University of San Carlos

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Nasipit, Talamban, Cebu City







A Report on AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT








In partial fulfillment of the requirements
in ME 310 Basic Mechanical Engineering







Submitted by:
Go, Wilmer Jan
Gonzaga, Mark Daniel
Hipe, Mary Danielle



Submitted to:
Engr. Van Gaitano Vergara

I. Introduction
Technology aims to make human life easier, resulting to more
comfort. Air conditioners are just one example of those inventions
which provide comfort. As the name suggests, they condition the air to
more favorable conditions. Air conditioners around the world vary in
mechanism, but what will be discussed here are the types used in the
Philippines.

II. History

III. Scope

Air conditioning is the process of altering the properties of air
(primarily temperature and humidity) to more favorable conditions.
More generally, air conditioning can refer to any form of technological
cooling, heating, ventilation, or disinfection that modifies the condition
of air.
An air conditioner (often referred to as air con, AC or A/C, and not to
be confused with the abbreviation for alternating current) is
a major or appliance, system, or mechanism designed to change the
air temperature and humidity within an area (used for cooling and
sometimes heating depending on the air properties at a given time).
The cooling is typically done using a simple refrigeration cycle, but
sometimes evaporation is used, commonly for comfort cooling in
buildings and motor vehicles. In construction, a complete system of
heating, ventilation and air conditioning is referred to as "HVAC".


Types of Air conditioners:
There are three major types of air condition in the Philippines.

1.) Window and through-wall

Window air conditioner is the most commonly used air conditioner for
single rooms. In this air conditioner all the components, namely the
compressor, condenser, expansion valve or coil, evaporator and
cooling coil are enclosed in a single box. This unit is fitted in a slot made
in the wall of the room, or more commonly a window sill.

Room air conditioners come in two forms: unitary and packaged
terminal (PTAC) systems. Unitary systems, the common one room air
conditioners, sit in a window or wall opening, with interior controls.

PTAC systems are also known as wall-split air conditioning systems or
ductless systems, commonly used in hotels and apartment
buildings. One characteristic of PTACs is that condensate drain piping is
not required because the condensate water extracted from the air by
the evaporator coil is drawn by the condenser fan onto the condenser
coil surface where it evaporates.

The first practical through the wall air conditioning unit was invented by
engineers at Chrysler Motors and offered for sale starting in 1935.


Advantages:
Easy to install and easy to remove
Cheap

Disadvantages
Can only condition relatively small spaces
Physical appearance
Noise
2.) Split systems
The split air conditioner comprises of two parts: the outdoor unit and
the indoor unit. The outdoor unit, fitted outside the room, houses
components like the compressor, condenser and expansion valve. The
indoor unit comprises the evaporator or cooling coil and the cooling
fan. For this unit you dont have to make any slot in the wall of the
room. Further, present day split units have aesthetic appeal and do not
take up as much space as a window unit. A split air conditioner can be
used to cool one or two rooms.

Advantages:
No need to make a slot in the wall (thus, more physically
appealing)
Can cool larger areas (up to four zones/rooms)

Disadvantages:
More costly in terms of cooling capacity (twice than the window
type and 30% more than the central type)

3.) Central Air Conditioning (centralized air condition)
Central (ducted) air conditioning offers whole house or large-
commercial-space cooling, and often offers moderate multi-zone
temperature control capability by the addition of air-louver-control
boxes.


Advantages:
Cost efficient in cooling very large areas or multiple rooms
(compared to having several window or split system air
conditioners)
Good at maintaining constant temperature

Disadvantages:
30% of the energy used is wasted through the ductwork
Cannot control the temperature on a room-to-room basis

Advantages and disadvantages of Air conditioners in general

What are the Advantages of Air Conditioners?
Comfort You dont have to worry about being hot and sweaty if
the AC is working.
Bugs You can keep windows and doors closed to decrease the
risk of bugs, mosquitoes, bees, etc.
Security With your windows and doors safely closed and locked
you dont have to worry about intruders coming in as easily. Of
course, thats not an absolute protection guarantee, but it helps
not to have to have the windows open.
Noise This is kind of a two-fold benefit. The ability to keep your
windows closed will prevent outside noises from disturbing your
sleep and/or concentration. Also, if you have a newer unit there is
relatively no noise from the unit interiorly and your home will be
nice and quiet inside.
Improved efficiency Human beings get slower and less efficient
when the temperatures get too high. Brainpower can get sluggish
and lead to decreased productivity. So if you want to keep the
computer and the human computer cogs churning, AC is a good
thing to have on board to prevent overheating.
Health Some people are heat intolerant. Patients with certain
heart disease and/or lung diseases could be greatly impacted and
harmed by not having air conditioning.
What are the Disadvantages of Air Conditioners?
Expense The expense of installing air conditioning and then the
expense of the electric bill can be a deterrent and a disadvantage.
The cost of air conditioning installation can range anywhere from a
couple hundred dollars too many thousands of dollars depending on
type and size of air conditioning unit. The cost to run air conditioning
will vary according to multiple variables.
Outdoor temperature
size of home
insulation
thermostat setting
Heat Intolerance The continuous physical exposure to low
temperatures will lead to physiological changes in the body which will
decrease the bodys ability to adjust to high outdoor temperatures. This
could lead to heat stroke, headaches, and possibly to increased
susceptibility to other illnesses.

Obesity and/or Laziness - Because people become more accustomed
to cooler temperatures they are less inclined to want to go outdoors.
This can lead to laziness, obesity, and impaired health.

IV. Conclusion
It is no doubt that the air conditioner is a wonderful invention. It is
a basic commodity for the family of middle class and above, thus the
importance to familiarize its technical aspect. And although air
conditioners around the world vary in mechanism, they all have one
purpose: to provide comfort.


V. References

http://infochamp.hubpages.com/hub/Advantages-Disadvantages-of-
Air-Conditioner
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_conditioning
http://www.aelag.com.au/air-conditioning-types
http://www.timetoast.com/timelines/history-of-the-air-conditioner
http://www.amana-ptac.com/Home/HeatingCooling101/tabid/
191/Default.aspx
http://www.brighthubengineering.com/hvac/897-types-of-air-
conditioning-systems/
http://mitsubishicomfortdealers.com/info/ductless-or-central-air