Learning Objective: Recognize basic types of air-conditioning systems, and understand the operation, maintenance, and repair methods and procedures.
A complete air-conditioning system includes a means of refrigeration, one or more heat transfer units, air filters, a means of air distribution, an arrangement for piping the refrigerant and heating medium, and controls to regulate the proper capacity of these components. In addition, the application and design requirements that an air-conditioning system must meet make it necessary to arrange some of these components to condition the air in a certain sequence.
For example, an installation that requires re-heating of the conditioned air must be arranged with the re-heating coil on the downstream side of the dehumidifying coil; otherwise, re-heating of the cooled and dehumidified air is impossible.
There has been a tendency by many designers to classify an air-conditioning system by referring to one of its components. For example, the air-conditioning system in a building may include a dual duct arrangement to distribute the conditioned air; therefore, it is then referred to as a dual duct system. This classification makes no reference to the type of refrigeration, the piping arrangement, or the type of controls.
For the purpose of classification, the following definitions are used:
Self-contained air-conditioning units may be divided into two types: window-mounted and floor-mounted units. Window-mounted air-conditioning units usually range from 4,000 to 36,000 Btu per hour in capacity (fig. 7-5). The use of windows to install these units is not a necessity. They may be installed in transoms or directly in the outside walls (commonly called a "through-the-wall" installation). A package type of room air conditioner, showing airflow patterns for cooling, ventilating, and exhausting services, is shown in figure 7-6.
Figure 7-5.�Window air conditioner.
Figure 7-6.�Package type of air-conditioning unit showing airflow patterns.
In construction and operating principles, the window unit is a small and simplified version of much larger systems. As shown in figures 7-7 and 7-8, the basic refrigeration components are present in the window unit. The outside air cools the condenser coils. The room air is circulated by a fan that blows across the evaporator coils. Moisture, condensed from the humid air by these coils, is collected in a pan at the bottom of the unit; it is usually drained to the back of the unit and discharged. Most window units are equipped with thermostats that maintain a fixed dry-bulb temperature and moisture content in an area within reasonable limits. These units are installed so there is a slight tilt of the unit towards the outside, toward the condenser, to assist in drainage of the condensate. It is a good idea to mount the unit on the eastside of the building to take advantage of the afternoon shade. These units require very little mechanical attention before they are put into operation. Window units are normally operated by the user who should be properly instructed on their use.
Figure 7-7.�A refrigerant cycle of a package air conditioner.
Figure 7-8.�Air-handling components of a package type of room air conditioner.
Floor-mounted air-conditioning units range in size from 24,000 to 360,000 Btu per hour and are also referred to as PACKAGE units, as the entire system is located in the conditioned space. These larger units, like window units, contain the complete system of refrigeration components. A self-contained unit with panels removed is shown in figure 7-9. These units normally use either a water-cooled or air-cooled condenser.
Figure 7-9.�A floor-mounted air-conditioning unit.
Self-contained units should be checked regularly to ensure they operate properly. Filters should be renewed or cleaned weekly or more often if necessary. Always stop the blower when changing filters to keep loose dust from circulating through the system. When the filters are permanent, they should be returned to the shop for cleaning. At least once a year, the unit should be serviced. When the unit is designed with spray humidifier, spray nozzle, water strainers, and cooling coils, each device should be cleaned each month to remove water solids and scale. Cooling coil casings, drain pans, fan scrolls, and fan wheels should be wire brushed and repainted when necessary. Oiling and greasing of the blower and motor bearings should be performed as required.
A heat pump removes heat from one place and puts it into another. A domestic refrigerator is a heat pump in that it removes heat from inside a box and releases it on the outside. The only difference between a refrigerator and a residential or commercial heat pump is that the latter can reverse its system. The heat pump is one of the most modern means of heating and cooling. Using no fuel, the electric heat pump automatically heats or cools as determined by outside temperature. The air type of unit works on the principle of removing heat from the atmosphere. No matter how cold the weather, some heat can always be extracted and pumped indoors to provide warmth. To cool during the hot months, this cycle is merely reversed with the unit removing heat from the area to be cooled and exhausting it to the outside air. The heat pump is designed to control the moisture in the air and to remove dust and pollen. Cool air, provided during hot weather, enters the area with uncomfortable moisture removed. In winter, when a natural atmosphere is desirable, air is not dried out when pumped indoors.
