ELEMENTS OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

BEMEM203
Naveen M R Assistant Professor

Module-3

Introduction to IC Engines: Components and working principles, 4-Stroke Petrol

and Diesel engines, Application of IC Engines, performance of IC engines (Simple
numerical).

Introduction to Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: Principle of refrigeration,

Refrigerants and their desirable properties. Working principle of VCR refrigeration
system, working principle of room air conditioner & Applications of air
Conditioners

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Naveen M R Assistant Professor
Heat engine is a device which converts heat energy produced due to
combustion of fuel taking place inside the cylinder into mechanical energy.
Heat engines are classified into two categories:
1. Internal combustion engines (I.C. engines)
2. External combustion engines (E.C. engines)
In I.C. engines, combustion of fuel takes place inside the engine cylinder
whereas in E.C engines, combustion takes place outside the engine cylinder.
An internal combustion engine (IC Engine) is a heat engine in which the
combustion of a fuel occurs in the presence of air in a combustion chamber that is
an integral part of the working fluid flow circuit.
In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and
high-pressure gases produced by combustion applies direct force to some
component of the engine (Piston). The force is applied typically to pistons, turbine
blades, rotor or a nozzle. This force moves the component over a distance,
transforming chemical energy into useful work.

Classification of I.C. Engines

1. According to the type of fuel used
(i) Petrol engine (ii) Diesel engine (iii) Gas engine (iv) Bio-fuel engine.
2. According to the number of strokes per cycle
(i) Four stroke engine (ii) Two stroke engine
3. According to thermodynamic cycle
(i) Otto cycle engine (constant volume combustion) (ii) Diesel cycle
(constant pressure combustion) engine (iii) Dual (or) Mixed cycle (partly constant
volume and partly pressure combustion) engine
4. Method of cooling
(i) Air cooled engine (ii) Water cooled engine
5. According to method of ignition
(i) Spark ignition engine (S.I. engine) (ii) Compression ignition engine (C.I.
engine)
6. According to number of cylinders
(i) Single cylinder engine (ii) Multi cylinder engine
7. According to the engine cylinder
(i) Horizontal engine (ii) Vertical engine (iii) V-engine (iv) Radial engine

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Naveen M R Assistant Professor

Parts of I.C Engine:

Figure: Parts of I.C Engine

1. Cylinder: It is the main body and heart of the engine in which fuel is burnt
and piston reciprocates to develop the power. It is in direct contact with the
products of combustion and it must be cooled to avoid damage.

2. Piston: It is a gas-tight movable cylindrical component fitted perfectly

inside the cylinder. The piston is used to compress the fuel during
compression stroke. It transmits the force exerted by the combustion of fuel
to the connecting rod and finally to the crankshaft. Piston is usually made up
of cast iron (or) aluminium alloy.

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Naveen M R Assistant Professor
3. Cylinder head: One end of the cylinder is closed by means of a removable
plate known as cylinder head. Cylinder head usually contains the inlet valve
for admitting the mixture of air and fuel and exhaust valve for discharging
the products of combustion.

4. Piston rings: Piston rings are metallic rings and are fitted in the
circumferential grooves provided at the top end outer surface of the piston. It
gives gas tight sealing between the piston and cylinder, while the piston
reciprocating inside the cylinder. Piston rings maintain compression pressure
inside the cylinder and prevent leakage of high-pressure gases into the crank
case.

5. Connecting rod: It is a kinematic link that connects the piston and the
crank. It converts reciprocating motion of piston into rotary motion of crank.
Its small end is connected to the piston with the help of piston pin and big
end to the crank-by-crank pin. It transmits the force from piston to crank.

6. Crank and Crankshaft: The crank is a rotating element with one of its
ends connected to the lower end of the connecting rod while the other is
connected to the shaft called crankshaft. It rotates about the axis of the
crankshaft and causes the connecting rod to oscillate. The crankshaft is
supported in the main bearings and has a flywheel mounted on it to reduce
the fluctuation of speed. The main function of crankshaft is to transmit the
power developed by the engine to useful work (to run vehicle, boat, ship
etc.)

7. Crankcase: It is the lower part of the engine serving as an enclosure for the
crankshaft and also acts as an oil sump for lubricating oil.

