The conditioner with the portable block of the characteristic. Technical characteristics of air conditioners

Today we will focus on information about air conditioners. We also note what kind of household appliance it is, and also pay attention to the main functions of the air conditioner. So...

Who Invented Air Conditioning?

The fact that it is possible and necessary to fight the exhausting heat, our distant ancestors guessed thousands of years ago. Probably, the first refrigeration man can be considered a Neanderthal, who discovered that a pleasant coolness reigns in the cave even on the hottest days.

In order to somehow escape from the heat, the rulers of antiquity surrounded their palaces with shady gardens and ponds, filled cellars with ice, and servants armed with fans created a refreshing movement of air. And until the middle of the 18th century, nothing better than the “Arap” boy was invented.

However, the technological revolution that began in the century before last very quickly turned people's ideas about the climate. Interestingly, for the first time the word air conditioning was spoken aloud back in 1815. It was then that the Frenchman Jeanne Chabannes received a British patent for a method of "air conditioning and temperature control in dwellings and other buildings."

But the practical implementation of the idea had to wait a long time. It wasn't until 1902 that the American engineer-inventor Willis Carrier assembled an industrial refrigeration machine for the Brooklyn printing house in New York. The most curious thing is that the first air conditioner was not intended to create a pleasant coolness for workers, but to combat humidity, which greatly worsened print quality ...

True, a year later, the aristocracy of Europe, coming to Cologne, considered it their duty to visit the local theater. Moreover, the lively interest of the public was caused not only (and not so much) by the performance of the troupe, but by the pleasant chill that reigned in the auditorium even in the hottest months. And when in 1924 the air conditioning system was installed in one of the department stores in Detroit, the influx of onlookers was simply mind-blowing. It was just right to introduce an entrance fee, however, the enterprising owner did not remain at a loss. These first units became the ancestors of modern central air conditioning systems.

The "fossil" ancestor of all modern split systems and "windows" can be considered the first room air conditioner, released by General Electric back in 1929. Since ammonia was used as a refrigerant in this device, the vapors of which are unsafe for human health, the compressor and condenser of the air conditioner were taken outside. That is, at its core, this device was a real split system! However, since 1931, when freon, safe for the human body, was synthesized, the designers considered it good to assemble all the components and assemblies of the air conditioner in one case. This is how the first window air conditioners appeared, the distant descendants of which are successfully operating today. Moreover, in the USA, Latin America, the Middle East, as well as Taiwan, Hong Kong, India and most African countries, window units are still the most popular type of air conditioner. The reasons for their success are obvious: they are about half the price of split systems of similar power, and their installation does not require special skills and expensive tools. The latter is especially important far from the centers of civilization, where it is easier to catch Bigfoot than to find a citizen familiar with the installation of refrigeration equipment.

For a long time, the leadership in the field of the latest developments in ventilation and air conditioning belonged to American companies, but in the late 50s and early 60s, the initiative was firmly transferred to the Japanese. In the future, it was they who determined the face of the modern climate industry.

So in 1958, the Japanese company Daikin offered the first heat pump, thereby teaching air conditioners to work on heat.

And three years later, an event occurred that largely predetermined the further development of domestic and semi-industrial air conditioning systems. This is the beginning of the mass production of split systems. Since 1961, when the Japanese company Toshiba first launched the air conditioner divided into two blocks into mass production, the popularity of this type of climate equipment has constantly grown. Due to the fact that the noisiest part of the air conditioner - the compressor - is now placed outside, rooms equipped with split systems are much quieter than rooms where windows work. The sound intensity has been reduced by an order of magnitude! The second huge plus is the ability to place the indoor unit of the split system in any convenient place.

Today there are many different types internal devices: wall-mounted, sub-ceiling, floor-mounted and recessed into a false ceiling - cassette and channel. This is important not only in terms of design - different types indoor units allow you to create the most optimal distribution of cooled air in rooms of a certain shape and purpose.

And in 1968, an air conditioner appeared on the market, in which several internal ones worked simultaneously with one external unit. This is how multi-split systems appeared. Today they can include from two to six indoor units of various types.

A significant innovation was the appearance of an inverter-type air conditioner. In 1981, Toshiba offered the first split system capable of smoothly regulating its power, and already in 1998, inverters occupied 95% of the Japanese market.

And finally, the last of the most popular types of air conditioners in the world - VRF systems - were offered in 1982 by Daikin.

History milestones

1734. The first known axial fan is installed in the British Parliament building. It was powered by steam engine and worked without repair for more than 80 years.

1754. Leonhard Euler developed the theory of the fan, which formed the basis for the calculation of modern mechanical ventilation systems.

1763. Mikhail Lomonosov publishes his work "On the free movement of air in the mines noted." The ideas presented in this work formed the basis for the calculation of natural ventilation systems.

1810 The hospital in Derby, London, has installed the first calculated natural ventilation system.

1815. Frenchman Jean Chabannes received a British patent for "a method for air conditioning and temperature control in dwellings and other buildings:"

1852 Lord Kelvin developed the basics of using a refrigeration machine for space heating (a heat pump). Four years later, the idea was practically implemented by the Austrian Rittenger.

1902 American engineer Willis Carrier developed the first industrial air conditioning unit.

1929 In the United States, General Electric developed the first room air conditioner.

1931 The invention of a refrigerant that is safe for human health - freon - has made a real revolution in the development of climate technology.

1958 Daikin has proposed an air conditioner that can work not only for cold, but also for heat according to the “heat pump” principle.

1961 Toshiba was the first in the world to start industrial production of air conditioners divided into two blocks, called split systems.

1966 Hitachi was the first in the world to offer a dehumidifying window air conditioner. Four years later, she was the first to introduce this feature in split systems.

1968 Daikin offered an air conditioner with one outdoor unit and two indoor units. This is how multi-split systems appeared.

1977 Toshiba is the first in the world to release a microprocessor-controlled air conditioner.

1981 Toshiba has developed a variable speed compressor. In the same year, air conditioners equipped with them, called inverter air conditioners, appeared on the market.

1982 Daikin has developed and introduced into production a new type of VRF central air conditioning systems, which allow solving air conditioning and ventilation issues in a complex.

1998 Sanyo offered a VRF system with inverterless power control.

1995 A decision was made to phase out the use of refrigerants that are hazardous to the ozone layer. In Europe, their production should be completely stopped by 2014.

2002 Haier is the first company in the world to offer a home air conditioner that can increase concentration

History of air conditioning in the USSR

In the Soviet Union, air conditioning has long been considered an unaffordable luxury that distracts the proletariat from the class struggle. So in 1940, for the publication of a number of materials on air conditioning, the journal Heating and Ventilation was defeated. These articles were perceived as "propaganda of bourgeois views in technology", and until 1955 (when it turned out that Soviet ships were absolutely not adapted to sailing in the tropics), this topic remained under an unspoken ban.

Somewhat later, in 1963-65, in the city of Domodedovo near Moscow, the production of air conditioners for communication centers and missile weapons control centers was launched. The Equator plant in the city of Nikolaev began to produce marine air conditioners, and, finally, several enterprises began to produce climate control equipment for aviation. The production of air conditioners for industrial needs was mastered in Kharkov, and on a smaller scale at a number of industry enterprises.

The production of domestic air conditioners in the Soviet Union began only in the 70s, after the plant built in Baku mastered the production of products under the license of the Japanese company Hitachi. In their best years, which occurred in the mid-80s, the Baku plant produced 400-500 thousand air conditioners per year. Few people know that the production of the first Soviet split-systems with an indoor floor-type unit was mastered in Baku, but the production volume was very small.

Interestingly, about 120-150 thousand BK air conditioners were exported annually. Most of the Soviet windows were sold to Cuba - about 700 thousand pieces. China, Iran, Egypt and Australia were major importers. Moreover, in other years, more than 10 thousand devices were sent to the green continent.

Now it is fashionable to scold BC for large dimensions and high level noise, but it must be admitted that they turned out to be extremely unpretentious and durable. In the same Australia, some devices still work! In addition, Soviet prices pleased local farmers so pleasantly that in the homeland of kangaroos, these products are still remembered with a kind word.

No Japanese, American, Israeli or Korean air conditioner has been so durable. Perhaps the fact is that all over the world the concept of durability of manufactured equipment has undergone significant changes already at the turn of the 70-80s. If earlier they tried to make it last for centuries, now the service life does not exceed the time of obsolescence. At the current rate of development of technology, this is no more than 10 years.

By the way, at least this fact speaks about the quality of BCs released in the 70-80s. The compressor plant (designed for a million pieces per year) sent half of the products for export, fulfilling an order from Toshiba.

