Global warming of this wine or an inecilatory human thrust for comfort, but the demand for household air conditioners only increases every year. What innovations offer manufacturers?
Photo: Legion-Media
Just the year, air conditioners become more economical, convenient to operate and multifunctional. These trends have been relevant for several years and, probably, in the near future will continue. From constructive species, the most popular split systems are still most popular in which the air conditioner is divided into outdoor and internal blocks - they will be discussed in the article. Compared to the monoblock systems, such devices are characterized by good operating performance (the main of them are economy and low noise). And compared to multisplites, the split system wins in value.
Inverter economy
Save electricity not only fashionable, but also very profitable. Therefore, all major air conditioners producers switched to the release of models with inverter power control compressor. After all, only one technology allows you to save up to 60% of electricity compared with standard systems. How much will it be in rubles? Let's consider.
Photo: LG.
Internal block Artcool Stylist (LG) square shape with LED backlight 26 different shades. The depth of the housing is only 121 mm. The air flow spreads in three directions. The model has a low noise level (19 dB)
Suppose we have a split system that consumes it hourly 2 kW. It works 10 hours per day for six months. During this time, the air conditioner consumes 3,600 kW in the amount of 18 thousand rubles. (According to the Moscow tariff of the first half of 2016). If you replace it with a model that gives at least 50% of energy savings, then the amount will decrease by 9 thousand rubles.! For several seasons, the inverter system will be able to fully recoup himself.
In addition to efficiency, inverter technology has other advantages. It implies gentle loading mode on the compressor, smooth, without sharp jumps. As a result, the air conditioner is less frequent, its service life increases. And that is very important - the noise level is reduced. For example, Smart Inverter (LG) technology provides in the night mode of the noise level of the internal unit of only 19 dB at the energy efficiency class. Similar indicators for Mitsubishi Electric models, MSZ-GE25VA series (19 dB); Panasonic CS-XE9JKDW (20 dB); Ballu, Platinum Black Series (21 dB), and the PowerBoost technology with an eight-general inverter (Samsung) provides noise level in the AR09KSPFBWK model of only 16 dB.
For the first time, inverter air conditioners were released in 1980 by Toshiba. Since then, technology has continued to be improved. Today it's time for the so-called DC inverters. Earlier, AC motors were installed in the air conditioners. The inverter technology uses a permanent current, so during the work it had to transform current from the variable to constant and back during the work. A few years ago, Hitachi has offered its version of the air conditioner with the DC motor. This decision made it possible to significantly simplify the electronic circuit, and at the same time and reduce the loss of electricity. Now the DC technology is used by Ballu, LG, Mitsubishi Electric, Toshiba, Zanussi, as well as many other manufacturers.
Air conditioners are so economical that it is profitable to use them in heating. The effectiveness of their operation is 3-5 times higher than any electric heater, it is comparable to the efficiency of the air heat pump.
Air conditioning selection parameters
Performance. It is calculated for cold air conditioners (cooling mode) and heat (heating mode). It is measured most often in kilowatts (kW) or in the so-called British thermal units (BTU / H), and 1000 BTU / h = 293 W.Energy Efficiency Indices. Also calculated on cold (EER) and heat (COP) in dimensionless units, which show the ratio of the power being used and obtained performance (W / W). Modern split systems, the index averages from 4 to 5.5 units (the more, the better).
Operating temperature range. Also indicated for cooling and heating modes. For residents of Russia, the minimum temperature is of the greatest interest in which air conditioning can work, as many models are simply not designed at temperatures below -10 ... -15 ºС.
Cleaning functions in air conditioner
Air conditioners not only provide a comfortable room in the room - in many models there are also air purification devices. Almost all manufacturers of high-end techniques use multistage air purification systems, including coarse filters, coal, photocatalytic, as well as ionizers. Such systems may be called differently. In LG models, for example, a Plasmaster air purification system is widely used, which consists of mechanical cleaning filters and an integrated ionizerplus ionizer. And so that harmful microorganisms do not accumulate inside the air conditioner, it can have a function of automatic cleaning. At Toshiba, the IAQ filter destroys microorganisms, deactivates viruses, cleans the air from unpleasant odors and harmful substances. A triple coating filter for air purification from allergens, viruses and bacteria is provided in the AR4000 Maldives series, and the Virus Doctor system is in the AR9000 series at Samsung. In addition to cleaning the air, the filters also do not give to contaminated by the air conditioner evaporator, otherwise the latter cooling capacity is significantly reduced.
