Heat is removed through air conditioning using a process known as refrigeration. The primary components involved in this process are the evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion valve (or capillary tube). Here's a brief overview of how heat is removed through air conditioning:
Evaporation: The process begins with the refrigerant, a special fluid with a low boiling point. In the evaporator unit located inside the indoor air handler, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the surrounding air. This causes the refrigerant to change from a liquid state to a gas (vapor), and as a result, the air temperature is lowered.
Compression: The low-pressure refrigerant vapor is then drawn into the compressor, which is usually located outside the building. The compressor's main function is to compress the refrigerant gas, raising its pressure and temperature significantly. Compression increases the energy of the refrigerant, making it ready for the next stage.
Condensation: The high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant gas moves from the compressor to the condenser unit, which is also located outside the building. In the condenser, the refrigerant releases heat to the outside air. This heat exchange causes the refrigerant to condense back into a liquid state.
Expansion: The high-pressure liquid refrigerant then passes through an expansion valve or capillary tube. This component reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant significantly as it enters the evaporator, repeating the cycle.
The cycle continues as long as the air conditioning system is running. The heat from inside the building is continuously absorbed by the refrigerant in the evaporator and then rejected to the outside air in the condenser. The process of removing heat from the indoor air and transferring it outside results in cooling the indoor space.
The cycle is efficient and sustainable because the refrigerant is continuously reused, and the air conditioning system only needs to use energy to drive the compressor and circulate the refrigerant through the system. This is why air conditioning is an effective way to cool indoor spaces and maintain a comfortable environment, especially during hot weather.