After the collapse of the USSR and the departure the best specialists the production of air conditioners in Baku began to decline, and by 1997-98 it had completely collapsed. Of the former six thousand workers, no more than 500 people remained at the enterprise, engaged in the repair and maintenance of equipment. The era of BC is over.

Another Soviet project, now almost forgotten, were the Neva air conditioners, a small batch of which was made in Leningrad.

The first air conditioners made in Russia were the Fedders windows, which were assembled in the city of Zheleznogorsk (Kursk region) in the early 90s. However, due to the low quality of products, production did not last long, and by 1996 it was completely curtailed. The baton was picked up in Elektrostal near Moscow. In 1997, the Elemash plant mastered the production of split systems from Samsung assembly kits, and then launched production of products under its own brand.

And, finally, in 2000-2002, the production of split systems began in Fryazino (Rolsen), Khabarovsk (EVGO), Moscow (MV), Izhevsk (Kupol), Rostov-on-Don (Artel) near Moscow.

The principle of operation of the air conditioner

It is not so difficult to understand how the air conditioner works and where the refreshing coolness comes from in the thirty-degree inferno. Consider this on the example of a split system. As is known from the school physics course, during evaporation, any liquid absorbs heat. If you pour alcohol or cologne on your hand, you immediately feel cold. Conversely, when steam condenses, heat is released. It is this well-known principle that operates any air conditioner.

How is the air conditioner?

The air conditioner is a closed hermetic circuit, inside which a special substance moves - the refrigerant. Evaporating in one place, it absorbs heat, and condensing in another, it releases the absorbed heat. The heat exchange of the refrigerant with air occurs through air heat exchangers, which are copper tubes equipped with thin transverse aluminum plates. In order for the heat exchange process between the refrigerant and air to go faster, air is blown through the heat exchangers using fans. According to the name of the process taking place in the heat exchanger, one of them is called the evaporator, and the other is called the condenser.

When the air conditioner is operating at “cold”, the internal (indoor) heat exchanger acts as an evaporator, and the external (outdoor) heat exchanger acts as a condenser. When the air conditioner is on "heat", the heat exchangers change roles. The essence of the process is outlined, but what is the secret of the focus?

The fact is that cold is not “produced”, but heat is transferred from one place to another with the help of a refrigerant. This is how the term "heat pump" was born. For the same reason, the air conditioner "produces" about 3 times more heat or cold than it consumes electricity - a fact that causes bewilderment among people who are not burdened with knowledge of refrigeration technology.

What a miracle - a car with an efficiency of 300%? And why does this mysterious substance “refrigerant” either absorb or give off heat, because it is known from a school physics course that it always moves from a hotter body to a less heated one? What causes the refrigerant to transfer heat from a room in which it is a little more than 20 degrees to the street, where it is sometimes under +40?

Everything is not simple, but very simple! From the same school physics it is known that the temperature of a phase transition (evaporation or condensation of a liquid) depends on the pressure at which the process occurs.

The dependence is non-linear and monotonic - the higher the pressure, the higher the phase transition temperature. Further more! In order for the liquid refrigerant to boil, turning into vapor and absorbing heat from the surrounding air, it is necessary to create a pressure in the heat exchanger at which the phase transition temperature will be lower than the ambient air temperature. Conversely, a vaporous refrigerant will give off heat to the air, turning into a liquid, if a pressure is created at which the phase transition temperature is higher than the air temperature.

But in order for the air conditioner to work, at least two more elements must be built into the closed circuit. This is a compressor that increases the pressure to the condensing pressure, which is installed in the circuit before the condenser, and a throttling device that reduces the pressure to the evaporation pressure, before the evaporator.

We list the five elements of the air conditioner:
- closed circuit with refrigerant;
- external heat exchanger;
- internal heat exchanger;
- compressor;
- a throttling device, form the basis of the refrigeration circuit of any air conditioner, from the simplest to the most complex.

In order for the air conditioner to work not only for cold, but also for heat, a four-way valve must be added to the circuit. Its task is to "turn" the evaporator into a condenser and vice versa.

Such an air conditioner is called an air conditioner with a reverse cycle, which can transfer heat not only from indoors to outdoors, but vice versa.

If you don’t “sin” at all with academicism, a refrigeration circuit is a set of devices with the help of which the refrigerant is cyclically converted from a liquid state to a vapor state with the absorption of heat and from a vapor state to a liquid state with the release of heat.

Types of air conditioners

It is customary to distinguish three main segments in the split system market: household air conditioners RAC (Room Air Conditions), semi-industrial air conditioners - PAC (Packages Air Conditions), and industrial systems (Unitary). Moreover, in Asia, Europe and America, these concepts have somewhat different interpretations from each other. Since more than 90% of air conditioners sold in Russia are of Japanese, Korean and Chinese origin, it is worth citing the Asian classification, which is used by a number of well-known specialized publications, such as JARN.

To household (RAC) split-systems of wall and floor-ceiling type with a power of up to 5 kW are assigned. Moreover, the gradation is carried out according to the power indoor unit. Therefore, multi-split systems are also included in this category.

To Psemi-industrial systems (PAC) includes all split-systems of cassette, column, floor-ceiling and wall-mounted types with a capacity of more than 5 kW. Air conditioners formed by parallel connection of 2-4 cassette, duct, floor-ceiling or column indoor units to one outdoor unit are classified as PAC. (There are no restrictions on power from above in this category, but so far no one has offered equipment more powerful than 17 kW). VRF class equipment is considered either within the PAC, or is allocated to a separate group.

In Russia, these frameworks are somewhat shifted, which is due to a number of national features.

In our country, there are no clear criteria for the division of air conditioners into domestic and semi-industrial, agreed upon by all market participants, so we will give the most common ideas.

Household (RAC) in Russia includes all wall-mounted split systems, regardless of power.

To semi-industrial (PAC), all floor-to-ceiling, cassette, column type air conditioners and channel split systems from 2.5 to 25-30 kW.

Industrial (Unitary) in Russia include channel air conditioners above 25-30 kW, all rooftops and cabinet monoblocks. That is, in fact, the division occurs not by power, but by the type of equipment.

A separate category of equipment - central systems conditioning. The equipment of this class, regardless of power, includes central air conditioners and air handling units, water-cooling machines - chillers, fan coil units, condensing units and cooling towers.

Window air conditioners

In a number of models of modern air conditioners there is an indicator of the condition of the filter of the indoor unit. The indicator light on the front of the unit turns on to indicate that the filter needs to be cleaned. True, this sensor does not respond to the actual clogging of the filter, but to the estimated service time and turns on once every two to three months.

Filters

Plasma . Instead of the usual filter-deodorizer based on activated carbon, a plasma ionizer is used that creates a voltage of 4800 volts. This kind of "electric chair" destroys any organic matter that gets into the air conditioner, for example, microbes, viruses, fungi, plant pollen. Larger mechanical impurities such as dust are ionized and adhere to the photocatalytic filter. It also partially discharges the air ionized when passing through the Plasma system.

This scheme is much more efficient than the traditional one. For example, when cleaning the air from tobacco smoke, such an air conditioner will remove 70% of airborne particles in 30 minutes - twice as much as a traditional filter. In addition, the Plasma type system does not require periodic replacement, and therefore is cheaper to operate. Filtration systems based on this principle are offered on the Russian market by LG and Fujitsu General.

Catechin filter . The catechin-coated electrostatic filter is a Panasonic patent. Catechin is a strong natural antiseptic found in tea leaves and a number of other plants. No wonder tea has been used since ancient times in oriental medicine how medicinal plant. Scientists have figured out the mechanism of action of catechin: in order to attach to a healthy cell, most viruses use special spikes, and catechin envelops pathogens, depriving them of this ability. Experiments have shown that 98% of the viruses that have fallen on the filter after six hours no longer pose a danger to humans. In 2003, in addition to Panasonic, the catechin filter was offered by Samsung and Sanyo.

Wasabi filter . In a patented development by Fujitsu General, the electrostatic filter is specially treated with substances derived from wasabi horseradish, which is well known to lovers of Japanese cuisine. He, like our Russian relative, has strong bactericidal properties and has long been used in folk medicine.

Zeolite (photocatalytic) filter . Such a carbon filter absorbs odors like any other, but, unlike analogues, it does not need to be changed every three to four months.

After clogging, it needs to be kept in direct sunlight for several hours, and it restores its deodorizing capacity by 95%.

The principle of its regeneration is based on the ability of titanium dioxide TiO2 (known as titanium white) to break down any organic matter into carbon oxides, water and other harmless compounds under direct sunlight. In this case, titanium dioxide is not consumed and acts as a catalyst.

At the beginning of 2003, the air conditioners presented in Russia were equipped with regenerable filters using titanium dioxide: Toshiba, Panasonic, Daikin, Mitsubishi Heavy, LG, Carrier, Tadiran, Toyo, Ballu.

