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In-depth knowledge in Building’s MEP Engineering Systems - Self Learning Plan – Topic 1 of 11

Topic 1. Air-conditioning Systems

Topic 2. Fire Protection System

Topic 3. HT & LT Electrical System

Topic 4. Water Supply, Storage, Distribution and Drainage System

Topic 5. Water Treatment Plants (R O Plant)

Topic 6. Sewage Water Treatment Plant (STP) - For Recycling of Water

Topic 7. Access Control System

Topic 8. CCTV System

Topic 9. Fire Alarm System (FAS)

Topic 10. Public Addressing System (PAS)

Topic 11. Building Management System (BMS)

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In-depth knowledge in Building’s MEP Engineering Systems - Self Learning Plan – Topic 1 of 11

TOPIC 1. AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

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In-depth knowledge in Building’s MEP Engineering Systems - Self Learning Plan – Topic 1 of 11

CONTENTS

1. Introduction
2. Working Principle of Air conditioning System – Refrigerant Cycle
3. Types of Air-conditioning Systems
4. Functioning of Window AC System
5. Functioning of Split AC System
6. Functioning of Package AC System
7. Schematic Diagram of Centralized AC System
8. Functioning of Centralized AC System
9. Functioning of Inverter Technology Air conditioning System
10. Indoor Air Quality Management

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In-depth knowledge in Building’s MEP Engineering Systems - Self Learning Plan – Topic 1 of 11

1. Introduction
▪ Air conditioning systems control the overall climate in the building. In
hotter times of the season, the HVAC systems regulate air temperature
by providing the necessary cooling to keep the entire building
comfortable.
▪ Air conditioning systems are responsible for the regulation of heat,
airflow, ventilation, and air conditioning of an entire building. You won’t
see the machines when you enter the building but you will most certainly
feel the effects of a comfortable and well-ventilated workplace.

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In-depth knowledge in Building’s MEP Engineering Systems - Self Learning Plan – Topic 1 of 11

2. How Does An Air-conditioning System Works?


Understanding of Laws:
▪ Combined Gas Law is “By pressurizing and depressurizing the refrigerant
to increase or decrease its temperature”
▪ The second Law of Thermodynamics states that ”Heat flows from hotter
to colder bodies naturally”
▪ You can transfer heat from a colder area to a warmer area only through
some kind of external work.
Refrigeration Cycle:
▪ An air conditioner works using a thermodynamic cycle called the
refrigeration cycle. It works by changing the pressure and state of the
refrigerant to absorb or release heat.
▪ The Refrigerant absorbs Heat from inside of the room and pump it
outside

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In-depth knowledge in Building’s MEP Engineering Systems - Self Learning Plan – Topic 1 of 11

2. How Does An Air-conditioning System Works?

The 4 phases of the refrigeration cycle :


1. Evaporation 2. Compression 3. Condensation 4. Expansion

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2. How Does An Air-conditioning System Works?


(i) Air flows over the indoor coils, which contain extremely cold refrigerant
▪ When air flows over the cold coils, heat from the air gets transferred to
the refrigerant inside the coils. After the air flows over the coils, it gets
cold, normally dropping around 20 degrees.
▪ This process follows the 2 nd law of thermodynamics, which says that heat
naturally (spontaneously) flows from a warmer body to a cooler body.
▪ After the refrigerant absorbs the heat, its state changes from a liquid to a
vapor. This warmer refrigerant gas then gets transferred to the
compressor (step 2 in the refrigeration cycle).
(ii) Warmer, vaporized refrigerant gets compressed (pressurized) to a hot
temperature
▪ Even though the refrigerant has absorbed heat from the indoor air, it is
still fairly cool. The still cool, but warmer vaporized gas enters the
compressor to increase its pressure and temperature.
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2. How Does An Air-conditioning System Works?

Pressure Volume Diagram of Refrigerant Cycle

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2. How Does An Air-conditioning System Works?

▪ We increase the temperature of the refrigerant because it needs to be


warmer than the outdoor air. Remember the 2 nd law of thermodynamics
again—heat flows from warmer to cooler bodies.
▪ If the refrigerant is 120 degrees and the outdoor air is 90 degrees, the
outdoor air is cooler, which means the heat from the refrigerant will flow
in the direction we want—outside. If the temperature outside is 120
degrees, the compressor will have to work extra hard to increase the
temperature of the refrigerant to a higher temperature.
▪ After the refrigerant’s temperature is increased above that of the
outdoor air’s temperature, it then flows into another set of coils, known
as the condenser coils (also located outside).

