pre-filter to remove coarse dust
particles & to create constant pressure across the
plates.
• Removes smoke & fine particles, initial cost is high.
Electrostatic
cleaners
Achieve
optimum filtration
level down to 0.1
micron.
To be backed by
microwave filters
or pre filters
Booster fan is
not necessary
for this
ELECTROSTATIC
FILTER
1. Dirt Laden Air
2. Pre-Filter Screen
3. Electronic Filter Cell
4. Activated Carbon
Filter
5. Circulating Fan

6. Clean Fresh Air

4 CHEMICAL FILTERS
• consists of a belt with nozzles on top.
• Nozzles spray solution of glycerine,
germicide and odour absorbing chemicals.
• Absorbs dust, dirt, bacteria,odour etc.
• Solution collected in a basin at the bottom &
When saturated with contaminants, cleaned
by chemicals and recirculated.
• Very expensive and used in hospitals etc.
5 CARBON FILTERS
• To remove objectionable odor from the air.
• Useful when outside air polluted
• Useful when same air is re-circulated continuously
Carbon pack filter –
• To remove odours, fumes, vapours, gasses, etc.
• Carbon is activated and this filter quickly clogged
with atmospheric dust.
• As per the manufacturers recommendation
throwaway type OR reusable type may be
adopted
CARBON FILTER
ACTIVATED CARBON Activated Carbon - Odour
FILTER Absorbing Filter
The simple human activated
carbon filter naturally absorbs
odors.

After extended use, the filter's

odor absorbing ability can be
recharged by placing it in
direct sunlight.
HOW TO USE
simply peel off the double-
sided adhesive tape on the
back of the filter and attach to
a clean surface area where
there are odors, such as the
underside of your trash can's
lid or inside a cabinet door
6 ABSOLUTE FILTERS
• Pleated continuous sheet of filter of glass-
asbestos medium with ply wood, metal frame.
The pleats are separated by corrugated paper or
aluminum foil inserts.
• Used to filter airborne contaminants to protect
life, to recover valuable products or in clean
rooms
• Hospitals - to remove bacteria, Atomic reactors -
to remove radioactive dust, Food and drug
plants - to provide sterile air
• Dry filter as pre-filter to remove coarse dust
particle for better efficiency.
HIGH EFFICIENCY PARTICULATE AIR
(HEPA) OR ABSOLUTE FILTERS
• For filtration below 5 microns. Filter
particles down to 0.3 microns. Used in
central A/c, package unit, etc.
• Booster fans are needed for this.
Microwave and metallic filters as pre-filters
Microvee filter
• Dust filtration up to 5 microns.
• For computer rooms, operation theatre etc
• Incorporated in central, packaged units
HIGH EFFICIENCY PARTICULATE AIR (HEPA)
OR ABSOLUTE FILTERS
SELECTION FACTORS for FILTERS
• Flow rate of the filter.
• Face velocity of filter ( air in m/s entering the
effective face of filter).
• Resistance i.e., difference between static
pressure upstream and downstream specified
for clean and dirty conditions.
• Efficiency of filter
• Dust holding capacity
• Economy, durability and maintenance.
• Fire safety.
LOCATION AND INSTALATION OF
FILTERS
• Before cooling coil to protect from dust
• For high degree filtration two filters - Pre filters at
down stream & regular filter before cooling coil or
up stream.
• Avoid fresh air intake through roof surface & from
fume and odor.
• Servicing accessibility for filter cleaning
• A meter after filter to change or clean filter medium
• All ducts should be clean before the filters are
cleaned.
• Air tight filter frame to prevent percolation of dust
• Door and hatches giving access to live high
voltage conductors of electrostatic precipitator
should be equipped with locks.
 NON CENTRAL AIR-
CONDITIONING UNITS
1. Window air-conditioner (unit ac)
2. Split Air-conditioners
2a) Floor mounted
2b) Wall mounted
2c) Ceiling mounted – (exposed, hidden &
cassette type)
WINDOW AIR CONDITIONERS
• Compressor, condenser, fan, evaporator, capillary tube in a
single unit
• Fixed on any external wall or a window (blocks light partially)
• 5 deg slope to exterior is needed for easy flow of condensate
water
• Fixing location should serve best possible air circulation
• Hermetically sealed (air tight steel shell with compressor and
motor) reciprocating, scroll or rotary type compressor is used
• Precaution to be taken for hot air released by condenser
• Noisy and no uniform air circulation but economical
• Lower level fixing helps in easy maintenance and operation
• For narrow / long room - high level installation - better air
circulation
• Adjustable grills are provided to direct air movement
• Available from 0.5 to 2 TR suitable for 5 to 20 Sqm
• Larger spaces to be handled by multiple units
• ‘Filter clean reminder’ notice & sleep mode facility
WINDOW AC UNIT
Window Air Conditioner with
Electronic Controls