Bio . Looking into the Samsung Bio air conditioner, I want to sing a children's song from a 20-year-old cartoon: “how everything is beautiful, how everything is green!” Indeed, the inside of a Samsung air conditioner, including filters, a heat exchanger, a condensate collector and a fan, is treated with some kind of green composition. It is claimed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, but the mode of action has not been disclosed.

Getting oxygen

In 2003, split systems appeared on the Russian market that can increase the oxygen concentration in a conditioned room. As you know, air consists mainly of oxygen and nitrogen, therefore, by removing excess of one, you can increase the concentration of the other. This is achieved through a generator module that uses physical method gas separation. With the help of a compressor, air enters the (PSA) separator, where nitrogen is absorbed and oxygen is returned to the room. When one of the separators is filled, the other turns on, and nitrogen from the first is removed to the outside. Thus, the two separators work alternately.

Some models of air conditioners are capable of performing the functions of forced ventilation, for this they use an additional air duct through which the air conditioner fan supplies fresh air to the room.

We ionize

Some modern models are equipped with . In 2003, such air conditioners were presented at Russian market four manufacturers at once: Electra, Haier, Panasonic, Samsung and Toshiba.

Scientists have found that in places where a person feels the greatest surge of strength - near waterfalls, on the sea coast, in the mountains - the concentration of negatively charged particles-aerons is maximum. At the same time, in homes and offices, it is hundreds of times lower. The number of negative ions in cm3:
– Near the waterfall 50.000
– On the sea coast 10.000
– In the mountains 5.000
– In the countryside 1.500
– In cities 1.000
– In apartments and offices 50

Air conditioners equipped with ozone-free ionizers are able to bring the concentration of negative ions up to 15,000 - 30,000 per cm 3.

Additional functions

sleep mode, or sleep timer, creates optimal conditions for relaxation and saves energy. By pressing this key for a while, the temperature decreases by 2 degrees, and then maintained with an accuracy of +/-2°C for the period set by the timer, after which the air conditioner is turned off. In Sleep mode, the indoor unit fan speed is fixed at the minimum setting to reduce noise. Sometimes "Sleep mode" is called "Econo mode". Present in virtually all modern split systems.

Inclusion of self-oscillations of blinds. By pressing the “Swing” button, we set the automatic movement of the air distribution dampers up and down. This contributes to a more even distribution of air flow throughout the room. With the "Air Flow Direction" button, you can set the air dampers in any one position. Often, the blinds control buttons are provided with a picture explaining the essence of the operations performed. Present in virtually all modern split systems.

Timer for on / off. As a rule, air conditioners have one 24-hour timer that allows you to set the time for turning on and off the air conditioner in a predetermined mode, however, there are exceptions. For example, a timer for 12 hours or one timer to turn on, the other to turn off. Present in virtually all modern split systems.

Turbo mode, he "Jet Cool". Sometimes this key is referred to as "Powerfull". It is used for the fastest exit to the mode. When it is turned on, the air conditioner produces about 110-120% of the rated power in the mode until the required temperature is reached. True, at this pace, the air conditioner can work no more than half an hour, since this is tantamount to driving at a speed of 50 km / h in second gear. For inverter air conditioners, where the speed of the compressor motor is controlled, this mode is performed automatically. It is used in many modern models.

"I feel". Transfers the temperature measurement point from the indoor unit to the controller. When the “I Feel” button is turned on, the air conditioner will maintain the set temperature exactly at the point where the remote control is located, while the direction of the air flow does not change.

This feature is worth using if you are alone in the room. If you are in the far corner and set + 20 ° C in cooling mode, then you will definitely freeze those who are sitting closer to the indoor unit, as they will be in the zone of even lower temperatures. Used in Airwell, Ballu, Electra, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, Tadiran air conditioners.

Infrared presence sensor - "Intelligent Eye", which can be translated as "Smart Eye". If there are people or animals in the room, the air conditioner will operate in the normal mode (the automation should detect a slight movement at least once every 20 minutes). Such a slowdown was not chosen by chance, since, according to physiologists, only a sleeping or deceased person can not move for such a long time. If the room is left, the device automatically switches to economy mode. In this case, the temperature is maintained with less accuracy: +/-2 degrees from the set level. At first glance, a trifle, but it allows you to get 20-30 percent energy savings. Used by Daikin.

The Haier air conditioner equipped with the Smart Eye sensor works in a similar way, only when there are no people in the room, the device turns off. But if you turn off the light, it automatically switches to economy mode. Accordingly, when the light is turned on (morning comes) or people appear, such an air conditioner starts to work in normal mode. In 2003, a similar system appeared in the Gree Digital series air conditioners.

GSM device, which allows you to control the air conditioner from a distance using . Used with DeLonghi and LG air conditioners.

Additional functions performed automatically.

"Auto Restart". Resumes the operation of the air conditioner in the previous mode during a short-term power outage. As a rule, stores the settings in memory for 48 hours.

Hot start. If the outside temperature is negative and the air conditioner is turned on for heating, the indoor unit fan does not turn on for the first few minutes in order to prevent the supply of cold air into the room.

Inverter power control of the air conditioner it is possible if there is a special unit - an inverter, which smoothly regulates the compressor speed depending on the required power (the compressor of a conventional air conditioner operates at full power in short bursts). The smooth operation of an inverter-type compressor gives it such advantages over conventional compressors as durability (the main wear of the compressor occurs in starting modes), efficiency (up to 44% energy savings), lower starting currents. The latter is especially important when using a large number of air conditioners in buildings with poor wiring. Due to the fact that the inverter-type air conditioner operates most of the time at a low fan speed of the indoor unit, subjectively it makes less noise than standard models. Indeed, often our ear reacts especially sharply not to noise, but to its jumps.

Refrigerants

The first, recognized by historians of technology, room air conditioner, released in 1929 by the General Electric company, worked on ammonia.

This substance is unsafe for humans, which greatly hindered the development of refrigeration technology.

The problem was solved in 1931, when a refrigerant, freon, harmless to the human body, was synthesized. Subsequently, more than four dozen different freons were synthesized, differing from each other in properties and chemical composition. R-11, R-12 turned out to be the cheapest and most effective, which suited everyone for a long time. True, in the last 15 years they have fallen out of favor due to their ozone-depleting properties.

In general, the rapid evolution of refrigerants in the last 15 years is mainly associated with environmental problems. Freons used in air conditioners and refrigerators have been named as the main culprits of the infamous ozone holes (which is highly doubtful). Whether it's true or not, the Montreal Protocol was adopted in 1987 to limit the use of ozone-depleting substances. In particular, according to this document, manufacturers will be forced to abandon the use of R-22 freon, on which 90% of all air conditioners operate today. In most European countries, the sale of air conditioners on this freon will be discontinued already in 2002-2004. And many new models are already supplied to Europe only on ozone-friendly refrigerants - R-407C and R-410A.

Unlike traditional refrigerants, R-407C and R-410A are mixtures of different freons, and therefore are less convenient to use. So, the composition of R-407C, created as an alternative to R-22, includes three freons: R-32 (23%), R-125 (25%) and R-134a (52%). Each of them is responsible for providing certain properties: the first increases productivity, the second eliminates fire, the third determines the operating pressure in the refrigerant circuit.

This mixture is not isotropic, and therefore, with any leakage of the refrigerant, its fractions evaporate unevenly, and the optimal composition changes. Thus, when the refrigeration circuit is depressurized, the air conditioner cannot simply be topped up. Remaining refrigerant must be drained and replaced with new. This is what became the main obstacle to the spread of R-407C.

In addition, its “environmental friendliness” in practice can lead to an additional burden on the environment. Freon evacuated from air conditioners must be disposed of, and in Russia or Asian countries, no one will mess with it. He is simply pitted in the nearest gateway. And although R-407C is not dangerous for the ozone layer, it is one of the most powerful "greenhouse gases".

The R-410A refrigerant, consisting of R-32 (50%) and R-125 (50%), is conditionally isotropic. That is, in the event of a leak, the mixture practically does not change its composition, and therefore the air conditioner can simply be refueled. However, the R-410A is not without some drawbacks. Unlike R-22, which is highly soluble in ordinary mineral oil, the new refrigerants use synthetic polyester oil. What does this mean in practice?

Polyester oil has one very significant drawback - it quickly absorbs moisture, while losing its properties. Moreover, during storage, transportation and refueling, it is necessary to exclude not only the ingress of dripping moisture, but also contact with moist air, from which the oil actively absorbs water. In addition, it does not dissolve any oil products and organic compounds, which become potential pollutants.