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2. How Does An Air-conditioning System Works?

(iii) Very hot refrigerant flows into condenser coils where it loses heat to the
outdoor air
▪ Since the refrigerant has been compressed (pressurized), it is now hotter
than the outdoor air. A condenser fan blows hot outdoor air over the
even hotter outdoor condenser coils.
▪ As outdoor air flows over the outdoor coils, heat is removed from the
refrigerant and released into the outdoor air. Again, this is due to the
2 nd law of thermodynamics.
▪ After the refrigerant loses thermal energy to the outdoor air, it
condenses back into a liquid and gets pumped back inside.

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In-depth knowledge in Building’s MEP Engineering Systems - Self Learning Plan – Topic 1 of 11

2. How Does An Air-conditioning System Works?

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2. How Does An Air-conditioning System Works?

(iv)The still warm refrigerant from the outdoor unit needs to get cold
▪ When the refrigerant leaves your outdoor condenser unit, its
temperature is still pretty high. The refrigerant’s temperature will need to
drop significantly before it can absorb more heat from the indoor air.
▪ The metering device, usually a thermostatic expansion valve, is a special
device that depressurizes the refrigerant, causing a drop in temperature.
It does this by expanding the refrigerant into a larger volume.
▪ The refrigerant needs to be colder than the indoor air in order to absorb
heat. Once the refrigerant gets cooled down, it flows back into the
evaporator coils where it begins the refrigeration cycle again.

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3. Types of Air-conditioning System

There are Four Types of Air conditioning System


1. Window Air-conditioning System
Window air conditioners are one of the most commonly used and
cheapest type of air conditioners. To install one of these units, you need
the space to make to make a slot in the wall, and there should also be
some open space behind the wall. Window air-conditioner units are a
reliable and simple to install solution to keep a room cool while avoiding
the costly construction of a central air system.
2. Split Air-conditioning System
The split air conditioner comprises of two parts: the outdoor unit and
the indoor unit. The outdoor unit, fitted outside the room, houses
components lie the compressor, condenser and expansion valve.

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3. Types of Air-conditioning System


The indoor unit comprises the evaporator or cooling coil and the cooling
fan For this unit you don’t have to make any slot in the wall of the room.
Further, the present day split units have aesthetic looks and add to the
beauty of the room. The split air conditioner can be used to cool one or
two rooms.

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3. Types of Air-conditioning System


3. Packaged Air-conditioning System
The window and split air-conditioners are usually used for the small
capacities up to 5 Tons. The Central air conditioning systems are used for
the cooling loads extend beyond 20 Tons. The Packaged air conditioners
are used between these two extremes. Available in fixed rated capacities
of 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 Tons. These units are commonly used in restaurants,
small halls etc,

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3. Types of Air-conditioning System


4. Centralised Air-conditioning System:
The central air conditioning systems are used when large buildings,
hotels , theatres, airports, shopping malls etc, If the whole building is
cooled it is not economically viable to put window or split air
conditioners in each and every room Further these small nits can not
satisfactorily cool the large areas

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4. Functioning of Windows Air conditioning System


▪ It is a single unit that is assembled in a casing where all the components
are located.
▪ This refrigeration unit has a double shaft fan motor with fans mounted
on both sides of the motor. One at the evaporator side and the other at
the condenser side. The evaporator side is located facing the room for
cooling of the space and the condenser side outdoor for heat rejection.
There is an insulated partition separating this two sides within the same
casing.

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4. Functioning of Windows Air conditioning System


Front Panel
▪ The front panel is the one that is seen by the user from inside the room
and has a user interfaced control be it electronically or mechanically. The
front panel has adjustable horizontal and vertical louvers where the
direction of air flow are adjustable to suit the comfort of the users.
▪ The fresh intake of air called VENT (ventilation) is provided at the panel
in the event that user would like to have a certain amount of fresh air
from the outside.

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4. Functioning of Windows Air conditioning System

The indoor parts of a window air conditioner include:


▪ Cooling Coil with a air filter mounted on it. The cooling coil is where the
heat exchange happen between the refrigerant in the system and the air
in the room.
▪ Fan Blower is a centrifugal evaporator blower to discharge the cool air to
the room.
▪ Capillary Tube is used as an expansion device. It can be noisy during
operation if installed too near the evaporator.
▪ Operation Panel is used to control the temperature and speed of the
blower fan. A thermostat is used to sense the return air temperature
and another one to monitor the temperature of the coil. Type of control
can be mechanical or electronic type.

