How air conditioner works step by step principles

Working principle of air conditioner

An air conditioner (AC) is a device that regulates the temperature, humidity, and air quality in a space by removing heat and moisture from the indoor air and releasing it outside. It's a crucial part of modern life, especially in areas with warm climates. Air conditioners are used in homes, offices, vehicles, and large commercial buildings to maintain comfortable indoor environments.

An air conditioner (AC) works by transferring heat from the inside of a building to the outside, effectively cooling the indoor air. The process involves a closed-loop system using refrigerant and several key components. Here’s a step-by-step explanation:

1. Thermostat Senses Temperature

The AC cycle begins when the thermostat detects that the room temperature is higher than the desired setting. This signals the AC system to turn on.

2. Compressor Compresses Refrigerant

The compressor, located in the outdoor unit, compresses the refrigerant gas, increasing its pressure and temperature. As a result, the refrigerant becomes a hot, high-pressure gas.

3. Refrigerant Travels to the Condenser Coil

The hot, pressurized refrigerant gas flows into the condenser coil, also in the outdoor unit. The condenser coil is surrounded by metal fins that help dissipate heat.

4. Heat Dissipation in the Condenser

As the refrigerant passes through the condenser coil, a fan blows air over the coil, allowing the heat from the refrigerant to escape into the outdoor air. The refrigerant cools down and condenses into a high-pressure liquid.

5. Refrigerant Moves to the Expansion Valve

The high-pressure liquid refrigerant is then directed to the expansion valve (also called a metering device). This valve controls the flow of refrigerant and reduces its pressure as it moves into the evaporator coil.

6. Refrigerant Enters the Evaporator Coil

Inside the indoor unit, the refrigerant enters the evaporator coil at a low pressure and low temperature. As it expands, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the warm indoor air blown over the evaporator coil by a fan.

7. Cool Air Blows into the Room

As the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air, it evaporates, turning back into a low-pressure gas. The cooled air is then blown back into the room through ducts or vents, reducing the room temperature.

8. Refrigerant Returns to the Compressor

The refrigerant, now a low-pressure gas, returns to the compressor to start the cycle over again.

9. Condensate Removal

During this process, moisture from the warm indoor air condenses on the evaporator coil. The water drips into a drain pan and is removed through a drain line.

Continuous Cycle

The system repeats this cycle until the indoor temperature matches the thermostat setting. At that point, the AC system turns off, only to restart when the temperature rises again.

Key Components Involved:

Compressor: Compresses refrigerant and moves it through the system.

Condenser Coil: Releases heat from the refrigerant outside.

Evaporator Coil: Absorbs heat from the indoor air.

Expansion Valve: Controls the refrigerant flow and reduces pressure.

Fan: Circulates air over the coils for heat exchange.

This cooling cycle continues to keep the indoor environment comfortable.