In addition, the climate equipment itself on the R-410A with the same performance is much more expensive. The reason is the higher working pressure. So at a condensation temperature of + 43 ° C, for R-22 it is about 16 atm., And for R-410A - about 26 atm. For this reason, all components and parts of the refrigeration circuit of the air conditioner on the R-410A, including the compressor, must be more durable. This significantly increases the consumption of copper and makes the entire system more expensive.

And finally, the ozone-friendly refrigerants themselves are several times more expensive than traditional ones. So for a kilogram of R-410A you will have to pay 7 times more than for a kilogram of the usual R-22. A little cheaper than R407C, to which a semi-industrial range of equipment is being actively transferred. There will be a 6-fold difference, and taking into account the fact that in case of any leakage it must be drained, the real cost of freon will increase by an order of magnitude. It should also be taken into account that with an increase in operating pressure, the number of leaks will inevitably increase, since the strength of soldered, and most importantly, rolled joints remains the same.

1. Heat gain from solar radiation

BUT) Through windows:

Q=2×1.8×2×198/1.4= 1018 W

B) Heat transfer through the ceiling, floor and walls:

28x2x9+2.7x(4.67x2+6)x9+(6x2.7-2x1.8x2)x36 =504+373+324= 1201 W

If the adjacent rooms were air-conditioned, then the heat gains from the interior partitions could be ignored.

G) Heat gain from artificial lighting:

28×30= 840 W

They are lower than the heat input from solar lighting, so they are not taken into account. With north-facing windows and small area glazing happens and vice versa.

D) It is necessary to take into account the heat capacity of the air in the room or, in other words, the volume of the room. We consider that 6 m 3 is occupied by furniture.

(28×2.7-6)х6=417 W
Total, Q1=1018+1201+417= 2636 W

If we calculate income from solar radiation using a simplified method, we get: Q1=28×2.7×35=2646 W. As you can see, in the case of a typical apartment, the discrepancies are 0.4%. But if the whole apartment were air-conditioned, then the calculation using the detailed method would give Q1 = 2313 W for the room in question, and the discrepancy with the simplified method would be 14.4%. In some cases, this may lead to the need to install a more powerful model.

The maximum discrepancies in the calculation according to the two methods given are obtained for large rooms with a small glazing area. There, a simplified technique can give errors one and a half to two times.

2. Now let's calculate the heat gains from people:

Q2=130×4= 520 W

3-4. And, finally, heat gains from the office and household appliances come down to heat gains from the home theater:

Q3-4= 300 W

Total we get: Q \u003d 2636 + 520 + 300 W \u003d3456 W

Air conditioner indoor unit AUX ASW (H) EQ

Outdoor unit AUX ASW (H) EQ

EQ air conditioner functions

Modes: auto / cooling / dehumidification / ventilation / heating.

Ionization. AUX air conditioner increases the content of negatively charged particles (ions) in the air. Such particles are saturated, for example, in the air in a forest or near a waterfall. Ionization helps to improve your well-being, has a beneficial effect on the nervous and circulatory systems, is effective protection from respiratory diseases.

Digital display on the indoor unit of the air conditioner allows you to easily see and control the set temperature and additional functions even at night.

Automatic swing of blinds. By turning on this function, you feel the effect of a real light natural wind. This eliminates the occurrence of drafts. At any time, you can fix the position of the blinds at the angle you need.

Fan speed selection. This function affects the performance and airflow rate. You can always choose the most comfortable mode for you or entrust it to automation - depending on the temperature difference in the room, the system independently determines which speed to choose.

Function - "automatic mode". In autumn or spring, when daily temperature fluctuations are possible, air conditioning automatically selects the desired operating mode and maintains the temperature, eliminating the need to manually switch the air conditioner to cooling or heating mode.

Night mode. After setting the night mode during operation AUX air conditioner for cooling, the temperature will automatically increase by 1 second after 1 hour of operation and another one degree after another hour of operation. In heating mode, the temperature will automatically decrease by 2s after 1 hour of operation and further decrease by 2C after another hour of operation. After 7 hours, the mode turns off.

Comfort mode. When this function is enabled, the display shows the actual room temperature, if the function is disabled, the set temperature is displayed.

Built-in timer Programs the split system to turn on or off. By your arrival, the AUX air conditioner will create the necessary temperature comfort or, if you wish, it will automatically turn off at the time you have appointed.

Smart Defrost. The AUX air conditioner automatically checks whether the heat exchanger is frozen and independently activates the defrost mode if necessary. This allows you to reduce the number of compressor on / off, which prolongs the life of the air conditioner and saves your energy.

And here we will talk about the functions and characteristics of air conditioners of the most common type - wall-mounted split systems. Note that most of the characteristics described are applicable to other types of domestic and industrial air conditioners.

Power consumed by the air conditioner

The power consumed by the air conditioner is about three times less than the cooling power.

Power consumption is sometimes confused with cooling power. In fact, the power consumed by the air conditioner is about three times less than the cooling power, that is, a 2.5 kW air conditioner consumes only about 800 W - less than an iron or an electric kettle. Therefore, household air conditioners, as a rule, can be plugged into a regular outlet without fear of "knocked out" plugs. There is no paradox here, since the air conditioner is a refrigeration machine that does not “produce” cold, but “takes” it from the outside air and transfers it to the room.

What is a "warm" air conditioner or the possibility of heating the air

There are air conditioners that can only cool the air, called only cold and air conditioners with the possibility of heating the air, called warm - cold, Heat pump, reversible air conditioner or simply " warm" air conditioner. Models with the ability to heat the air are 100 - 200 dollars more expensive, but in the off-season (autumn and spring) they can replace the heater.

A "warm" air conditioner generates 3-4 times more heat than it consumes electricity, but cannot work in winter.

Name Heat pump given not by chance. It shows that the air conditioner does not heat the air with an electric coil or heating element, like an electric heater, but with heat taken from the outside air (heat is transferred from the street to the room). Thus, in the heating mode, the same process occurs as in the cooling mode, only the outdoor and indoor units of the air conditioner seem to change places. Accordingly, in the heating mode, as well as in the cooling mode, the power consumption is 3-4 times less than the heating power, that is, for 1 kW of energy consumed, the air conditioner emits 3-4 kW of heat.

Please note that all heat pump air conditioners can only work effectively at positive outside temperatures, so heating with an air conditioner in winter is problematic (more on this below).

inverter air conditioner

Any properly selected air conditioner can maintain the indoor temperature at 20 - 22°C at an outdoor temperature of 30 - 35°C. If it is not too hot outside, the capacity of the air conditioner will be excessive, but it cannot be changed, because the compressor of a conventional (non-inverter) air conditioner has a fixed capacity. At the same time, in order to accurately maintain the set temperature, the air conditioner must have a variable cooling capacity. This problem is solved simply. When the air conditioner is turned on, its sensor constantly monitors the air temperature in the room and when it drops by 1 - 2 ° C below the set value, the compressor turns off. The indoor unit fan continues to operate, so the compressor shutdown is not noticeable and only manifests itself in a gradual increase in temperature. When it rises by 1 - 2 ° C above the set value, the compressor turns on and the whole cycle repeats. The disadvantage of this technology is the strong fluctuations in the temperature inside the room, since in order to maintain it more accurately, it would be necessary to turn the compressor on and off too often, and this would lead to its rapid wear. Another disadvantage is that when the compressor is turned on, very cold air begins to blow from the indoor unit - when passing through the evaporator, it cools by 13 - 15 ° C. For example, if the current air temperature in the room is 24°C, then the air flow created by the air conditioner will have a temperature of 9 - 11°C, regardless of what temperature is set on the control panel. Being under a direct stream of such cold air is not only uncomfortable, but also dangerous to health.

It was possible to eliminate all these shortcomings only in 1981, when the first inverter air conditioners having variable cooling (heating) power. The inverter unit in these air conditioners converts the AC supply voltage to DC (this process is called invert), which allows you to smoothly change the speed of the compressor and thereby adjust the power of the air conditioner. During the operation of the inverter air conditioner, there are no constant on / off cycles of the compressor, so the inverter split systems more accurately maintain the set temperature and, as a rule, are less noisy. The catalogs for inverter split systems indicate not one power value, but the range in which it can change. The wider this range, the more accurately the inverter air conditioner will be able to maintain the set temperature. Therefore, when choosing an inverter split system, you should pay attention not only to the rated power, but also to the ratio of the maximum power to the minimum - the larger this value, the better.

Air conditioner noise level

If you are going to install an air conditioner in the bedroom, or if there is a window of nervous neighbors next to the outdoor unit, then you should pay attention to the noise level of the air conditioner you are purchasing. Noise level is measured in decibels(dB) - a relative unit showing how many times one sound is louder than another. The threshold of audibility is taken as 0 dB (note that sounds with a level of less than 25 dB are actually inaudible). The whisper level is 25 - 30 dB, the noise in the office, like the volume of a normal conversation, corresponds to 35 - 45 dB, and the noise of a busy street or a loud conversation is 50 - 70 dB.