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In-depth knowledge in Building’s MEP Engineering Systems - Self Learning Plan – Topic 1 of 11

4. Functioning of Windows Air conditioning Systems

The indoor parts of a window air conditioner include:


▪ Filter Drier is used to remove the moisture from the refrigerant.
▪ Drain Pan is used to contain the water that condensate from the cooling
coil and is discharged out to the outdoor by gravity.
The outdoor side parts include:
▪ Compressor is used to compress the refrigerant.
▪ Condenser Coil is used to reject heat from the refrigeration to the
outside air.
▪ Propeller Fan is used in air-cooled condenser to help move the air
molecules over the surface of the condensing coil.
▪ Fan Motor is located here. It has a double shaft where the indoor blower
and outdoor propeller fan are connected together.

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4. Functioning of Windows Air conditioning Systems


Operations:
▪ During operation, a thermostat is mounted on the return air of the unit.
This temperature is used to control the on or off of the compressor.

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4. Functioning of Windows Air conditioning System

▪ Once the room temperature has been achieved, the compressor cuts off.
▪ Usually, it has to be off for at least 3 minutes before turning on again to
prevent it from being damaged. For mechanical control type, there is
usually a caution to turn on the unit after the unit has turned off for at
least 3 minutes. For electronic control, there is usually a timer to
automatically control the cut-in and cut-out of compressor.
▪ The evaporator blower fan will suck the air from the room to be
conditioned through the air filter and the cooling coil. Air that has been
conditioned is then discharge to deliver the cool and dehumidified air
back to the room. This air mixes with the room air to bring down the
temperature and humidity level of the room.

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In-depth knowledge in Building’s MEP Engineering Systems - Self Learning Plan – Topic 1 of 11

4. Functioning of Windows Air conditioning System

▪ The introduction of fresh air from outside the room is done through the
damper which is then mixed with the return air from the room before
passing it over the air filter and the cooling coil.
▪ The air filter which is mounted in front of the evaporator acts as a filter
to keep the cooling coil clean to obtain good heat-transfer from the coil.
Hence, regular washing and cleaning of the air filter is a good practice to
ensure efficient operation of the air conditioner.

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In-depth knowledge in Building’s MEP Engineering Systems - Self Learning Plan – Topic 1 of 11

5. Functioning of Split Air conditioning System

▪ They are called split system air conditioners for the very simple reason
that they have two components. There is a cabinet made of metal
placed outside while the other part known as the air handler, is inside.

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5. Functioning of Split Air conditioning System


Indoor Unit consists of the following parts :
a) Evaporator coil is where the heat exchange is done with the room. It
consists of fins and tubes.
b) Control Panel is where user control the functions of the air conditioner.
Displays at the panel may indicate the mode of operation, timer, on/off
status, fan speed and other special functions.
c) Air Filter is located in front of the evaporator coil to trap any dust or
particles before going into the evaporator. This is usually washable and re-
useable.
d) Supply and Return Air Grills are where the air enters and discharge from
the indoor unit.
e) Fan blower together with its motor are used to control the fan speed of
the unit. High, medium. Low and Ultra low speeds are usually designed for
users to select.
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5. Functioning of Split Air conditioning System

f) Capillary tube is used as an expansion device where the flow of the


refrigerant depends on the tube internal diameter, shape and its length. The
tube is usually used in smaller units. Larger units use thermostatic expansion
valve which has a controlling valve to regulate the flow of refrigerant with
greater precision.

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5. Functioning of Split Air conditioning System

Outdoor Unit consists of the following parts :


a) Compressor is the main component of the system and is used to
compress the refrigerant.
b) Condenser Coil is used to reject heat from the refrigerant to the out side
air.
c) Condenser Fan is used in air-cooled condenser to help move the air
molecules over the surface of the condensing coil, hence rejecting the heat
form the indoor to the space outside the building.
d) Condenser Motor is located here. The motor usually has two to three
speeds. Smaller unit may have only one speed of control and turns on/off
simultaneously with the compressor.

