Types of Air conditioning Systems | Electrical Engineering

Study of types of air conditioning Systems in Engineering

Studying different types of air conditioning systems is a part of Engineering. It helps us understanding the working and functioning of HVAC systems. For designing HVAC systems in an Auditorium or a Mall, the engineer has to be aware of various types of air conditioning systems along with its advantages and disadvantages.

Today, various types of air conditioning systems are available in the market. They can be broadly classified as follows:

1. Central air conditioning systems
2. Non central air conditioning systems

Central AC Systems are further subdivided into two categories:

1. Ductable Packaged Air-conditioners
2. Central Plants

Non-Central AC products are further classified as:

1. Window ACs
2. Split ACs

In this article, we will discuss the basic terminology of what are Central AC systems and Non-central AC products.

Central AC Systems and Non-Central AC products.

Generally, Non-central AC products do not involve use of air conditioners that require ducting to cool the conditioned space. Windows mounted ‘Room Air-conditioners’ and the’ Non-Ducted Split Air-conditioners’ can be classified under this category. They are suitable where air throw is limited to around 4 meters (13 feet) and small spaces are involved. Where large spaces are involved, multiple units are used to distribute the air.

Central Air conditioners are an alternative to non-central systems. They distribute the air uniformly using less units and are hence preferred in larger conditioned spaces.

Like I mentioned earlier, Central AC systems are subdivided into Ductable Packaged Air-conditioners and Central plants.

The term ‘Ductable’ implies any air-conditioning system suitable for ducting. The method of employing Fan Coil Units can be incorporated by the design engineer in order to save the costs of ducting.

In our next article, we will discuss in detail about “Window Air conditioners” and “Split air conditioners”.