Principles of Air Conditioning

Most people think the air conditioning system's job is just to add "cold" air to the space. Actually air-conditioning is a process to control temperature, humidity and air quality. Engineers define the process as one in which a system of mechanical components - usually a compressor, a fan, condenser coil, evaporator coil and a chemical refrigerant - extracts heat from indoor air and transfers it outside, leaving the cooled indoor air to be re-circulated. The cleaning function of air conditioners is performed by filters. Diverse geographical and operating conditions require considerably different types of air conditioning systems. The intended use of the conditioned space is the primary factor in determining the desired controlled environment and accomplishing the specific purpose by special equipment arrangement. Comfort applications in general aim to provide an indoor environment that remains relatively constant in a range preferred by humans despite changes in external weather conditions or in internal heat loads. This 4-hour Quick Book introduces the basics of air conditioning systems found in residential and small to medium commercial and industrial facilities. This course is entirely based on US Navy manual - Utilitiesman Basic, Volume 2: NAVEDTRA 14279 and covers chapter 7 titled "Air conditioning." At the conclusion of this course, the reader will able to: 1) Understand the basic principles of temperature, humidity and air motion in relation to air conditioning 2) Classify and know the different types of air conditioning systems 3) Identify the needed components in an air conditioning and know their function 4) Understand the operation and application of heat pumps for residential and commercial air conditioning 5) Understand the chilled water systems for large tonnage capacity air conditioning 6) Recognize and understand different types of cooling towers, compressors and controls 7) Understand the basic types of ductwork systems and the components of those systems for distribution of conditioned air 8) Understand the basic principles of operation, maintenance and repair of automotive air condition 9) Learn a systematic method of trouble shooting and preventative maintenance on air conditioning system components