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6. Functioning of Package Air conditioning System

▪ Unlike window air conditioner units, it has a higher cooling or heating


capacity and is usually able to cool an entire house or a commercial
building. The nominal capacities ranges from 3 ton to 15 ton.
▪ The conditioned air are transferred to the space to be conditioned
through ducting which is usually hidden in the ceiling and wall of the
building. The unit is placed outside the house or even on top of a roof
▪ Protection devices such as High/Low pressure switch, overload relays for
all motors, water flow and air flow switches are included in the units.
The compressor have winding protection thermostat built into the
winding to disconnect the circuit in the event of overheating.
▪ There is an interlocking circuit with the evaporator fan motor starter to
ensure that the compressor can only start if the fan motor is running.

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In-depth knowledge in Building’s MEP Engineering Systems - Self Learning Plan – Topic 1 of 11

6. Functioning of Package Air conditioning System

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6. Functioning of Package Air conditioning System


This self contained unit is assembled in a casing where all the air
conditioning components are housed. They include:
▪ Compressor usually hermetic or semi-hermetic type for operation on
380/400 Volts 3 Phase is used.
▪ Water-cooled or Air-cooled condenser.
▪ Electrical Panel.
▪ Thermostatic Expansion Valve.
▪ Air Filter.
▪ Front Panel & Return Air Grill.
▪ Evaporator Coil.
▪ Evaporator Fan And Housing.
▪ Heating and Humidifying Components may be included in the unit.
Dehumidification is needed for cooling mode during summer and
Humidification for heating mode during winter.
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In-depth knowledge in Building’s MEP Engineering Systems - Self Learning Plan – Topic 1 of 11

6. Functioning of Package Air conditioning System

Package Air Conditioner Condenser Types


▪ The condenser used in a package air conditioner can be air-cooled or
water-cooled type. Air-cooled type is usually for capacity below 5 ton and
water-cooled for capacity above 5 ton. The capacity of air-cooled type is
lower than that of water-cooled condenser using the same compressor.
▪ The water-cooled type can be completely factory assembled, tested and
charged with refrigerant before being installed in the field. This is
advantages because less man power is needed in the field to do the
installation hence cost saving.
▪ The air-cooled type cannot be factory assembled or charged as the laying
of refrigerant piping, pressure testing, charging and evacuation have to
be carried out in the field.

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6. Functioning of Package Air conditioning System

Air Quantities

▪ In the air distribution, centrifugal fans are usually provided at the


evaporator side which can develop higher static pressure. The higher the
static pressure, the better the air throw to the room is. Air distribution is
done through ducts and grills. The air quantities are usually in the range
of 10-11.3 cubic meter/min (350-400 cfm) per ton.

▪ In critical application such as computer room which need higher rate of


air flow, higher capacity fans with air flow up to 550 cfm are provided.
This usually need to be factored in during the design of the system.

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6. Functioning of Package Air conditioning System


Two Refrigeration Systems

▪ In some units, two independent refrigeration systems are included in the


package. In this case, the cooling coils have a common tube sheets
though the two systems are independent. The tubes of the coil are
entwined.

▪ Two separate water-cooled condensers or a condenser with an internal


partition that forms two independent condensers are used. The water
side is common to both the independent condenser portions.

▪ It is a common practice to have one compressor running all the time


with the other compressor control by a single-stage thermostat. In this
case, the capacity can be controlled either to 50% or 100%. However,
newer units have two-stage thermostat that can control the capacity
from 0%, 50% or 100%.

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7. Schematic Diagram of Centralized AC System


Supply Air Chilled Water Refrigerant Atmospheric
Ducts Supply Through Cycle Cold Air
Pumps Pr & Sec
1 3 4
2

Air- Chiller Chiller


conditioned Air Handling
Evaporator Condenser Atmosphere
Office Space Unit

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8. Functioning of Centralized AC System

▪ Chilled water systems are used in medium and large-sized buildings.


Chiller plants act as a centralized cooling system that provides cooling for
an entire building or even multiple buildings. This is because it is often
more practical to centralize air conditioning equipment in one location
rather than install many pieces of equipment in many different places.
▪ Chilled water systems provide cooling to a building by using chilled water
to absorb heat from the building’s spaces. At the heart of the water
chilled system, a chiller removes heat from water by means of a
refrigeration cycle.
▪ A chilled water system’s refrigeration cycle works by removing heat from
chilled water in the evaporator of the chiller. The compressor is what
drives the entire process. It also uses the most energy in a chilled water
system.
▪ In the condenser of the chiller, the heat is transferred to the condenser
water, or directly to the outside air (we’ll talk more about this below).

