An air conditioning system comprises of one or more an indoor units connected to an outdoor unit. The majority of units provide cooling, heating and dehumidification while filtering the circulated air.
The most common indoor units installed in domestic houses are :
Wall-Mounted
All systems that fix directly onto a wall at high level, normally returning the air via the front fascia and discharging the air via a single louvred discharge assembly at the top or bottom of the unit.
This system is among the the most cost-effective solutions but is not so efficient or effective in larger, open-plan offices. This system ideally suits cellular offices up to 60 square metres.
Concealed Ceiling
This system is ideally located centrally within the ceiling itself. The only part of the system visible is the grille which protrudes the ceiling by between 10 and 20 mm. All internal workings are hidden above the ceiling where 300 to 400 mm void space is required for access.
These systems return all air through the centre of the fascia and discharge through the sides. Its attributes of space saving and its ability to provide an even flow within large, open-plan areas make this a very popular option.
Other benefits are its very low noise levels, due to the reduced air velocity through the four sides which also helps reduce any draughts or dead zones. This system is one of the most aesthetically pleasing and efficient available.
Floor Mounted
These systems are used where high-level wall space is valuable and no ceiling space is available. They return air via the front fascia and discharge air through the top louvred discharge assembly - ideal as a storage heater replacement.
These systems can be as effective as, say, a ceiling cassette in heat pump mode, but less so in the cooling cycle due to air flow characteristics.
There are two different types of outdoor units. One type is suitable to be connected to a single indoor unit (split unit) whilst the other is suitable to be connected to several indoor units.
The standard or fixed speed air conditioners are the cheapest; however, these units are the ones that consume most energy. Inverter or variable speed units consume approximately 40% less electricity than the standard ones. A VRF system may be installed in most domestic houses and apartments which use an inverter technology system.
A heat exchanger maybe used to provide fresh air in the air-conditioned space while reducing the cost to cool this fresh air. This is done by using the cool exhaust air used to cool the fresh air intake.
Commercial
Commercial air conditioning units vary from domestic units in many aspects. Most commercial units are designed to keep an optimum performance even when operating under very heavy heat loads. Also, the size of units, both indoor and outdoor units differ in size as well the way in which they operate. Most commonly indoor units used are the : - Cassette type (likely to be used in server rooms, offices and restaurants
- Duct type units (where the air from the indoor unit is only efficiently distributed by means of duct work)
- Large Air Handling units (installed on factory roofs)
- Package type
Different outdoor units: - Water chillers
- Process chillers (with a very precise water temperature control)
- VRF/VRV
- Water cooled (using sea or cooling towers
- Multi compressors with un-loaders or inverter system
Where large capacity systems are needed multiple systems can be used and combined to form single systems. Designs have to be well planned both mechanically as well as electrically. If you need general advice or an obligation free quotation, call us today on +356 2142 0534 where we will be happy to help
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