For most household air conditioners, the noise level of the indoor unit lies in the range of 26 - 36 dB, the outdoor unit - 38 - 54 dB. It can be seen that the noise of the operating indoor unit does not exceed the noise level of the office space. Therefore, it makes sense to pay attention to the noise level of the air conditioner if you plan to install it in a quiet room (bedroom, private office, etc.).

It would seem that now it is enough to choose an air conditioner with the lowest noise level, and comfort is guaranteed. But not everything is so simple: it may turn out that an air conditioner with a noise level of 26 dB in practice will work louder than an air conditioner with a level of 32 dB. Moreover, there is no deception here, and all measurements were carried out correctly. And here's the thing. Any air conditioner can operate in several dozen modes, and each mode has its own noise level. Since the main noise source of the indoor unit is the air flow through the fan, radiator and distribution louvers, it is logical to measure the noise level at the lowest fan speed and keep this speed as low as possible. The problem is that in this mode, the air conditioner will not produce the declared power and in hot weather it will either automatically switch to a higher speed (with increased noise) or will not be able to maintain the set temperature. In a complete description of the air conditioner, as a rule, the noise level is given for all fan operation modes, or at least the maximum and minimum values. At the same time, the typical noise level of the indoor unit of a premium air conditioner is 27 - 31 - 34 dB for a three-speed fan. In an advertising booklet, only the smallest figure of 27 dB can be given, and not a more correct one. maximum noise value of 34 dB.

The quietest indoor and outdoor units are in inverter air conditioners of the upper price group.

It should be noted that air conditioners can be a source of not only the monotonous noise created by the air flow, but also some other sounds - crackles, hisses, gurgles, clicks. Usually these noises are noticeable only in complete silence, but they can interfere with restful sleep, since sudden sounds are much more annoying than monotonous noise. These sounds are of different nature. Cracks occur when parts of a plastic case expand and contract due to temperature changes. Freon can gurgle and hiss when the compressor is turned on and off. And clicks occur when switching relays that control the operation of the fan, compressor and other components of the air conditioner. Of all these noises, the most annoying is the crackling of the case - such sounds can even wake you up in the middle of the night. You can recognize a “crackling” indoor unit by cheap plastic, which appearance and to the touch is significantly different from the plastic from which premium air conditioners are made. Inverter air conditioners generally produce less noise because they don't experience the temperature spikes associated with the compressor switching on and off.

If you really need a "quiet" air conditioner, you can be advised to go around several companies that have showrooms with working samples of air conditioners before buying, touch the indoor units, listen to how they work in various modes. In general, as a rule, the most “advanced” and expensive air conditioners are also the quietest.

A few words about the outdoor unit. With the windows closed, otherwise it is not allowed to operate the air conditioner, the noise of the outdoor unit is practically inaudible. But this noise is clearly audible to your neighbors if they themselves do not have air conditioning installed and all windows are open. Although the noise of the outdoor unit of a serviceable household air conditioner never exceeds the level allowed for a residential area, this noise can still greatly disturb residents, especially at night. Note that the difference in the noise level of the outdoor units of air conditioners of the upper and lower price groups is significantly higher than the difference in the noise level of the indoor units. Some Daikin split systems even have a "Quiet outdoor unit" function, which, when turned on, reduces the noise level of the outdoor unit by half.

Possibility of ventilation (inflow of fresh air)

Household split systems cannot supply fresh air to the room. This requires a separate ventilation system.

There is a misconception that any air conditioner can not only cool, but also ventilate the air in the room. However, the function of supplying fresh air can only be fully implemented in ducted air conditioners. Ordinary wall-mounted split systems can only cool or heat the air inside the room, and the “ventilation” mode, which is written in the instructions for the air conditioner, means that only the fan of the indoor unit works in this mode, without turning on the compressor.

The main consumer functions of the air conditioner

To control all modern air conditioners, an infrared remote control with a liquid crystal display is used, which allows you to set the operating mode of the split system, the desired air temperature, program the timer to turn on / off the air conditioner, etc. As a rule, in terms of the number of functions, economy class air conditioners differ little from models of the upper price category. The reason for this unification is that for the implementation of additional features it is not necessary to change or complicate the design of the air conditioner, it is enough just to reprogram the microcontroller that controls the operation of the air conditioner and add buttons to the remote control.

Thanks to this, manufacturers can add new modes of operation or additional functions to air conditioners at low cost and successfully build their advertising campaigns based on them. As a result, in terms of consumer options, there is often no difference between air conditioners of different price groups. Less often there are functions that really lead to an increase in the cost of the air conditioner, since their implementation requires a change in its design. For example, the built-in motion sensor allows you to save energy, and the temperature sensor in the control panel allows you to maintain the set temperature not in the area of ​​​​the indoor unit, but where the remote control is located. How much these functions are necessary and whether it is worth overpaying for the air conditioner for them is up to you.

The main modes and functions of air conditioners:

• Cooling and Heating(for "warm" models). The main operating modes of the air conditioner used for air conditioning and space heating.
• Ventilation. An operation mode in which only the indoor unit fan operates, without turning on the compressor. It is used to evenly distribute air throughout the room and can be used, for example, in winter, when warm air from heaters and central heating radiators accumulates under the ceiling, and the floor remains cold.
• Auto mode. In this mode, the air conditioner itself controls the selection of the operation mode (Cooling, Heating or Ventilation) to maintain a comfortable temperature.
• dehumidification. In dry mode, the air conditioner reduces the air humidity. Generally speaking, air dehumidification always accompanies its cooling. Warm air comes into contact with the cold heat exchanger (radiator) of the indoor unit, as a result, moisture condenses on the heat exchanger and is discharged through the drain hose. All modern dehumidifiers work on the same principle. Therefore, in the dehumidification mode, the air conditioner operates in the same way as in the cooling mode, only the room temperature drops by no more than 1°C.
• Air cleaning. To clean the air, one or more filters are installed in front of the heat exchanger of the indoor unit. The main filter of the air conditioner is designed to purify the air from coarse dust (the so-called coarse filter). This filter is an ordinary fine mesh and protects not so much the inhabitants of the air-conditioned room as the inside of the air conditioner. To clean this filter, just rinse it in warm water. Additional filters (so-called fine filters) are designed to clean the air from fine dust particles, smoke, plant pollen. Split systems can be equipped different filters fine cleaning - coal(eliminates unpleasant odors) electrostatic(detains small particles) and others.
• Temperature setting. For Cooling and Heating modes, you can control the air temperature with an accuracy of 1°C in the range from 16 - 18 to 30°C. Typically, the temperature sensor is installed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner, but some models have an additional sensor built into the remote control. In this case, the user himself chooses at which point the temperature will be measured.
• Fan speed. The indoor unit fan can rotate at different speeds to change the amount of air passing through the indoor unit accordingly (this parameter is called air performance or " pumping» air conditioner and is measured in cubic meters per hour). Usually the fan has 3 to 5 fixed speeds plus automatic mode. In automatic mode, the fan speed is selected based on the current and set temperature - the more the current temperature differs from the set temperature, the higher the fan speed.
• Airflow direction. The direction of the air flow generated by the indoor unit can be adjusted vertically using horizontal plates (blinds) with 5 to 7 fixed positions. In cooling mode, the flow is usually directed horizontally along the ceiling so that cold air does not hit people. In the heating mode, the air flow is directed downwards, since hot air is lighter than cold air and rises. In addition, the blinds can automatically swing up and down, evenly distributing the air flow throughout the room. Some models of air conditioners with a capacity of more than 5 kW have automatic vertical blinds adjusting the airflow in the horizontal direction.
• Timer for turning on and off. With the 24-hour timer, you can set the time for the air conditioner to turn on and off automatically, for example, you can turn on the air conditioner one hour before returning from work.
• Night mode. After turning on this mode, the air conditioner sets the minimum fan speed (to reduce noise) and gradually raises (in cooling mode) or lowers (in heating mode) the temperature by 2-3 degrees for several hours. It is believed that such temperature conditions are optimal for sleep. 7 hours after turning on this mode, the air conditioner turns off.

Air conditioner protection systems

Most economy class air conditioners do not have protection systems against misuse.

If the consumer functions of all air conditioners are the same, then the functions of protection against improper operation or adverse external conditions, on the contrary, differ significantly. A complete air conditioning monitoring and control system involves the installation of a large number of sensors and additional devices in the outdoor and indoor units, which increases the cost of equipment by 20-30%. At the same time, it will not be possible to effectively advertise, say, the presence of a low pressure switch, and, accordingly, it will not be possible to get a quick return on investment. Therefore, in budget air conditioners, control and protection systems are practically absent. Even in the first group, many air conditioners have only partial protection against misuse.

