How Air Conditioning Works

Ever wonder how your air conditioners keep it cool during those hot, scorching summer months? The working of air conditioners is based on very simple scientific phenomena and its implementation is carried out through simple mechanical means.

The air conditioners are composed of three main parts- the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator. The chic and sleek looking box that is fitted in your drawing rooms and bedrooms is the evaporator. The condenser and compressor are usually located on the outside, working their magic from where you can’t see them.

What goes on inside air conditioners?

The main principle of ACs is the conversion of the cooling chemicals from gas to liquid, and back again in a matter of seconds. The extremely hot gas makes its way from the compressor to the condenser at very high pressure. This excessive pressure causes the gas to convert to liquid as it leaves the condenser.

It also happens to be way cooler than before. The next destination of this fluid is the evaporator. It makes this journey through a very tiny and very narrow opening. As soon as it reached the end of this minuscule passage, its pressure drops suddenly and the liquid starts to evaporate to gas.

While this evaporation happens, heat energy that is required to break apart the liquid molecules is absorbed from the surrounding air. As the refrigerant leaves the evaporator, it is again a low pressure, cool gas till it reaches the compressor and the cycle starts once again.

How does ACs keep so cool?

The air conditioners have vents that absorb the hot air from your rooms and into the evaporator. The heat is sucked out in the process of converting the liquid to gas in the evaporator, and the cool air is blown back to the rooms through ducts. Not surprisingly, the ACs in your bedrooms and the refrigerators in kitchens work in pretty much the same way. While the former saves you from unwanted weather conditions, the latter keeps your food healthy and happy.