Photo: LG.
Artcool Gallery (LG) model will decorate the room, and the image can be changed when desired
Other developments are aimed at ensuring safety when air cooling. Modern air conditioners work very effectively. Thus, Jetcool technology in the MEGA Inverter line (LG), Fast Cool in the AR9000 series (Samsung) will cool the room for 5 minutes. So that there are no drafts, air conditioners are equipped with various mechanisms that can prevent cold air flows from entering people. Most often, the mode of operation is used for this purpose, in which the air conditioner changes the position of the airborne guides. In luxury class models, the location of the blinds can be set using the remote control, thus creating a personal circuit of cooling or heating air. Increasingly apply "smart" smart technologies, thanks to which the technique regulates the work parameters depending on the changing conditions of the medium, which it continuously scans. Say, in the models of Daikin, a high-quality presence sensor determines the location, and the air conditioner turns the blades so that the flow of cold air does not get into people. For the same purpose, an infrared sensor is used in the new "Children's" series Midea: with its help, the air conditioner determines whether the child is covered, and, depending on this, the intensity of the cold air flow adjusts. And in the Panasonic models, the sensor turns off the air conditioning when there is no one in the room, - why spend energy?
How to calculate the required performance?
Simplified for every 10 m² area is enough 1 kW of power (cooling or heating). For a room with an area of 20 m², a split system with a capacity of 2 kW or 6800 BTU / h. With an accurate calculation, all major heat sources are taken into account: the degree of insolation, the number of people, the number of computer blocks, televisions, etc. It is taken into account not only the area, but also the volume of the room, as well as its other features. You can use free calculation programs available on the Internet.
In general, modern models of air conditioners are characterized by a large number of operating modes. Among them, not only the quiet regime, but also, for example, an increased power, in which the air is cooled to a comfortable temperature literally in 5 minutes. More complex algorithms are used, let's say "comfortable sleep", "soft air drying" (for example, in the "Exclusive" Panasonic series and in Series SKVP2, S3KHS at Toshiba). In the "Comfortable Sleep" mode, the device switches to a light blowing of the room, automatically changing the temperature setting, and after the specified time it will turn off. And if you choose a "soft drainage", then first the air conditioner cools the air to reduce its moisture, then continuously blows the room at a low speed of the compressor to maintain dryness without changing its temperature.
Photo: Legion-Media
Household split systems are commonly used to cool air. In addition, they may not less effectively apply as auxiliary heating devices, as well as for air purification from contamination.
You need to manage beautifully
Today, the air conditioner no longer seems to buyers a complex and incomprehensible device, which is unknown how to behave in operation. Moreover, one of the main directions of equipment development is the ease of air conditioning. Easy, accessibility and clearer (so-called friendly interface) facilitate the life of users, and at the same time they are considered an effective marketing advantage.
Photo: Boris Bezel / Burda Media
Fan cooling outdoor unit - an important element responsible for the noise level
So, in a number of conditioner models there is an option to remote control via the Internet. Such technologies are used in LG, Samsung, Panasonic, SUPRA SA09IDCW and SA12IDCW (SUPRA CLOUD AC), in the VENEZIA DC-INVERTER series (Zanussi) and in a number of others. Air conditioning in this case is equipped with a Wi-Fi module. With the help of a smartphone or tablet and a special program - a mobile application, you can enable it and configure the desired operation mode.
However, most often we have to manage air conditioning from that room where it is installed. This situation usually uses a remote control. Even the technologies for finding a console are thought out. It is estimated that in search of a lost remote control the average Russian spends up to a tent of the week a year. Therefore, in the new series of wall-mounted SUPRA SMART air conditioners, the searition of the remote control was implemented.
You can, however, do without a remote control. For example, in the Ionizer Inverter (LG) series, for the first time in Russia, models are presented with the voice management function in Russian.
