One of popular air conditioning units is mini split ductless air conditioner! With its not too difficult installation (particularly if compared the installation of central air conditioning), it is probably the best selection for many homeowners. And like the name implies, it does not need ductwork when working, therefore it is called a ductless unit. With the split-design, it can work so quietly (much quieter than window or portable AC units) because the compressor or condenser is not located into indoor unit but housed into outdoor unit which is located outside of the house. And since there is no condenser in ‘indoor evaporator unit’, mini split ductless air conditioners generally are equipped with remote control capability. Well…, like the title of this article, let’s explore more about the working principle of this kind of room air conditioner, below!
So How do -mini split ductless air conditioners- work?
Generally, the working principle of room air conditioners (ductless mini split units) is similar like other regular air conditioners! They have fan or evaporator which is usually mounted or located to the ceiling or wall inside the room. The evaporator usually contains a multi-functioning blower which has primer function to push the fresh cooled air into the house. And this blower can be controlled automatically by a remote control.
Then let’s have a look at outdoor components. There are also a several components, and one of them is condenser! It is usually built of non-plastic case but metal case in order to eliminate or minimize the vibration that can make a buzz (unfriendly noise). Then there is also available conduit to connect both units (outdoor unit and indoor unit). The conduit provides space for condensate tubing, electrical wiring & refrigerant lines.
Like other regular air conditioners, mini split ductless units also use a modern thermostat to control and set the desired fresh-cool air temperature. While user sets the desired temperature via thermostat (the unit is beginning to work and cool the air inside of the room) then the compressor will be automatically turned on. At the same time, the refrigerant also starts to distribute through the unit. Before it passes through the compressor, the pressure and temperature of refrigerant is not too high (low) then when it circulates through the compressor, both variables (temperature & pressure) of refrigerant will be higher, why? Because at this step, the refrigerant squeezes through small network of pipes! So now the liquid refrigerant has changed to gas refrigerant.
The next step; gas passes through the condenser, in this stage the heat will be extracted from the refrigerant and finally will be produced cool liquid, which will be transferred into the indoor unit by tube-line that connects both primer units (outdoor unit and indoor unit).
Then the pressure of the cool liquid will be reduced (lower) while it is entering into the evaporator! Remember, the cooling process is not about pressing or pushing the hot air inside of the room but replacing (removing) the existing heat in the room. The fan of evaporator will draw the high temperature air in the room & transfers it over evaporator to infiltrate (absorb) the excess heat which eventually most of the amount of excess heat will be pushed to the outside of the room! This cooling process will be repeated continuously until the temperature of the room meet to the desired temperature as well as the thermostat setting.
The advantages of using mini split ductless air conditioners!
- They can be installed relatively more easily since there is supported by split system, and no ductwork.
- We can use them for multiple zones cooling (can be purposed room by room)! I mean, you can use two or four indoor evaporator units that can be installed or connected to a single outdoor unit.
- More efficient, particularly if compared to non-ductless air conditioners.
- We don’t need a complex vent that passes through the wall or window like window units or wall AC units.
- Last longer or can be your nice investment in long term.
- Etc!
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Tags: mini split ductless air conditioner, working principle