The heat pump is simple in operation (fig. 7-10). In summer, the evaporator is cooling and the condenser outside is giving off heat the evaporator picked up. In winter, the condenser outside is picking up heat from the outside air because its temperature is lower than that of the outside air (until it reaches the balance point). This heat is then sent to the evaporator by the compressor and is given off into the conditioned space. A reversing valve is the key to this operation. The compressor always pumps in one direction, so the reversing valve changes the hot-gas direction from the condenser to the evaporator as indicated by the setting on the thermostat. The setting of the thermostat assures the operator of a constant temperature through an automatic change from heating to cooling anytime outside conditions warrant. Heat pumps are made not only for small homes but large homes and commercial buildings as well. The heat pump does not require an equipment room, and its minor noise is discharged into the atmosphere. The remote heat pump has only a blower and evaporator, which can be installed under the floor, in an attic, or other out-of-the-way location, depending on the application and its requirements. Supplemental heat can be added into the duct and be set to come on by a second stage of the thermostat, an outside thermostat, or both, depending on design of the system.
Figure 7-10. �Basic heat pump operation.
The initial heating demand of the thermostat starts the compressor. The reversing valve is de-energized during the heating mode. The compressor pumps the hot refrigerant gas through the indoor coil where heat is released into the indoor air stream. This supply of warmed air is distributed through the conditioned space. As the refrigerant releases its heat, it changes into a liquid, which is then transported to the outdoor coil. The outdoor coil absorbs heat from the air blown across the coil by the outdoor fan. The refrigerant changes from a liquid into a vapor, as it passes through the outdoor coil. The vapor returns to the compressor where it increases temperature and pressure. The hot refrigerant is then pumped back to the indoor coil to start another cycle. A graphic presentation of the nine steps of the cycle is shown in figure 7-11.
Figure 7-11.�Heating cycle.
Once the thermostat is put in the cooling mode, the reversing valve is energized. A cooling demand starts the compressor. The compressor pumps hot high-pressure gas to the outdoor coil where heat is released by the outdoor fan. The refrigerant changes into a liquid, which is transported to the indoor blower. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air of the supply air, which is distributed throughout the Supplemental Heat controlled space. This temperature change removes moisture from the air and forms condensate, which must be piped away. The compressor suction pressure draws the cool vapor back into the compressor where the temperature and pressure are greatly increased. This completes the cooling refrigerant cycle. A graphic presentation of the nine steps of the cycle is shown in figure 7-12.
Figure 7-11.� Cooling cycle
Heat pumps operating at temperatures below 45�F accumulate frost or ice on the outdoor coil. The relative humidity and ambient temperature affect the degree of accumulation. This ice buildup restricts the airflow through the outdoor coil, which consequently affects the system operating pressures. The defrost control detects this restriction and switches the unit into a defrost mode to melt the ice.
The reversing valve is energized and the machine temporarily goes into the cooling cycle where hot refrigerant flows to the outdoor coil. The outdoor fan stops at the same time, thus allowing the discharge temperature to increase rapidly to shorten the length of the defrost cycle. If there is supplemental heat, a defrost relay activates it to offset the cooling released by the indoor coil.
As the outside temperature drops, the heat pump runs for longer periods until it eventually operates continually to satisfy the thermostat. The system "balance point" is when the heat pump capacity exactly matches the heating loss. The balance point varies between homes, depending on actual heat loss and the heat pump capacity. However, the balance point usually ranges between 15�F and 40�F. Either electric heat or fossil fuels provide the auxiliary heat.
Conventional heat pump applications use electric heaters downstream from the indoor coil. This design prevents damaging head pressures when the heat pump and auxiliary heat run simultaneously. The indoor coil can only be installed downstream from the auxiliary heat if a "fuelmaster" control system is used. This control package uses a two-stage heat thermostat with the first stage controlling heat pump operation and the second stage controlling furnace operation.
Water chillers (figs. 7-13 and 7-14) are used in air conditioning for large tonnage capacities and for central refrigeration plants serving a number of zones, each with its individual air-cooling and air-circulating units. An example is a large hospital with wings off a corridor. Air conditioning may be necessary in operating rooms, treatment suites, and possibly some recovery wards. Chilled water-producing and water-circulating equipment is in a mechanical equipment room. Long mains with many joints between condensing equipment and conditioning units increase the chance of leaks. Expensive refrigerant has to be replaced. It may be better to provide water-cooling equipment close to the condensing units and to circulate chilled water to remote air-cooling coils. Chilled water is circulated to various room-located coils by a pump, and the temperature of the air leaving each coil may be controlled by a thermostat that controls a water valve or stops and starts each cooling coil fan motor.
