Lab 2

Abstract: This report explores the working principles and components of window and split air
conditioners. These systems rely on key components including the compressor, condenser,
evaporator, and expansion valve to circulate refrigerant and facilitate cooling. The compressor
pressurizes refrigerant vapor, which then passes through the condenser to condense into a liquid
state by releasing heat. The expansion valve regulates the refrigerant flow into the evaporator,
where it absorbs heat from indoor air, cooling it. Understanding these components is essential for
effective operation and maintenance of air conditioning systems.

Objective: To study working principle of window and split AC and identification of its various
components.

Introduction: Air conditioners are essential devices used for cooling indoor spaces. Two
common types are window air conditioners (also known as unitary air conditioners) and split air
conditioners (which are divided into indoor and outdoor units).

Theory:
In an air conditioning (AC) system, the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve
are crucial components that work together to facilitate the cooling process by circulating
refrigerant through the system. Here's a detailed description of each component:

Components:
1. Compressor:
 Function: The compressor is often referred to as the heart of the AC system. Its
primary function is to compress the low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant
vapor coming from the evaporator into high-pressure, high-temperature vapor.
 Working Principle: The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant gas by reducing its
volume, raising its temperature significantly. This high-pressure, high-
temperature gas is then sent to the condenser for further processing.
 Types: Compressors can be reciprocating, rotary, or scroll types, depending on the
design of the AC system.
2. Condenser:
 Function: The condenser receives the high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant
vapor from the compressor. Its main job is to condense the hot refrigerant vapor
into a liquid state by releasing heat to the surrounding environment (typically
outdoor air).
 Working Principle: As the hot refrigerant vapor flows through the condenser
coils, it loses heat to the outside air, causing it to condense into a high-pressure
liquid. The liquid refrigerant then moves to the expansion valve.
  Location: The condenser is located in the outdoor unit of a split AC system or in
the rear part of a window AC unit.
3. Evaporator:
 Function: The evaporator is where the liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the
indoor air, causing the air to cool down. This cooled air is then circulated back
into the room.
 Working Principle: The liquid refrigerant from the expansion valve enters the
evaporator coil at a lower pressure. As warm indoor air is blown over the
evaporator coil by a fan, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, turning it into a
low-pressure vapor.
 Location: The evaporator is located inside the indoor unit of a split AC system or
in the front part of a window AC unit.
4. Expansion Valve (or Expansion Device):
 Function: The expansion valve controls the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator
coil, regulating its pressure and temperature before it enters the evaporator.
 Working Principle: The expansion valve causes a drop in pressure and
temperature of the refrigerant as it passes through, allowing it to evaporate and
absorb heat efficiently in the evaporator.
 Types: Common types of expansion valves include thermal expansion valves
(TXVs) and capillary tubes.
 Location: The expansion valve is typically located between the condenser and the
evaporator, either within the indoor unit (split AC) or integrated into the outdoor
unit (window AC).

Figure # 2-1 (components of AC System)

Discussion: Understanding the working principles and components of air conditioners is
essential for proper maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting. This experiment provided hands-
on experience in identifying and studying the functioning of window and split AC units.

Conclusion: The experiment successfully achieved the objective of studying the working
principles and components of window and split air conditioners. This knowledge is fundamental
for anyone involved in HVAC systems maintenance and repair.