Applied Central Air Conditioning

There are many different ways to apply central air conditioning to a home or other building. Which method is used depends on several factors, but the type of heating system is probably the most important criterion. The most common types of cooling applications include water chiller cooling and central cooling packages.

Water Chiller Cooling

A water chiller system is used to add cooling and dehumidification to a steam or hot-water heat systems. A refrigeration H2O chiller is made up of a compressor, condenser, thermal expansion valve, and evaporator coil. Water is cooled in the evaporator coil and pumped through the chiller system.

In a system that uses a H2O chiller, the boiler and chiller are installed as independent units, with their own open circulator, or with a circulator in the return line. Hot water or steam from the boiler portion circulates through convectors for heating and cold water originating from the water chiller is circulated though the same pipe system for cooling purposes.

Each convector unit contains a blower to force the air across the convector coil. Water condensed from the coil during the cooling operation is trapped in a drip pan and discarded through a drain connected to the convector. Some convectors also contain a filter for air cleaning. The room convectors in a water chiller cooling system are usually designed for individual control.

The same piping carries the cooled and hot water to the room convectors. It is important that the piping be insulated to minimize condensation during the cooling operation.

Chillers for water can be purchased as separate units or as part of a complete cooling system containing the boiler. Separate chilling units are used when retrofitting an existing steam or hot water heating system for purposes of cooling.

Central Cooling Package

A central cooling package is designed for central air-conditioning application. The central air system is made up of a cooling coil and the refrigeration equipment. It will provide the necessary cooling and dehumidification as conditions required by home/ building conditions. These units are available with built-in fans and filters, or the may be fitted so as to use the filter and blower of the existing heating equipment.

The installation method used for a central cooling package depends on whether the air conditioning unit has an air-cooled or water cooled condenser. If an air-cooled condenser is used, changes are necessary to carry outdoor air to and from the condenser. When a remote or split system is installed with the system, the compressor and air-cooled condenser unit are located outdoors. The evaporator coil, fan and heating appliance are installed inside the air conditioned space.