Figure 7-13.�Rotary screw compressor unit.
Figure 7-14.�Two-stage semihermetic centrifugal unit.
The two most commonly used water coolers (evaporators) for chilled water air conditioning are flooded shell-and-tube and dry-expansion coolers. The disadvantage of the flooded shell-and-tube cooler is that it needs more refrigeration than other systems of equal size. Furthermore, water in tubes may freeze and split tubes when the load falls off.
Flooded coolers should be controlled with a low-pressure float control-a float valve placed so the float is about the same level as the predetermined refrigerant level. The float, as a pilot, moves a valve in the liquid line to control the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator. Automatic or thermostatic expansion valves control the dry-expansion coolers. The refrigerant is inside the tubes; therefore, freezing of water on the tubes is less likely to cause damage.
The primary purpose of the condenser is to liquefy the refrigerant vapor. The heat added to the refrigerant in the evaporator and compressor must be transferred to some other medium from the condenser. This medium is the air or water used to cool the condenser.
WATER-COOLED CONDENSERS .- Condensing water must be noncorrosive, clean, inexpensive, below a certain maximum temperature, and available in sufficient quantity. The use of corrosive or dirty water results in high maintenance costs for condensers and piping. Dirty water, as from a river, can generally be economically filtered if it is noncorrosive; corrosive water can sometimes be economically treated to neutralize its corrosive properties if it is clean. An inexpensive source of water that must be filtered and chemically treated will probably not be economical to use without some means of conservation, such as an evaporative condenser or a cooling tower.
Water circulated in evaporative condensers and cooling towers must always be treated to reduce the formation of scale, algae, and chalky deposits. Overtreatment of water, however, can waste costly chemicals and result in just as much maintenance as undertreatment.
SHELL-AND-COIL CONDENSERS.�A shell-and-coil water-cooled condenser (fig. 7-15) is simply a continuous copper coil mounted inside a steel shell. Water flows through the coil, and the refrigerant vapor from the compressor is discharged inside the shell to condense on the outside of the cold tubes. In many designs, the shell also serves as a liquid receiver.
Figure 7-15.�A typical shell-and-coil water-cooled condenser.
The shell-and-coil condenser has a low manufacturing cost, but this advantage is offset by the disadvantage that this type of condenser is difficult to service in the field. If a leak develops in the coil, the head from the shell must be removed and the entire coil pulled from the shell to find and repair the leak. A continuous coil is a nuisance to clean, whereas straight tubes are easy to clean with mechanical tube cleaners. In summary, with some types of cooling water, it may be difficult to maintain a high rate of heat transfer with a shell-and-coil condenser.
SHELL-AND-TUBE CONDENSERS.�The shell-and-tube water-cooled condenser shown in figure 7-16 permits a large amount of condensing surface to be installed in a comparatively small space. The condenser consists of a large number of 3/4- or 5/8-inch tubes installed inside a steel shell. The water flows inside the tubes while the vapor flows outside around the nest of tubes. The vapor condenses on the outside surface of the tubes and drips to the bottom of the condenser, which may be used as a receiver for the storage of liquid refrigerant. Shell-and-tube condensers are used for practically all water-cooled refrigeration systems.
Figure 7-16.�A typical shell-and-tube condenser-liquid receiver.
To obtain a high rate of heat transfer through the surface of a condenser, it is necessary for the water to pass through the tubes at a fairly high velocity. For this reason, the tubes in shell-and-tube condensers are separated into several groups with the same water traveling in series through each of these various groups. A condenser having four groups of tubes is known as a four-pass condenser because the water flows back and forth along its length four times. Four-pass condensers are common although any reasonable number of passes may be used. The fewer the number of water passes in a condenser, the greater the number of tubes in each pass.
The friction of water flowing through a condenser with a few passes is lower than in one having a large number of passes. This means a lower power cost in pumping the water through a condenser with a smaller number of passes.