8. Valves: Two types of valves i.e., inlet and exhaust valves located on the
cylinder head (or) on the side of the cylinder.
(1) Inlet valve: It is provided on the cylinder head for regulating the charge
coming into the cylinder.
(2) Exhaust valve: It is provided on the cylinder head for removing exhaust
gases (products of combustion) from the cylinder.
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Naveen M R Assistant Professor

9. Flywheel: It is a wheel mounted on the crankshaft which stores excess

energy during the power stroke and releases (or) returns that energy during
the other three idle strokes, thus maintaining the uniform rotation of the
crankshaft.

10. CAM: Cam is a rotating element used to control the opening and closing of
valves. Cams are designed in such a way that to open the valve at the correct
timing and to keep them open for the required duration and to close them at
the correct time.

11. Spark plug / Fuel injector: In case of petrol engines, the spark plug
provides the spark at the end of compression stroke to initiate the
combustion process. In case of diesel engines, spark plug is replaced by fuel
injector which injects diesel into the compressed air to initiate the
combustion process.

IC Engine Terminology:

Figure: IC Engine Terminology

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Naveen M R Assistant Professor
1. Bore (d): Inside diameter of the engine cylinder is called bore. It is denoted by a
letter “d”.
2. Top dead centre (TDC): The extreme position (topmost) of the piston towards
cover end (or) cylinder head is known as TDC. In case of horizontal engine, this
position is called inner dead centre position (IDC).
3. Bottom dead centre (BDC): The extreme position (bottom most) of the piston
towards the crank end of the cylinder is called BDC. In case of horizontal engine,
this position is called outer dead centre position (ODC).
4. Stroke (L): The linear distance through which the piston travel from TDC to
BDC (or) vice versa is called stroke It is equal to the twice of the radius of the
crank.
5. Clearance volume (V): The volume contained in the cylinder above the top of
piston when the piston is at TDC (or) volume of the combustion chamber when the
piston is at TDC is called clearance volume.
6. Swept volume (K) (OR) Stroke volume: The volume swept by the working
piston during one stroke. ie., when moving from TDC to BDC is called swept
volume.
7. Volume of the cylinder (V): It is sum of the clearance volume and swept
volume.
8. Compression Ratio: It is the ratio of the total volume of the cylinder to the
clearance volume.

Four Stroke Petrol Engine:

It works on the constant volume cycle (or) otto cycle. The main components
of the engine are cylinder, piston, connecting rod, crankshaft, inlet and exhaust
valves, valve opening mechanism and ignition system. The spark plug fitted at the
top of the cover end initiates the ignition of the petrol. The charge used in a 4-s
petrol engine is a mixture of air and fuel (petrol) and is supplied by carburettor in
suitable proportions. Petrol engines are also called spark ignition engines since the
charge is ignited by the spark generated by the spark plug fitted at the top of the
cover end.

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Naveen M R Assistant Professor

Figure: p-v diagram of Otto Cycle

Working of 4-stroke petrol Engine:

Figure: Working of 4-stroke petrol Engine

1. Suction stroke: The suction stroke starts when the piston is at TDC and about to
move downwards. At this time, inlet valve is open and the exhaust valve is closed.
In this situation, piston moves from TDC to BDC in downward direction. Pressure
in the cylinder slightly less than the atmospheric pressure. As the piston moves
downwards, suction is created in the cylinder and fresh charge of air-fuel mixture
enters the cylinder through inlet valve. When the piston reaches BDC, the suction
stroke ends and the inlet valve closes.

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Naveen M R Assistant Professor
2. Compression stroke: During this stroke, the piston moves from BDC to TDC in
upward direction, both inlet and exhaust valves are kept closed and compresses the
charge of air-fuel mixture. The compression ratio varies from 6-10 for petrol
engine. At the end of compression stroke, spark is produced by the spark plug
fitted at the top of the cylinder head and combustion takes place.

3. Power stroke: During this stroke, both valves are kept closed. The high
pressure burnt gases (products of combustion) expands and forces the piston in
downward direction. In this situation, piston is pushed from TDC to BDC and
rotates the crankshaft at high speed. Since the work is done during this stroke, it is
known as power stroke. Crankshaft in turns drives the machine connected to it.
Both temperature and pressure decrease during expansion.

