What is Split Air Conditioning System?
1) Split air-conditioner is the modified advancement in basic window air conditioning in order to reduce noise pollution.
2) The idea of split unit came from the fact that, in the case of installed window air conditioner, it is not possible to minimize the noise problem. This is due to the reason that it has to be installed on any wall of the room to be conditioned.
3) In order to eliminate the noise, Split air conditioner is used, in which the noisy components like compressor and condenser are located at a remote location (at the maximum distance away from the room) and only evaporator coil and a fan are located on the wall of the room. This division or splitting of the air conditioning unit gave the equipment its name as "Split air conditioner."
4) Split air conditioner is basically an air conditioning system, which is built into two separate or distinct units, named as 'indoor unit' and 'outdoor unit.'
Component Description
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| 1) Indoor unit: |
- Indoor unit is located in the space to be conditioned. - It is well insulated on the inside housing. - It consists of evaporator (cooling coil), a fan coupled with a motor, electronic controls, and provision for condensate drain. |
| 2) Outdoor unit: |
- Outdoor unit consists of compressor, capillary tube, condenser, and condenser cooling fan with motor. - Outdoor unit can be erected away from the room to be conditioned. - Outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit by extended pipelines covered with insulating material provided. |
Working of a Split Air Conditioner
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Through the insulated piping, the low pressure and low temperature liquid refrigerant comes in the evaporator. |
| 2 | Fan fitted in the indoor unit sucks the room air over the evaporator coil and delivers it back to the room. |
| 3 | Thus, the operation of split air conditioner is similar to the window air conditioner, both working on the principle of vapor compression cycle. The refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded at the remote site (outdoor unit) and evaporated only in the room evaporator (indoor unit). |
| 4 | Distance between indoor and outdoor section has to be small to avoid the pressure drop, otherwise, it will affect the performance of the unit. |
Advantages, Disadvantages, and Applications of Split Air Conditioning System
| Advantages | Disadvantages | Applications |
|---|---|---|
|
• Noiseless operation. • No necessity of wall opening. • Better circulation of air. • Less vibrations. • Occupies less space in the room. • More accessible for maintenance because condenser, compressor, and fan can be located at a convenient place, away from the space or room to be cooled. • Good aesthetic quality. |
• Distance between indoor and outdoor sections has to be small to avoid pressure drop, otherwise, it will affect the capacity of the plant. • High cost of the unit. • Chances of leakage are more due to longer refrigerant tubing/lines. • Poor COP of the unit due to pressure drop. • Control over operation is difficult. |
Split air conditioners are preferred for offices, schools, auditoriums, etc. |