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8. Functioning of Centralized AC System

Chilled Water Loop


▪ The chilled water loop consists of pipes and pumps that move chilled
water around a building. A chilled water pump (CHWP) pushes chilled
water through the chiller and through the chilled water line around the
building.
▪ The chilled water that exits a chiller is called the chilled water supply
(CHWS). The chilled water supply temperature is usually about 45 °F.
▪ The chilled water supply is pumped through the chiller and to the
building’s various air conditioning units such as air handling units
(AHUs) and fan coil units (FCUs)

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8. Functioning of Centralized AC System

▪ In the AHUs and FCUs, the chilled water is passed through a heat
exchanging coil to reduce the temperature of the coil.
▪ While the heat exchanging coil is cooled by the chilled water, a fan blows
air through the coil to provide cold air to the building’s space. The supply
air temperature that is blown out of AHUs and FCUs is usually about 55
°F.
▪ After exiting the heat exchanging coil, the chilled water return (CHWR)
returns to the chiller, where it is cooled again, and the process repeats.
▪ A more complex chilled water cooling system configuration can consist of
multiple chillers, multiple pumps, cooling towers, heat exchangers, and
all sorts of valves to redirect flow according to the heat load inside of the
building.

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8. Functioning of Centralized AC System

There two main types of chilled water cooling systems: air-cooled chillers,
and water-cooled chillers.
Air Cooled Chiller
Air-cooled chillers are almost always located outside of a building and
remove heat from the chilled water by exhausting the heat directly to the
surrounding air.
Air-cooled chillers exhaust heat from the condenser coil. As warm
refrigerant passes through the condenser coil, the outside air blows over
the condenser coil and removes heat from the refrigerant.
The refrigerant then passes through an expansion valve, where it rapidly
cools and goes through the evaporator, where it cools the chilled water. This
process is then repeated all over again.

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8. Functioning of Centralized AC System

Water Cooled Chiller


▪ Water-cooled chillers are almost always located inside of a building. They
work almost the same way as air-cooled chillers. The difference is that
they remove heat from chilled water by exhausting the heat to a second,
isolated water line called the condenser water line.
▪ The condenser water flows through the chiller and picks up heat. The
condenser water then returns to the cooling tower. The cooling tower is
almost always located outside of the building and removes heat from the
condenser water by evaporating some of the condenser water into the
atmosphere.
▪ As some of the condenser water evaporates, heat is removed from the
condenser water, and the cool condenser water flows back to the chiller.
This process is then repeated all over again.

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8. Functioning of Centralized AC System

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8. Functioning of Centralized AC System

Air Handling Units & Ceiling Suspended Units

▪ Also Known as AHU & CSU

▪ Function of the AHU / CSU is to Suck the Air from Air-conditioned Space
and Let it Pass through the Filters and Discharging the Cold Air into the Air-
conditioned Space,

▪ AHU Contains Blower Fan, Motor, V Belts, Cooling Coil, Filters and Dip Tray

▪ Removable Panel / Door is Installed in the AHU Casing for Personnel to


Enter in to AHU and Carryout Maintenance

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8. Functioning of Centralized AC System

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8. Functioning of Centralized AC System

Chilled Water Pumps


▪ Primary chilled water pump helps for Chilled water flows through the
evaporator side of the chiller.

▪ Secondary pumps helps for Chilled water flows through AHU‘s

▪ Pumps Contains Impeller, Casing, Pomp Shaft, Bearing Housing,


Coupling, 3 Ph Induction Motor and Base Frame

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8. Functioning of Centralized AC System

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9. Functioning of Inverter Technology AC System


In a regular air conditioner the compressor is either off or on. When it is on,
it works at full capacity and consumes full electricity it is designed to
consume. When the thermostat reaches the temperature level set in the
AC, the compressor stops and the fan (in AC) continues to operate. When
the thermostat senses that the temperature has increased, the compressor
starts again.
What is Inverter Air Conditioner?
The inverter technology works like an accelerator in a car. When
compressor needs more power, it gives it more power. When it needs less
power, it gives less power. With this technology, the compressor is always
on, but draws less power or more power depending on the temperature of
the incoming air and the level set in the thermostat. The speed and power
of the compressor is adjusted appropriately.

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9. Functioning of Inverter Technology AC System


This technology was developed in Japan and is being used there
successfully for air conditioners and refrigerators. This technology is
currently available only in split air conditioners.