TUBE-WITHIN-A-TUBE CONDENSERS.� The use of tube-within-a-tube for condensing purposes is popular because it is easy to make. Water passing through the inner tube along with the exterior air condenses (fig 7-17) the refrigerant in the outer tube. This "double cooling" improves efficiency of the condenser. Water enters the condenser at the point where the refrigerant leaves the condenser. It leaves the condenser at the point where the hot vapor from the compressor enters the condenser. This arrangement is called counterflow design.
Figure 7-17.�Tube-within-a-tube condenser designed to permit cleaning of water tubes.
The rectangular type of tube-within-a-tube condenser uses a straight, hard copper pipe with manifolds on the ends. When the manifolds are removed, the water pipes can be cleaned mechanically.
You may be assigned to some activities where water-cooled condensers are used in the air-conditioning system. So, the Utilitiesman will probably have the job of cleaning the condensers. Information that assists you in cleaning water-cooled condensers is presented below.
Water contains many impurities�the content of which varies in different localities. Lime and iron are especially injurious; they form a hard scale on the walls of water tubes that reduces the efficiency of the condenser. Condensers can be cleaned mechanically or chemically.
Scale on tube walls of condensers with removable heads is removed by attaching a round steel brush to a rod and by working it in and out of the tubes. After the tubes have been cleaned with a brush, flush them by running water through them. Some scale deposits are harder to remove than others, and a steel brush may not do the job. Several types of tube cleaners for removing hard scale can usually be purchased from local sources. Be sure that the type selected does not injure water tubes.
The simplest method of removing scale and dirt from condenser tubes not accessible for mechanical cleaning is by using inhibited acid to clean coils or tubes through chemical action. Figure 7-18 shows the connections and the equipment for cleaning the condenser with an inhibited acid, both when the acid flows by gravity (view 1) and when forced circulation is used (view 2). When scale deposit is not great, gravity flow of the acid provides enough cleaning. When the deposit almost clogs the tubes, forced circulation should be used.
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WARNING Prevent chemical solution from splashing in your eyes and on your skin or clothing. |
Equipment and connections for circulating inhibited acid through the condenser using gravity flow, as shown in figure 7-18, view 1, are as follows:
Equipment and connections for circulating inhibited acid through the condenser using forced circulation, as shown in figure 7-18, are as follows:
Figure 7-18.�Cleaning water-cooled condensers with acid solution.
Handle the inhibited acid for cleaning condensers with the usual precautions observed when handling acids. It stains hands and clothing and attacks concrete and if an inhibitor is not present, it reacts with steel. Therefore, use every precaution to prevent spilling or splashing. When splashing might occur, cover the surfaces with burlap or boards. Gas produced during cleaning that escapes through the vent pipe is not harmfu but prevents any liquid or spray from being carried hrough with the gas. The basic formula should be maintained as closely as possible, but a variation of 5 percent is permissible. The inhibited acid solution is made up of the following:
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WARNING NEVER add water to the acid; this mistake may cause an explosion. Always add acid to the water. |
In charging the system with an acid solution when GRAVITY FLOW is used, introduce the inhibited acid as shown in figure 7-18. Do not add the solution faster than the vent can exhaust the gases generated during cleaning. When the condenser has been filled, allow the solution to remain overnight.
When FORCED CIRCULATION is used, the valve in the vent pipe should be fully opened while the solution is introduced into the condenser but must be closed when the condenser is completely charged and the solution is circulated by the pump. When a centrifugal pump is used, the valve in the supply line may be fully closed while the pump is running.
The solution should be allowed to stand or be circulated in the system overnight for cleaning out average scale deposits. The cleaning time also depends on the size of the condenser to be cleaned. For extremely heavy deposits, forced circulation is recommended, and the time should be increased to 24 hours. The solution acts more rapidly if it is warm, but the cleaning action is just as thorough with a cold solution if adequate time is allowed.
After the solution has been allowed to stand or has been circulated for the required time through the condenser, it should be drained and the condenser thoroughly flushed with water. To clean condensers with removable heads by using inhibited acid, use the above procedure without removing the heads.
However, extra precaution must be exercised in flushing out the condenser with clear water after the acid has been circulated through the condenser to ensure acid removal from all water passages.
