Energy Efficient Air Conditioner for an Apartment Complex

• In these days when one is constantly facing a shortage of electricity, even a small reduction in the energy needs of commonly used equipment would go a long way in bridging the gap between the demand and supply of electricity. Nowadays, the Air conditioner has become a commonly used piece of equipment and even a 10% reduction in power consumption will result in a large saving due to the cumulative effect. The project “Energy Efficient Air Conditioner” is a primary step towards achieving this effect wherein water is used as the cooling medium in the condenser.

• Conventionally, the Split Air Conditioner (AC) uses an air cooled condenser. In an air cooled condenser the controlling resistance to heat transfer is on the air side since on the inside there is condensing refrigerant. The use of water as cooling medium in the Split AC enhances the heat transfer rate and allows system to operate at lower condensing pressure and temperature. This results in a reduction in energy use since the compressor has to operate with lower compression ratio. The cooling medium water is not allowed to go to waste it is sent to the underground sump. The sump with a large volume of water acts as the thermal energy reservoir to which the heat will be rejected without appreciable increase in temperature The project involves design of the water cooled condenser and study of the performance of the air conditioning system.

• Extraordinary features :

  • Enhanced heat transfer in condenser due to use of water as cooling medium
  • Water is always at a lower temperature than ambient air so that the condensing temperature of the refrigerant can be lower
  • Due to reduced condensing temperature condensing pressure reduces hence reducing compressor work.
  • Use of underground water sump as heat sink.