Ideal for large-size rooms up to

1672 square feet,
delivers a 2TR cooling capacity
and an energy-efficiency rating
of 9.4
electronic controls - full-function
remote capabilities, simple to
operate, variable-speed fan,
multiple air direction, energy
saver and sleep modes, 24-hour
on/off timer, and auto cool
offer a filter-check reminder and
clean-air features
WINDOW AC UNIT AND COOLING CYCLE
For every sq m 200 btu (0.6 TR) is needed as a thumb rule
PARTS OF WINDOW
AC UNIT
WINDOW AC UNIT
WINDOW AC UNIT
Advantages-
• Each room can be controlled with required
humidity & temperature.
• Ducts are eliminated
• No plumbing work needed.
• Simple, low cost & easy to install
Disadvantages-
• Noisy & servicing is needed
• Requires an external window
• Occupies space in window
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Distribution not uniform
WORKING PRINCIPLE OF WINDOW AC
AIR CYCLE in Window AC
• Evaporator with cooling coil consists of cold
refrigerant
• The Fan blows air in to the room through grilles
• During this process the air is dehumidified to
some extent and moisture is collected in tray
• The used air or hot air from the room enters the
unit through filter at the lower portion
• This air mixes with outside air and is blown by
fan through evaporator as conditioned air to
room
• This conditioned air is used by the occupants for
comfort and the air cycle repeats
REFRIGERATION CYCLE in Window AC
• Evaporator - cold refrigerant with low pressure
• Air blows over it - cooled - refrigerant becomes hot vapor -
under low pressure
• Hot vapor - to compressor - pressure - hot & high pressure
vapor – to condenser coil
• Out side air – blow over condenser coil - absorbs heat &
become hot - vapor inside coil - liquid (under high pressure)
• High pressure Liquid refrigerant - capillary tube - pressure is
released - becomes cold refrigerant - passed to evaporator
• Evaporator - cold refrigerant - air is blown - conditioned,
circulated
• Evaporator - air partially dehumidified - water collected in a
tray – to another tray below condenser - evaporates - cools
condenser
• Compressor, condenser - outer portion - cools from outside
air through fan - position - to reduce the noise to interior
• control panel - controls refrigerant temp - human comfort.
 COMPARISON OF UNITARY SYSTEM WITH
CENTRAL SYSTEM
UNITARY SYSTEM CENTRAL SYSTEM
• Saves installation and labour • Installation cost is more
• Reqd temp of each room is met • Uniform throughout.
• Zoning, distribution, duct • Zoning, Ductwork is a must.
eliminatd • Runs throughout
• Unit run only where A/C is • Failures disturbs all A/C area.
needed • A/C system - worked out -
• Failure restricted to particular including future expansion
rm. • Economical for large areas
• Easy to A/C the spaces in • Remote plant rm - eliminate
phases. noise, vibration
• Large area this works out costly • Easy maintenance
• Noise/vibration cannot be
elimintd
• Maintenance disturbs the room.
SPLIT AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT
• Two units - indoor unit (IDU) & outdoor unit (ODU)
• IDU & ODU – linked by refrigeration tubing &
electrical cables
• ODU can be mounted outside the room
• ODU - condenser, fan, compressor -reduce noise
• IDU - evaporator and blower fan
• Available up to 5TR
• Many advantages over window unit
Non-availability of suitable window or external wall,
noisy interior etc
SPLIT AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT