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9. Functioning of Inverter Technology AC System


Difference between Inverter Technology AC and Non inverter AC
▪ Inverter technology air conditioners are variable speed/ variable
tonnage air conditioners and thus operationally they are quite different
from regular air conditioners that have single speed compressors and
single tonnage.
▪ Inverter technology air conditioners adjust their speed/tonnage
depending on heat load of a room. The heat load in a room does not
remain constant and it varies from seasons, varies based on number of
people, varies between day and night, varies based on climate profiles
of your location.
▪ Based on the data on power consumption by BEE, Inverter ACs of BEE 3
star ratings are about 7% more energy efficient than BEE 3 star rated
non inverter ACs.

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10. Indoor Air Quality Management


▪ Indoor air quality is defined by the depiction of concentrations of
pollutants and thermal conditions that may negatively affect the health,
comfort, and performance of a building’s occupants.
▪ There are 13 common indoor air pollutant sources. They fall into one of
four categories: VOCs, biological pollutants, combustion byproducts, and
legacy pollutants. Some health effects may show up shortly after a single
exposure, or years later after prolonged exposure.
▪ The most common indoor air pollutants include:
1.Asbestos 2.Biological Pollutants 3.Carbon Monoxide 4.Cook stoves and
Heaters 5.Formaldehyde 6.Lead (Pb) 7.Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
8.Pesticides 9.Radon (Rn) 10.Indoor Particulate Matter 11.Second hand
Smoke / Environmental Tobacco Smoke 12.Volatile Organic Compounds
(VOCs) 13.Wood Smoke

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10. Indoor Air Quality Management


Indoor air quality criteria to be measured:
1. Relative Humidity
2. Outside Air Ventilation
3. Carbon Dioxide Levels
4. Air Filtration
1. Relative Humidity
Relative humidity refers to the amount of moisture present in the air. Too
much moisture and mold growth could become an issue. Too little
moisture and occupants could experience dry skin and a greater risk of
infection or illness.
There are several visual indicators of excessive moisture. Condensation on
windows and wet stains on ceilings or walls can indicate that moisture
levels are too high. Dry skin, sore throats, and static shocks are common
signs of too little moisture in the air. To be most accurate in determining
levels, it is recommended to use a relative humidity sensor or hygrometer.
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10. Indoor Air Quality Management


2. Outside Air Ventilation
In this instance, outside air refers to the amount of outside air circulating
within a building. This can be measured by an airflow sensor and remedied
with proper ventilation equipment. Ensure that unit ventilators aren’t
blocked, air filters are in proper working order, and that they are effectively
bringing in outside air.

3. Carbon Dioxide Levels


Often, tight building envelopes and poor ventilation/filtration lead to
elevated CO2 levels. As a result, high levels of CO 2 often cause impaired
cognitive abilities for building occupants. To measure CO 2 levels
throughout your building, take a CO 2 monitor through each room of your
building, holding it in the center of each room to get a proper reading.
Buildings must be occupied to receive the most accurate CO 2 readings.
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10. Indoor Air Quality Management


4. Air Filtration
Air filters are the most popular strategy for improving indoor air quality. Air
filters are designed to collect solid particulates in the air that circulate
through the heating and cooling system of a building. The most common
particles they collect include dust, pollen, hair, animal fur, mold, and
bacteria.
Air filters are rated by their performance and efficiency and given a
minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV rating. A higher MERV rating
indicates better filtration. While it may seem best to have a higher MERV
rating, high MERV ratings can interfere with heating and cooling
effectiveness throughout a building so it is best to right-size your air filters
for your HVAC system.

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10. Indoor Air Quality Management

How do you improve indoor air quality?


Indoor air quality is important because humans spend most of their time
indoors, whether at work, school, home, or in the car. There are several
ways to improve the air inside buildings that include:

•Remove or eliminate indoor pollutants


•Monitor and control air flow and ventilation
•Air filtration
•Regulate humidity levels by addressing sources of moisture
•Clean regularly to minimize dust and prevent pests

These are just some of the ways to positively impact the built environment
and create healthier spaces for people to live, work, and play.