Main control and protection systems:

• Restart. This function allows the air conditioner to turn on after a power failure. Moreover, the air conditioner will turn on in the same mode in which it worked before the failure. This simplest function is implemented at the firmware level and therefore is present in almost all air conditioners.
• Monitoring the condition of filters. If the filters of the indoor unit of the air conditioner are not cleaned, then in a few months such a layer of dust will grow on them that the performance of the air conditioner will decrease several times. As a result, the normal operation of the refrigeration system will be disrupted and liquid freon will enter the compressor inlet instead of gaseous freon, which will most likely lead to compressor jamming. But even if the compressor does not fail, then over time the dust will stick to the radiator plates of the indoor unit, get into drainage system and the indoor unit will have to be taken to a service center. That is, the consequences of operating an air conditioner with dirty filters can be the most serious. To protect against these consequences, a filter cleanliness monitoring system is built into the air conditioner - when the filters are dirty, the corresponding indicator lights up.
• Freon leak control. In any split system, the amount of freon decreases over time due to normalized leakage. This is not dangerous for a person, since freon is an inert gas, but an air conditioner can only “live” for 2-3 years without refueling. The fact is that the air conditioning compressor is cooled by freon and, if it is lacking, it can overheat and fail. Previously, a low pressure switch was used to turn off the compressor with a lack of freon - when the pressure in the system dropped, this switch turned off the compressor. Now, most manufacturers are switching to electronic control systems that measure the temperature at key points in the system and / or the compressor current, and based on these data, all operating parameters of the refrigeration system, including freon pressure, are calculated.
• Current protection. Compressor current can be used to determine a number of refrigeration system faults. A low current indicates that the compressor is running without load, which means freon has leaked out. An increased current indicates that not gaseous, but liquid freon is supplied to the compressor inlet, which can be caused either by too low outdoor temperature or dirty filters of the indoor unit. Thus, the compressor current sensor can significantly improve the reliability of the air conditioner.
• Automatic defrost. When the outdoor air temperature is below +5°C, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner may become covered with a layer of frost or ice, which will lead to a deterioration in heat transfer, and sometimes even to a fan failure from hitting the blades on the ice. To prevent this from happening, the air conditioner control system monitors its operating conditions and, if there is a risk of icing, periodically turns on the auto-defrost system (the air conditioner operates for 5-10 minutes in cooling mode without turning on the indoor unit fan, while the outdoor unit heat exchanger heats up and thaws).
• Low temperature protection. It is strongly not recommended to turn on an unadapted air conditioner at negative outdoor temperatures. To prevent breakdowns, some models of air conditioners automatically turn off if the outside temperature drops below a certain level (usually minus 5 - 10 ° C).

  Of course, the protection of the air conditioner is not limited to the listed systems, but we have considered those systems, the presence of which is very desirable so that the air conditioner takes care of you, and not you about the air conditioner.

freon type

Freon is a refrigerant, that is, a substance that transfers heat from the indoor unit of the split system to the outdoor unit (more on this process is written in the section How the air conditioner works). Freons (their other name is chlorofluorocarbons) is a mixture of methane and ethane, in which hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine and chlorine atoms. All refrigerants used in household appliances are non-flammable and harmless to humans. There are several types of freon that differ in chemical formulas and physical properties. In air conditioners and refrigerators, freons R-12, R-22, R-134a, R-407C, R-410A and some others are most often used.

Previously, almost all household air conditioners supplied from Russia worked on R-22 freon, which was distinguished by a low price ($ 5 per 1 kg) and was easy to use. However, in 2000 - 2003, in most European countries, legislation came into force restricting the use of R-22 freon. This was caused by the fact that many freons, including R-22, destroy the ozone layer. To measure the "harmfulness" of freons, a scale was introduced in which the ozone-depleting potential of freon R-13, which most old refrigerators operate on, was taken as a unit. The potential of freon R-22 is 0.05, and the new ozone-friendly freon R-407C and R-410A is zero. Therefore, by now, most manufacturers oriented to the European market have been forced to switch to the production of air conditioners using ozone-friendly freons R-407C and R-410A.

For consumers, such a transition meant an increase in both the cost of equipment and prices for installation and service work. This was due to the fact that the new freons differ in their properties from the usual R-22:

• New freons have a higher condensation pressure - up to 26 atmospheres versus 16 atmospheres for R-22 freon, that is, all elements of the refrigeration circuit of the air conditioner must be more durable, and therefore more expensive.
• Ozone-friendly freons are not homogeneous, that is, they consist of a mixture of several simple freons. For example, R-407C consists of three components - R-32, R-134a and R-125. This leads to the fact that even with a slight leak from freon, lighter components first evaporate, changing its composition and physical properties. After that, you have to drain all the freon that has become substandard and refill the air conditioner. In this regard, R-410A freon is more preferable, since it is conditionally isotropic, that is, all its components evaporate at approximately the same rate, and with a slight leak, the air conditioner can simply be refueled.
• Compressor oil, which circulates in the refrigeration circuit along with freon, should not be mineral, as is the case with R-22 freon, but polyester. Such oil has one significant drawback - high hygroscopicity, that is, it quickly absorbs moisture from atmospheric air. And the water that has entered the refrigeration circuit leads to corrosion of its elements and a change in the properties of freon, so it is more difficult to work with such oil.
• And most importantly, the cost of new freons is $ 30-35 per 1 kg, which is 6-7 times more expensive than R-22 freon.

Currently, in Moscow you can buy air conditioners using both new, ozone-friendly freons, and the "classic" R-22. However, all new models of well-known brands use ozone-friendly freons.

Distance between the outdoor and indoor units of the air conditioner

When placing split-system units, it is desirable that the length of inter-unit communications does not exceed 5 - 6 meters, otherwise the cost of installation will increase and the power of the air conditioner will decrease.

The distance between units is of great importance, both for the cost of installing an air conditioner and for its service life. This distance is determined by the length of interconnections - copper pipes and cable. The standard installation usually includes a 5-meter track - in most cases this is quite enough. In principle, the maximum length of the route for household air conditioners is 15 - 20 meters (depending on the model of the split system), however, using a route of this length is not recommended for a number of reasons. Firstly, the cost of installing an air conditioner increases significantly - by 500 - 700 rubles for each additional meter of communications, and if wall chasing is required, then the total cost of each additional meter can increase to 1200 - 1800 rubles. Secondly, with an increase in the length of the route, the power of the air conditioner drops and the load on the compressor increases. When placing split system units, it is also necessary to take into account the restrictions on the height difference between the indoor and outdoor unit (usually 7 - 10 meters).

Oddly enough, but too short a track can also lead to problems. Freon pipes connecting the indoor and outdoor units of the split system are an element of the refrigeration circuit, so any deviation in the length of communications from the calculated 5 meters will lead to a change in the parameters of the refrigeration cycle. Even if the split system units are located only 1 meter apart, the length of the route should be about 5 meters (its excess is folded into a ring that hides behind the outdoor unit). Note that budget air conditioners are more sensitive to the deviation of the route length from the optimal value, since they have a simplified control and management system.

If the length of the route exceeds 15 - 20 meters, then you will have to use not household, but semi-industrial air conditioner. For example, the semi-industrial series of FDKN Mitsubishi Heavy wall-mounted split systems is designed for a route length of up to 30 meters with a height difference of up to 20 meters. And multi-zone VRV systems allow you to spread blocks by 150 meters with a 50-meter height difference.

The influence of temperature on the operation of the air conditioner

A properly selected air conditioner is able to set and maintain a comfortable air temperature in the room - usually from +18°С to +28°С. Outside temperature is more difficult.

For cooling mode: the lower limit is from -5°С to +18°С for various models, upper - about + 43 ° С.

For heating mode: the lower limit is from -5°С to +5°С for various models, the upper limit is about +21°С.

A significant spread in the lower temperature limit is explained by the fact that to ensure the normal operation of the air conditioner in a wide temperature range, it is necessary to install additional sensors and complicate the air conditioner circuit, and this increases its cost. If you plan to turn on the air conditioner for cooling when the outside air temperature is below +15°C, then we advise you to pay attention to the operating range of the selected model. The operating temperature range is always indicated in the technical catalogs or in the user manual. Operation of the air conditioner at a temperature below the permissible temperature will cause unstable operation and freezing of the radiator of the indoor unit, as a result of which water may drip from the air conditioner.

The difference between the air conditioners of the first and third groups is manifested in the operating range of outdoor temperatures - stable operation at temperatures from -5°C to +40°C is possible only with a high-quality and expensive control system. Most air conditioners are not designed to operate at outdoor temperatures below -5°C.