A well-planned maintenance program avoids unnecessary downtime, prolongs the life of the unit, and reduces the possibility of costly equipment failure. It is recommended that a maintenance log be maintained for recording the maintenance activities. This action provides a valuable guide and aids in obtaining extended length of service from the unit. This section describes specific maintenance procedures, which must be performed as a part of the maintenance program of the unit. Use and follow the manufacturer�s manual for the unit you are to do maintenance on. When specific directions or requirements are furnished, follow them. Before performing any of these operations, however, ensure that power to the unit is disconnected unless otherwise instructed.
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WARNING When maintenance checks and procedures must be completed with the electrical power on, care must be taken to avoid contact with energized components or moving parts. Failure to exercise caution when working with electrically powered equipment may result in serious injury or death. |
Refrigerant coils must be cleaned at least once a year or more frequently if the unit is located in a dirty environment. This action helps maintain unit operating efficiency and reliability. The relationship between regular coil maintenance and efficient/ reliable unit operation is as follows:
The following equipment is required to clean condenser coils: a soft brush and either a garden pump-up sprayer or a high-pressure sprayer. In addition, a high-quality detergent must be used. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for mixing to make sure the detergent is alkaline with a pH value less than 8.5.
Specific steps required for cleaning the condenser coils are as follows:
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WARNING Open the unit disconnect switch. Failure to disconnect the unit from the electrical power source may result in severe electrical shock and possible injury or death. |
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WARNING Do not heat the detergent and water solution to temperatures in excess of 150�F. High-temperature liquids sprayed on the coil exterior raise the pressure within the coil and may cause it to burst. Should this occur, the result could be both injury to personnel and equipment damage. |
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CAUTION Do NOT spray motors or other electrical components. Moisture from the spray can cause component failure. |
Inspect periodically for excessive vibration or temperature. Operating conditions vary the frequency of inspection and lubrication. Motor lubrication instructions are found on the motor tag or nameplate. If not available, contact the motor manufacturer for instructions.
To re-lubricate the motor, complete the following:
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WARNING Disconnect the power source for motor lubrication. Failure to do so may result in injury or death from electrical shock or moving parts. |
Fan bearings with grease fittings or with grease line extensions should be lubricated with a lithium-base grease that is free of chemical impurities. Improper lubrication can result in early bearing failure. To lubricate the fan bearings, complete the following:
To clean permanent filters, wash under a stream of hot water to remove dirt and lint. Follow with a wash of mild alkali solution to remove old filter oil. Rinse thoroughly and let dry. Recoat both sides of the filter with filter oil and let dry. Replace the filter element in the unit.
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CAUTION Always install filters with directional arrows pointing toward the fans. |
Perform all of the indicated maintenance procedures at the intervals scheduled. This prolongs the life of the unit and reduces the possibility of costly equipment failure and downtime. A checklist should be prepared which lists the required service operations and the times at which they are to be performed. The following is a sample of such a list.
(Repeat Items 1 through 5 for Weekly maintenance)
(Repeat Items 1 through 9)
In preparation for seasonal shutdown, it is advisable to pump down the system and valve off the bulk of the refrigerant charge in the condenser. This action minimizes the quantity of refrigerant that might be lost due to any minor leak on the low-pressure side of the system, and, in the case of the open compressor, refrigerant that might leak through the shaft seal.
The following steps should be followed for the hermetic compressor pump down.
The following steps should be followed for the open compressor pump down.
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CAUTION Do not allow the compressor to pump the suction pressure into a vacuum. A slight positive pressure is necessary to prevent air and moisture from being drawn into the system through minor leaks and through the now unmoving shaft seal. |
The following steps are required for all systems:
The steps to follow for the seasonal start-up are as follows:
Most units used for comfort air conditioning operate using R-12 or R-22 refrigerants that are not toxic except when decomposed by a flame. If the liquefied refrigerant contacts the eyes, the person suffering the injury must be taken to a doctor at once.
Should the skin come in contact with the liquefied refrigerant, the skin is to be treated as though it had been frostbitten or frozen.
Do not adjust, clean, lubricate, or service any parts of equipment that are in motion. Ensure that moving parts, such as pulleys, belts, or flywheels, are fully enclosed with proper guards attached.
Before making repairs, open all electric switches controlling the equipment. Tag and lock the switches to prevent short circuits or accidental starting of equipment. When moisture and brine are on the floor, fatal grounding through the body is possible when exposed electrical connections can be reached or touched by personnel. De-energize electrical lines before repairing them, and ground all electrical tools.