Each buyer of the air conditioner I heard that you need to choose a high-quality, silent unit, invite professionals, serve and clean equipment annually. But not everyone knows some "tricks". For example, inverter air conditioner should be purchased with power reserve. Yes, the purchase will cost more by 2-3 thousand rubles, but the device will work for 2-3 dB quieter, and this is a very noticeable difference. The fact is that the powerful air conditioner is higher than the heat exchanger area, so it is able to cool or warm the room at a lower fan speed. But taking into account this rule concerns only inverter air conditioners. If you buy too powerful classic model, it will be constantly turned on / off.
Viktor Kovalev
Technical Expert of the representative office of Toshiba Carrier
Internal blocks of inverter split systems: Product from Venezia DC (Zanussi)
Model S10R red from Laguna Art series (Timberk)
Internal blocks of split systems: model from the SMART series (SUPRA) with the "Consult" function
S10LW from the Laguna Art series (Timberk) with trim under the light tree
Split System Outdoor (Toshiba)
ARTCOOL STYLIST CONTROL REMOTE ARTCOOL STYLIST (LG) has an unusual, but very convenient shape.
Model from the SMART Inverter Artcool Slim (LG) series: Front panel of tempered glass with chrome elements gives an elegance technique
The internal unit 42UQv025M and the CARRIER 42UQV Invertor Split System Remote. Especially for this air conditioner developed exceptionally compact housing with dimensions of 25 × 74 × 20 cm, convenient for small rooms
Model S3KHS (Toshiba)
Samsung Maldives AQV12PSD with Full HD Filter Air Purification System
Internal blocks of air conditioners rarely please the eyes with bright color or decor, however, models from the Midea Kids series are designed specifically for children's premises and therefore are decorated accordingly.
Model LG Smart Inverter BlowKiss with Comfort Plus function and active energy saving system; Noise level is only 19 dB
Internal blocks: Platinum Black DC Inverter (Ballu) series, coating from innovative material "Black Silk"
Ionizer series (LG) with Plasmaster air purification system and voice control
If the wall mounting is difficult, then the air conditioner can be used, which is installed by an outdoor ceiling method.
Internal Blocks Gree: Premium U-Cool Series and Change are equipped with inverter DC-compressions with reduced energy consumption
Internal Block Gree, Premium Change Series
| Model | RC-P24HN. | RK-09Spg. | BSEI -10HN1. | RAS-10S3KHS-EE | 42UQV025M. | EACS / I-09HM / N3_15Y | CS09AWV | R09ks. Pfbwk. Ner. | AR09KS. Pfbwk. Ner. |
| Series | Prima. | Plasma. | Platinum Black. DC Inverter. | S3khs. | UQV. | Monaco Super DC Inverter | Ionizer. Voice | SKVP2. | AR9000. |
| Mark. | Royal Clima. | Dantex. | Ballu. | Toshiba. | Carrier. | Electroluh. | LG | Toshiba. | Samsung |
Inverter (s) / Classical (K) system | TO | TO | AND | TO | AND | AND | AND | AND | AND |
Productivity by cooling, kw | 2.36 | 2.64 | 2.8. | 2.52 | 2.50 | 2.64 | 2.50 | 2.51 | 2.5 |
Productivity by Heated, kw | 2.47 | 2,82. | 2.9 | 2.76 | 3.20. | 2.99 | 2,3. | 3,21 | 3,2 |
Energy efficiency by cooling (EER coefficient) | 3,45. | 3,21 | 3,21 | 3,19 | 3,25 | 6,1 | 3,21 | 5,12 | 4,55 |
| Energy Efficiency on Heating (Sorry Coefficient) | 3,76. | 3,61 | 3,73. | 3,62. | 5,1 | 3,61 | 3,61 | 5,1 | 4,51 |
| Outdoor range cooling temperatures / heated, ° С | There is no data | +18 ... + 43 / -7 ... + 24 | -15 ~ + 43 | +15 ... + 43 / -10 ... + 24 | +15 ... + 43 / -10 ... + 24 | -15 ... + 48 / -22 ... + 24 | + 18 ... + 48 / -5 ... + 24 | -10 ... + 46 / -15 ... + 24 | -10 ... + 46 / -15 ... + 24 |
| price, rub. | 16 500. | 19 200. | 30 618. | 32 600. | 36 200. | 40 560. | 42 990. | 74,000 | 74 990. |