An air conditioner is an appliance that provides people comfort with the circulation of cold air within an enclosed space by removing humidity and heat from the air indoors. It removes the unwanted heat and moisture and circulates the cool air indoors. Once considered a luxury, the air conditioner is now a necessity that allows us to cool homes, offices, workspaces, hospitals, data centres, laboratories, and other spaces that are crucial locations.
Like most revolutionary inventions, the contemporary residential and commercial air conditioning technology results from various chronological advancements by inventors and scientists who brainstormed and challenged themselves to devise creative solutions to concerns of dealing with heat. Inventors and physicians, such as Dr Gorrie, realised that cooling was the solution to avoiding the discomfort of high temperatures and even reducing or eliminating various diseases.
History of Air Conditioners
Dr Gorrie was keen on experimenting with artificial cooling. Although his invention didn’t succeed, his efforts can be identified as the foundation of modern air conditioning technology. The concept of artificial cooling then remained stagnant for a long while until Willis Carrier became involved. This would then end up leading to the first-ever electrical air conditioning unit.
The first well-designed cooling system was introduced in 1922 in Los Angeles by the Carrier Engineering Corporation. The corporation installed this in theatres. It pumped cool air through high vents, ensuring better humidity control and providing comfort to the inhabitants. This revolutionary breakthrough reduced the cost of large-scale air conditioners and guaranteed their reliability. This escalated in the widespread use of air conditioners all across the country.
The increased use of air conditioners brought to the limelight the issue of increased energy usage. In the 1990s, the Department of Energy instituted specific conservation standards for manufacturing air conditioners used in residential settings and heat pumps. This led to improved energy efficiency in newer air conditioning technology and has helped consumers save expenses and energy.
The Working of Air Conditioners
While they are available in various designs, specifications, and sizes, all air conditioners work on the same basic principle. A typical air conditioner uses a specialised chemical known as refrigerant. It consists of three primary mechanical components:
1. Compressor
2. Condenser Coil
3. Evaporator Coil
This cooling agent gets trapped within this series of coils in the air conditioner. It orbits through these coils within the machine and keeps changing its state from liquid to that gas.
The compressor works to increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. After this, the refrigerant goes back inside and into the evaporator coil. A fan blows the indoor air across the cooled evaporator coil, and the refrigerant absorbs the heat inside the enclosed space.
Air Conditioner Specification & Types
Air conditioners are available in different types, designs, and other specifications. Each of these has its unique features and has both pros and cons. Typical air conditioners include central air conditioners, ideal for cooling various spaces simultaneously in a larger space. Window air conditioners are commonly used for residential and even office purposes. These are suitable if you’re looking to cool a single room. A ductless mini-split provides excellent efficiency. These are desirable appliances if you are looking for high energy efficiency.
Air conditioners get differentiated based on having an inverter or a dual inverter. Dual inverter ACs depend on dual inverter technology that maintains the desired temperature with low fluctuation. It is a highly energy-efficient option, and it increases cooling with maximum efficiency and provides a comfortable experience.
The advancement of ACs and air conditioning technologies has been noticeable. Newer and advanced models of air conditioners such as the 1 ton 3-star ACs or 4 star 1.5 ton AC are entering the world market. With the problem of global warming rising, it is best if you keep in mind to look for an energy-efficient and sustainable AC when planning to buy one. Efforts to make air conditioners more sustainable and efficient are underway. The sustainable and convenient consumption of ACs would cut down your expenses. It would also benefit the world by reducing energy usage.
