Air Conditioners

The air conditioner is a device that transfers heat energy from the room it is in to the environment or vice versa, depending on the need for cooling or heating. The home air conditioner was patented by the American inventor Willis Carrier, with the first such device produced and installed as far back as 1928. The operating principle is based on a closed-loop process (Carnot cycle) and the property of liquids to absorb heat when evaporating and release heat when condensing.

The air conditioner is an all-season device, and using it for heating and cooling is a preferred choice due to the following main advantages:

• Extremely easy to operate, with no need for physical effort;

• Ability to regulate air humidity and prevent mold and allergens;

• Automatic temperature control and regulation;

• High energy efficiency.

The market offers a wide variety of different models and brands of air conditioning systems, with the main types determined by the temperature control method, application (for residential or commercial spaces), and installation method.

Modes of Operation:

Conventional

Operates at full power until the set temperature is reached, after which it turns off. To maintain the set temperature, the compressor continuously turns on and off, consuming more electricity in the process. Conventional air conditioners have a lower functional class – they are difficult to adjust and change the room temperature slowly. They are characterized by low energy efficiency, low cost, and are primarily suitable for cooling.

Inverter

Despite its higher price, it is preferred by consumers due to its advantages - automatic power regulation, high energy efficiency, and low noise levels.

Construction Types:

Monoblock Systems

These consist of a single unit, such as window air conditioners and portable air conditioners.

Split Systems

The two main components (the evaporator and the condenser) are separated into individual units installed indoors and outdoors, respectively. The outdoor unit consists of a condenser and a compressor and is typically mounted on a building wall or balcony. The indoor unit consists of an evaporator and a thermostatic expansion valve. The two units are connected by pipes through which the refrigerant circulates, usually Freon.

Multi-Split Systems

These are a variation where multiple indoor units can be of different power levels and types – wall-mounted, ceiling, ducted, cassette, etc. The outdoor unit is single, maintaining the building's aesthetics.

Applications

Residential Air Conditioners

For heating and cooling apartments, small offices, villas, and private houses.

• Wall-Mounted: These air conditioners are mainly available as split or multi-split systems and are most commonly used for climate control in residential spaces, offices, and shops. The indoor unit is installed high on the wall, while the outdoor unit is usually under the window, with the distance between them not exceeding 3-4 meters. They are designed for heating and cooling rooms up to 70 m².

• Floor-Mounted: Installed on the floor or slightly above it, they are particularly suitable for attic spaces up to 45 m². They provide more even heating and cooling of the room and are extremely quiet and functional.

• Window Air Conditioners: These are the oldest type of air conditioners, consisting of a monoblock system built into the window, with the compressor outside and the control panel inside. They are characterized by a very low price and easy installation.

• Portable Air Conditioners: These are monoblock systems mounted on wheels, making them easy to move anywhere in the room. They are mainly intended for cooling and have a flexible air duct connected to a door or window, through which warm air is vented. Some models have built-in ionizers and air purifying filters.

Commercial (Semi-Industrial) Air Conditioners

For heating and cooling restaurants, shops, and other commercial spaces:

• Ceiling Air Conditioners: Suitable for large rooms without suspended ceilings. They are installed directly on the ceiling, distributing airflow horizontally in all directions without directly affecting people.

• Ducted Air Conditioners: Designed for concealed installation behind a suspended ceiling to maintain the interior design of the room. They are characterized by compact size, high power for climate control in multiple rooms, and can be either conventional or inverter.

• Cassette Air Conditioners: Installed in a suspended ceiling, with the lower part sized to fit ceiling panels measuring 60 x 60 cm. They are used for climate control in large rooms and can be installed in multiple units with lower power instead of one ducted system.

• Column Air Conditioners: Resembling a column in appearance, they are used for climate control in large spaces such as restaurants, shopping centers, and sports halls, as well as interconnected areas with extensive floor space. They are floor-mounted and can be placed anywhere in the room where there is free space. They are characterized by high power, generating a strong airflow, and it is recommended not to have people near them.

Industrial (Commercial) Air Conditioners

For heating and cooling in large shopping centers, warehouses, and production facilities:

• Sectional air handling units;

• Chiller-based air conditioning;

• Multi-zone VRV/VRF air conditioning systems;

• Rooftop air conditioning units.

BalkanEnergy also offers various types of dehumidifiers. These are devices that absorb moisture from the air in a room to ensure a healthier climate free from unpleasant odors, mold, and mildew. They are particularly suitable for people with allergies, asthma, and small children. Depending on the technology they use, they are divided into:

• Condensation Dehumidifiers: Excess moisture condenses on the evaporator (similar to an air conditioner) and is collected in a special tank.

• Absorption Dehumidifiers: A rotor made of waterproof silica gel absorbs the moisture from the room and, together with the regeneration air, expels it outside.

In addition to household needs, they are used for quickly drying construction sites, in storage facilities for furniture, grain, sugar, and other hygroscopic raw materials.