If the outside temperature drops below -5°C, then it is strongly not recommended to turn on the air conditioner. At low temperatures, the physical properties of freon and compressor oil change. As a result, at start-up, a cold compressor may jam and have to be replaced. But even in the case of a successful start-up, the wear of the compressor will be significantly higher than the permissible one. Therefore, the operation of the air conditioner in the winter will inevitably lead to the failure of the compressor within 2-3 years. In addition, at low temperatures, the drain hole of the drain hose freezes and during cooling operation, all condensate begins to flow into the room.

However, not everything is so bad. Many manufacturers have air conditioners adapted to the conditions of winter work. About how these split systems differ from their non-adapted counterparts - in the next paragraph.

Additional devices

All season block

An all-weather unit allows the air conditioner to operate at an outdoor temperature of up to minus 20 - 30 ° C, but the cost of the air conditioner increases by $ 150 - 200.

In order for the air conditioner to work in winter, an additional device is built into it - all season block or winter set, which heats the drain and compressor crankcase, and controls the operation of the outdoor unit fan. In this case, the air conditioner can operate at low outdoor temperatures (usually down to -15°C ... -30°C). It should be borne in mind that even with an adapted air conditioner, when the temperature drops, the efficiency and cooling / heating power decrease. At -20°C, the efficiency of the air conditioner drops by about three times compared to the nominal value. Therefore, in winter it is better to use heaters for heating, which are also ten times cheaper than an air conditioner. You can use an unadapted air conditioner for heating only in the off-season - in autumn and spring, when the heating has not yet been turned on or has already been turned off.

Air conditioning with a winter kit can be useful in two cases. First, to improve the reliability of the air conditioner. In this case, you can adapt almost any split system. Adaptation will allow you to turn on the air conditioner at any time of the year, without fear of puddles on the floor and failure of the compressor. Secondly, " winter air conditioner" will be simply necessary in rooms with a large amount of heat-generating equipment, for example, in server rooms, for cooling not only in summer, but also in winter. Since there is little moisture in the cold outdoor air, the cooling of such a room by the “window” method reduces the humidity of the air to 20–30% (with an optimal value of 55%), which negatively affects not only people, but also complex electronic equipment. Therefore, the only option for air conditioning the server room is to use an adapted air conditioner. As an air conditioner for a server room, an air conditioner with factory adaptation of the first reliability group is best suited.

Drainage pump

During the operation of any air conditioner, water forms on the surface of the evaporator (radiator of the indoor unit). It condenses when the air passing through the evaporator is cooled and flows into a tray located under the evaporator. From the sump, water is removed from the air conditioner through the drain hose. Usually, the drainage hose is led out into the street through a hole in the outer wall, less often the drain is led into the sewer. In any case, the drain hole must be below the level of the sump so that water can flow freely from the air conditioner by gravity.

However, there are times when the drain must be located above the level of the sump, for example, when installing an air conditioner in the basement. In such a situation, it is necessary to use a drainage pump that can raise water to a certain height. Structurally, the pump is made in the form of a small rectangular block, in which the pump and a miniature tank with a water sensor are located. When the tank is filled with water, the sensor turns on the pump, the water is pumped out, after which the pump turns off and the cycle repeats again. Installing a pump leads not only to an increase in the cost of the air conditioner, but also to a noticeable increase in the noise level. Therefore, it is advisable to install air conditioning in apartments so that you do not have to use a drainage pump.

Protective visor

Sometimes, when installing the outdoor unit of a split system, a metal visor is installed above it. The main task of the visor is to protect the outdoor unit from falling icicles and snow while cleaning the roof. However, when installing an air conditioner with a visor, you will most likely have to use the services of an industrial climber. In this case, the outdoor unit will have to be lowered 25 - 30 centimeters lower than usual and it will become impossible to mount it from the window. For the same reason, as a rule, it is impossible to install a canopy over an already mounted unit without dismantling / mounting it.

Protective box (grille)

A protective box or grille is installed to protect the outdoor unit from vandalism or theft. This box is a rectangular frame, covered with a large-mesh metal mesh and covering the outdoor unit from all sides except the bottom one (access from below is required for service). Such protection is used in cases where the outdoor unit is installed in an easily accessible place - at a low height, on the roof, etc.

Which air conditioner to choose?

• The power of the air conditioner is determined on the basis of the calculation and does not depend on our desires and preferences. An attempt to save money and buy an air conditioner of less power can be justified only with a small (10 - 15%) deviation from the calculated value.
• By choosing an air conditioner with the ability to heat the air and spending an additional $ 100 - 150, you can warm up in the fall and spring, while saving 65% of electricity. However, remember that for the same money you can buy a good heater that can also heat in winter. According to statistics, “warm” air conditioners are bought several times more than “cold” ones.
• An air conditioner based on ozone-friendly freon has a price 10-15% higher compared to a similar model based on R-22 freon, and the cost of installing such an air conditioner increases by 20-30%. At the same time, the use of ozone-safe freon does not affect the consumer properties of the air conditioner.
• The inverter air conditioner saves energy, more accurately maintains the set temperature and is less noisy. At the same time, it is much more difficult to manufacture. Therefore, we do not recommend buying inverters of "popular" brands. It is better to buy an ordinary air conditioner of the first or second group for the same money - it will be more reliable.
• Since household air conditioners do not have the ability to ventilate the air, a supply ventilation system is required to create comfortable conditions in the air-conditioned rooms. Otherwise, you will have to periodically open the window to ventilate the room.
• The consumer functions of all air conditioners are approximately the same, therefore, when choosing an air conditioner, it is better to pay attention to its reliability and the presence of protection systems against improper operation and adverse external conditions.
• Modern household air conditioners have a sufficiently low noise level to ignore this parameter in most cases. If you still need the quietest air conditioner, choose a well-known Japanese brand (Daikin, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Panasonic). In this case, you will be guaranteed a minimum noise level for both indoor and outdoor units.
• Limitations on the temperature range of outdoor air, inherent in all low-cost air conditioners, in living conditions do not play a big role, since in cooling mode the air conditioner is used only if the temperature outside the window exceeds 20 ° C. If you need stable operation of the air conditioner in a wide range of temperatures, then it is better to choose a model specially adapted to winter conditions.
• When planning the placement of split system units, try to minimize the length of interunit communications. In a typical installation of an air conditioner (outdoor unit under the window, indoor unit not far from the window), the length of the route does not exceed 5 meters. If the length of the route is more than 7 meters, then it is advisable not to use "budget" air conditioners (LG, Samsung, Midea and similar).

To unequivocally answer these questions, it should be borne in mind that any device has a certain number of characteristics that indicate the scope of its application. They can be divided into main - determining the rationality of use, and additional - introducing opportunities that do not affect the performance of the main task.

The main (defining) ones include technical characteristics that are mandatory for most of the presented models. Thus, the diagram describing the classical implementation of split systems involves the division of the air conditioning system into two parts: internal (located inside the room) and outdoor (outside the room).

In turn, each of them has its own functional features. Therefore, before buying an air conditioner, you should carefully read its characteristics, which will reduce the likelihood of a wrong choice.

The main technical characteristics of modern household air conditioners belonging to the category of wall-mounted split systems:

• Estimated working area, m²: 20 - 100
• Operation mode: ventilation, cooling, heating, dehumidification, auto selection
• Cooling (power consumption, Btu / h): 2050-10600
• Heating (power consumption, BTU / hour): 2200-11100
• Energy efficiency class: preferably A
• Compressor type: inverter, non-inverter
• Noise level (internal unit of the air conditioner), dB: 19-48
• Refrigerant type: R410, R22, R410A
• Location of the indoor unit: wall-mounted (horizontal, vertical, corner installation), outdoor

Having the main characteristics of a particular device, you can determine its effectiveness, which is an indicator of the appropriateness of acquiring this unit.

Functions peculiar to a particular brand of air conditioners

Each manufacturer tries to attract the buyer with special, specific only for its products, opportunities. The following are features that are specific to the most popular brands of air conditioners.

Mitsubishi Air conditioners

"I FEEL" - based on a number of parameters obtained during a special room scan, the function provides an independent decision to turn on the cooling, dehumidification or heating mode. User interaction is expected to refine the comfort level.

"Dual Plasma" is an effective filtration system that allows you to capture the smallest particles in the air, decompose formaldehyde and eliminate unpleasant odors.

"I save" - ​​indispensable for the option when the air conditioner is installed in the bedroom. Selecting this function puts the device into low power mode for the sleep period. Reselect - returns to the previous state.