• Multiple units to cool 2 or 3 adjacent rooms
• Fits well to the interior aesthetics
• occupies space for ODU
• Frequent operation of doors may bring fresh air
but not desirable for large spaces
• Best for executive cabins, show rooms, noise
less commercial spaces etc
• Hermetically sealed (air tight steel shell with
compressor and motor) reciprocating, scroll or
rotary type compressor is used
SPLIT UNIT
SPLIT AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT
Piping between IDU & ODU
Ensure right distance between the two units, if increased the
disadvantages are,
• The refrigerant pressure drops and decreases cooling
capacity
• The lubricant oil does not return to compressor &
damages the compressor. (Provide oil trap at every 3m in
suction line)
• Extra un-evaporated refrigerant in long tube flows back &
damages the compressor
• Insulation cost increases for refrigerant piping
ADVANTAGES
• Elegant look, Add beauty to the interior
• Reduces noise level, Easy maintenance
• Electronic control – precise, sleek, accurate control, saves
power
CONDENSATE WATER IN SPLIT UNITS
• Evaporator - moisture of the air accumulates as water
• Collected in a pan and drained out by gravity / pump,
slope needed
MOUNTING OUTDOOR UNIT
• Good air circulation - open space – good air movement -
close to IDU
• Support and structural care – servicing - railing, safety
measures
• locations - plinth protection, over sunshade, terrace, wall
with supports
Care for ODU coastal regions
• Avoid - condenser fan facing sea wind – reduce speed
• Avoid - close to ground - sand dust clogging the
condenser coils
• Supports coated with anticorrosive paint
• Switch, electrical components - protected from moisture
SPLIT AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT
TYPES
Floor mounted
Wall mounted
Ceiling mounted
Exposed type
Hidden type
Cassette type
FLOOR
MOUNTED
on floor or a
platform - elegant
unit with grills
Air throw is
upwards - affect
the furniture
layout
Occupies floor
space - not very
user friendly
FLOOR MOUNTED
WALL MOUNTED
Fixed above 2m over
wall - Control by cord
or cordless remote -
Saves floor space,
Ideal for congested
rooms - Most widely
used type
WALL & FLOOR MOUNTED UNIT
 WALL &
FLOOR
MOUNTED
UNIT
WALL MOUNTED UNITS
CEILING MOUNTED – EXPOSED
• Directly fixed to the ceiling - resembles floor mounted type
but in ceiling
• Easy to fix - No false ceiling - Cord or cordless remote
unit for control
• Turbo splits are large type units (5TR) to cover large
areas
CEILING MOUNTED – HIDDEN
• Hidden in a box like unit or false ceiling - Additional cost -
Interior looks bright and uniform - Cord or cordless remote
unit for control
CEILING MOUNTED – CASSETTE
• Mounted above false ceiling - Outlet grill flush with
surface of false ceiling - Cord or cordless remote unit for
control
• Slim, occupies less space - placed directly above the
required area
• Multiple units - for larger spaces
• A small motorized pump to drain out condensate water
SPLIT UNITS
 CEILING
MOUNTED
UNITS
CEILING MOUNTED
A split-Ductable system The cold side, consisting
air conditioner splits the of the expansion valve
hot side from the cold and the cold coil, is
side of the system generally placed into a air
handler.
The air handler blows air
through the coil and
routes the air throughout
the building using a series
of ducts. The hot side,
known as the
condensing unit, lives
outside the building.
FLOOR MOUNTED PACKAGE
UNIT