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10. Indoor Air Quality Management


Eliminate Pollutants
▪ There are four main categories of indoor pollutants: volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), biological pollutants, combustion byproducts, and
legacy pollutants.
▪ Furnishings, cleaning supplies, and buildings materials emit chemicals, or
VOCs, into the air, so it’s important to choose low-VOC when purchasing
these items for your building.
▪ Mold, mildew, pet dander, and dust are biological pollutants that can be
eliminated with regular cleaning and moisture mitigation.
▪ Be sure to monitor carbon monoxide levels with a carbon monoxide
detector and replace the battery when necessary.
▪ Finally, eliminate any asbestos, PCBs, or lead found indoors. These are
called legacy pollutants because while they are illegal to use now, they are
often still found in older buildings.

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10. Indoor Air Quality Management

Control Ventilation
▪ Outdoor and indoor air circulates in and out of buildings. This is
measured by the air exchange rate and can be controlled through proper
ventilation. Follow local outdoor air ventilation rate guides to control the
air exchange rate. This will ensure the proper amount of outdoor air is
being circulated to reduce odors, chemicals, and carbon dioxide levels.
▪ Large buildings will typically have automatic controls that regulate how
much and how often outdoor air is brought inside the building. These
can be programmed to be automated based on when occupants are
present and when they are not. These systems must be monitored in
real-time, regularly maintained, and properly commissioned to ventilate
buildings effectively.

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10. Indoor Air Quality Management


Filter Outdoor Air
▪ Outdoor air can be polluted too. That’s why it’s important to install filters
to remove at least 75% of all particle-sized fractions. Air filters should be
regularly replaced per their maintenance schedule.
Regulate Humidity
▪ Excess moisture in indoor environments can cause mold and mildew to
grow. Mold contributes to poor air quality and can exacerbate symptoms of
asthma and other respiratory ailments. It is usually a late indicator of a
larger moisture issue such as a leaky roof, excess condensation on HVAC
equipment, or leaky plumbing. Regularly inspect these areas of the
building to make sure that water is not building up where it shouldn’t be.
Remove and clean mold when found and remediate any underlying sources
of humidity. In larger buildings, most humidity is introduced from bringing
in outside air so be sure to carefully control that source of humidity as well.
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10. Indoor Air Quality Management

Control Dust and Pests


Establish and maintain a regular cleaning schedule to be sure that surfaces
are dust and dirt free. Use vacuums with high-efficiency particulate air
(HEPA) filters which remove 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and
airborne particles. Clean surfaces, seal entry points well, and remove trash
regularly to help prevent pests. Large buildings should have a well-defined
pest management plan that includes how to respond to occupant
complaints.

Taking steps to improve the air quality of the building will have a significant
positive impact on occupant health.

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10. Indoor Air Quality Management


How do you measure indoor air quality?
The quality of the air inside your building can be a determining factor of
occupant health and comfort. But how can you tell if you have poor indoor
air quality? Here are some ways that indoor air quality is measured:
- Humidity Sensors
- CO₂ Sensors
- Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values (MERV) Rating for Filters
Humidity Sensors
Humidity is an important standard for good indoor environments. It can be
measured using a humidity sensor. Humidity sensors detect and measure
the amount of water vapor in the air. Relative humidity takes into account
both the amount of moisture in the air and the temperature. It is typically
reported as a percentage. Occupants are most comfortable with relative
humidity at 40-60%.
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10. Indoor Air Quality Management

CO₂ Sensors
The level of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the air is a key indicator of indoor
environmental quality. Humans inhale oxygen and exhale CO₂. If CO₂ levels
are too high, then occupants have difficulty concentrating because they
can’t access enough oxygen. Levels of carbon dioxide are measured with a
CO₂ sensor. These sensors report CO₂ in parts per million (ppm). Typically,
CO₂ levels should stay below 1,000 ppm to prevent cognitive impairment
and keep buildings occupants healthy.

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10. Indoor Air Quality Management


MERV Ratings
▪ Air filters are essential components of building Air conditioning systems
because they prevent dust and other particulate matter from flowing
freely throughout a building. This prevents occupants from breathing in
those air pollutants. Air filters are rated using Minimum Efficiency
Reporting Values, or MERV Ratings. MERV ratings report an air filter’s
ability to prevent particulate matter from entering a space. MERV ratings
range from 1-16. Filters with a MERV rating of 16 can filter out the
smallest particles. MERV ratings on filters are important to consider
when ensuring air quality. As air flows through a building, small particles
are carried with it. These can be particles of pollen, dust, mold, bacteria,
and even viruses. The average MERV rating on a standard air filter is 8 for
a large building.
▪ Measuring your indoor air quality is a good way to start understanding
how comfortable and healthy your building is
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