"Econo Cool" - this function is based on the fact that a temperature increase of only 2°C saves about one-fifth of the nominal energy consumption. In this mode, air is supplied alternately in different planes, at certain intervals (the frequency depends on the heating of the room). The result: a household air conditioner provides the required level of comfort with reduced energy consumption.

Carrier air conditioners

A special filtration system - Nano Photo Copper (filter with zinc) and Nano Silver (filter with ginseng) provide effective air purification from unpleasant odors, bacteria and other contaminants.

Anti-Ice Protection - The use of a hydrophilic coated evaporator prevents ice formation and improves heat transfer, making air conditioner maintenance much easier.

Compensation for temperature difference in height (for split systems QCL and QCR). The presence of a special sensor allows you to determine the air temperature near the ceiling (usually it is 2 ° C higher than near the floor) and carry out the appropriate correction.

Adaptation to winter conditions (series 42NQV_M). Guarantees the performance of the Carrier air conditioner at negative temperatures: up to -10°С - cooling, up to -15°С - heating.

Night light is a unique feature that provides illumination at night.

Panasonic air conditioners

"Nanoe-G" is a filtration system that can effectively eliminate mold (spores), bacteria and viruses.
"E-ion APS" - fine air purification function. A special filter with a positive charge attracts negatively charged dust particles.
The accelerated heating "Powerful". Shifting to full power, the indoor unit of the air conditioner creates a strong airflow, quickly providing the required comfortable conditions in the room.
"Soft Dry" - Panasonic air conditioner removes excess moisture from the room without changing the temperature.
Mild Dry Cooling. Used to quickly reduce air humidity. The device keeps its level slightly higher than in normal cooling mode. It can come in handy while sleeping with the air conditioner on.
"AUTOCOMFORT" and "ECONAVI". Functions for determining heat sources (people, household appliances) based on an ultra-sensitive sensor. The goal is to create the most optimal microclimate.
Patrol Sensor. Determining the level of air pollution, regardless of the state of the domestic air conditioner (active / inactive). The cleaning mode is automatically activated if the contamination exceeds the set threshold.

Which air conditioner to choose: additional options

The following features are common to most manufacturers' products, but they are neither specific nor mandatory:

1. Airflow management
2. Eliminate bad odors
3. Performing self-diagnosis (does not replace the repair of air conditioners, but allows you to localize the problem)
4. Removable front panel (washable)
5. Auto restart
6. Night mode ("Comfortable sleep", "Quiet", etc.)
7. The presence of a timer

Additional and specific options mainly determine the ease of use, the degree of which for each domestic air conditioner is selected only on an individual basis.

Introduction of new technological solutions in household equipment often runs counter to practical expediency. The example of climate technology is the most indicative in this sense. Yes, in recent times the market is actively filled with which are intended for indoor use. The features of such systems include the complete exclusion of dirty installation operations, which attracts a considerable audience of consumers. But with all the convenience of installation and further maintenance, such models are not able to approach the performance characteristics provided by the external air conditioner unit as part of a split system. Another thing is that the owners of outdoor installations have to deal with troublesome tasks, but of a different kind.

What is an outdoor unit?

The composition of the outdoor segment, which is part of the split system complex, includes a condenser, valve decoupling, pipes, filter driers and a fan. Depending on the modification and design, the internal "stuffing" may vary, but the traditional air conditioner kit with a remote unit has just such a set of elements. By the way, the most noticeable differences are observed in the so-called winter systems, which provide for the presence of special controllers for controlling the fan. Modern air conditioners also use multifunctional power switching relays. Such devices are designed for non-standard operation of the compressor in conditions of high or low temperatures. Unlike the indoor segment, the outdoor unit does not have electronic modules - its operation is completely subordinated to the mechanical function.

Block sizes

The outdoor unit is available on the market in various configurations and shapes. And although manufacturers, in order to simplify the segmentation, tend to unify the model lines, the choice of sizes is still quite wide. If we talk about average parameters, then it has a width of 770 mm, a height of 450 mm and a thickness of 245 mm. At the same time, the radius of the fan varies on average from 200 to 250 mm. Of course, there are also aggregates, the sizes of which deviate from these indicators. So, in the Mitsubishi lineup, an almost square-shaped external air conditioning unit is presented, which has a width of 880 mm and a height of 840 mm. As for the parameters of the internal segment, they are not so impressive. Usually these are long narrow modules of medium size - 700 x 200 x 200 mm.

Choosing a place to install the unit

Usually, when choosing the optimal point for installing air conditioners outside, users are faced with the problems of combining ease of use and protection of the module. For example, the location of the block at height is the best option from the point of view of its safety, but in this case, access to the air conditioner for the purpose of maintenance becomes more difficult. A good solution would be to place the module on the wall near the window opening or loggia. At the same time, other nuances must be taken into account, including the absence of direct sunlight and permission for installation from neighbors, since a noisy unit can cause inconvenience to people living on the same level of the building.

In addition, it produces condensate, which will drip down in drops. Accordingly, you will have to negotiate with neighbors on the lower floors. In case of successful coordination of the installation site of the unit with other residents, you can proceed to direct installation operations. By the way, another condition for installing an outdoor unit is the possibility of laying communications in the wall.

Installation of the external unit of the air conditioner

When installing air conditioners, special mounting kits, which include pipes with flex, brackets with sets of fixing hardware, drainage communications, etc. The physical installation of the segment is carried out using load-bearing components that are embedded in the walls using anchor elements. At the same stage, brackets are used, the power potential of which is oriented to the mass of a particular module. Also, the installation of the external unit of the air conditioner provides for its communication connection with the internal segment. To do this, a hole of the required diameter is made in the wall, which will allow organizing, in addition to the main wiring, also a gasket vacuum pump and manometric manifold. At the final stage, a direct connection of communications between the two blocks is made.

Features of installing the indoor unit

When installing the evaporative, that is, the internal module of the air conditioning system, it is especially important to observe the correct position of the unit. Usually this unit is mounted directly under the ceiling surface with a slight indentation. Mechanical fixation is also carried out using suitable brackets. True, in this case, the mass of equipment is not so large, which simplifies the workflow. After marking, the master installs the anchor elements and, if necessary, fastens the supporting profiles. Next, the indoor unit of the air conditioner is installed with strict observance of the horizontal position. Also, some models of such segments, according to the instructions, should have a slight slope towards the passage of drainage.

Maintenance and care

In the standard mode of operation, the air conditioner must be serviced every six months. Most of the work is carried out with the external unit, which is most prone to contamination. Specialists usually check the condition of the filters, the level of refrigerant, the operating pressure of the module route, etc. The most difficult operation is the replacement of the working fluid. The refrigerant is a chemically unsafe substance, so its refueling is best left to experienced craftsmen. But the care of the rest of the components is quite accessible to ordinary users. For example, the answer to the question of how to clean the external unit of an air conditioner is quite simple. First of all, it should be disassembled, after which, using a rag or a vacuum cleaner, rid the internal surfaces of the module of dust and dirt deposits. In the process of such care, external filters and heat exchangers are cleaned, which prolongs the life of the air conditioner.

Outdoor unit in multi-systems

The concept of technical implementation of a split system provides for the possibility of using several indoor modules in one complex, which are serviced by one outdoor unit. Unlike standard configurations, the external module of such a system has engineering differences. For integration into a multi-system, it is equipped with an additional thermostat, which allows you to more effectively control the settings of the fan and compressor. In turn, the indoor unit of the air conditioner acts as a source of information signals that determine the control of the outdoor module. That is, the user, using the remote control, accesses the panel of the indoor unit, and the latter, in turn, regulates the system of bypass communications on the freon line via a digital channel.

A question of price

In modern modifications, split-system air conditioners are not cheap, which is largely due to the complexity of the design. Even in the initial segment, the cost of an air conditioner with a remote unit is rarely less than 20 thousand rubles. Of course, you can find options for 15 thousand rubles. from little-known brands, but their quality is questionable by both specialists and users themselves, who often complain about problems.

Decent quality models are offered by Fujitsu, Daikin, Mitsubishi, etc. The average cost of an air conditioner from the range of these companies varies in the range of 30-40 thousand rubles. At the same time, the most technologically advanced and productive kits can be estimated at 70-80 thousand rubles.

Conclusion

The use of air conditioners with a design that involves the installation of a remote unit causes many problems during installation and further maintenance. And this is without taking into account the difficulties in transporting equipment. These factors allow us to speak of such units as obsolete. Especially against the backdrop of the spread of mobile devices with a modest size. Nevertheless, the external unit of the air conditioner remains relevant in the market. This is explained by its high performance, functionality and safety during operation, since the main work units are located outside the living quarters. And if for domestic use it is possible to find a low-power replacement for a split system in the form of a monoblock, then in the context of servicing office space, public buildings and institutions, multifunctional complexes still have no equal.