4. Exhaust stroke: During exhaust stroke, the exhaust valve is open and inlet
valve is closed. The piston moves from BDC to TDC pushing the burnt gases to
atmosphere through open exhaust valve. The exhaust valve closes after the piston
reaches TDC so as to allow the fresh charge to enter the cylinder and the cycle
repeats. Excess energy developed in power stroke is stored in the flywheel which
helps for the operation of 3 idle strokes.

Each cylinder of a four-stroke engine completes the above four operations in

two engine revolutions, one revolution of the crankshaft occurs during the suction
and compression strokes and the second revolution occurs during the power and
exhaust strokes. There is only one power stroke for one completed cycle.

Four Stroke Diesel Engine:

Diesel engine works on the diesel cycle (constant pressure combustion cycle). In
this type of engine fuel injector is used for injection of fuels. They are also called
as compression ignition engines (C.I engines). The compression ratio is 14-20 for
C.I engines. Due to the use of high compression ratio, the temperature a
compression stroke is significantly high to self ignite the fuel which is injected into
the chamber.

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Naveen M R Assistant Professor

Figure: p-v diagram of Diesel Cycle

Working of 4-stroke Diesel Engine:

Figure: Working of Four Stroke Diesel Engine

1. Suction stroke: Suction stroke starts when the piston is at TDC and about to
move downwards. At this time, inlet valve is open and exhaust valve is closed. In
this situation, piston moves from TDC to BDC in downward direction. As the
piston moves downward, suction is created (or) negative pressure is created in the
cylinder and the fresh air is sucked into the cylinder through inlet valve. The
pressure inside the cylinder will be slightly less than the atmospheric pressure.
When the piston reaches BDC, suction stroke ends and inlet valve closes.
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Naveen M R Assistant Professor

2. Compression stroke: During this stroke, piston moves from BDC to TDC and
both the valves are kept closed. As the piston moves upward, the air gets
compressed to high pressure and temperature. Just at the end of compression
stroke, the fuel is being injected in the form of spray into the compressed air by a
fuel injector and combustion of fuel takes place. The temperature of the
compressed air is sufficient to auto ignite the fuel without the need of spark.
Combustion of fuel takes place at constant pressure. The products of combustion
(burnt gases) are formed.
3. Working stroke: In expansion stroke both the valves remain closed. Expansion
of products of combustion takes place and the piston moves in the downward
direction to BDC. The work is done during this stroke.

4. Exhaust stroke: During this stroke, exhaust valve opens and inlet valve remains
closed. The piston moves from BDC to TDC. The piston while moving from BDC
to TDC drives the burnt gases into atmosphere through the open exhaust valve so
as to make room for the fresh charge (only air) to enter the cylinder. The exhaust
valve closes after the piston reaches the TDC. This completes the cycle.

Application of IC Engines
1. Application of IC Engines in Agriculture.
2. Application of IC Engines in Marine.
3. Application of IC Engine in Aircraft Propulsion.
4. Application of IC Engine in Automobiles.
Application of IC Engines in Agriculture:
Agricultural mechanization uses basically Diesel internal combustion
engines, which require energy stored in liquid form, as most agricultural operations
are carried out in motion, for tractors, harvesters, and self-propelled sprinklers,
among others. Currently, much of this fuel is mineral, which is from finite and
non-renewable source.
Application of IC Engines in Marine:
Modern marine power plants have been designed to improve the overall
ship’s efficiency. During the previous years, diesel oil has been extensively used
on-board ships. Due to the high price of light diesel oil and the environmental
problems resulting from the use of heavy fuel oil, it has become necessary to
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Naveen M R Assistant Professor
search for an alternative to traditional fuels. As a result, natural gas fuel has been
used on-board some types of ships, especially short-voyage cruise ships.
The use of hydrogen fuel on-board ships, particularly in modern power plants may
contribute to overcoming the above problems. Compared to the diesel engine, the
hydrogen fueled engine is found to be lower in thermal efficiency and fuel
consumption; however, some adjustments are needed.
Application of IC Engine in Aircraft Propulsion:
Airplanes used internal combustion engines to turn propellers to generate
thrust. Today, most general aviation or private airplanes are still powered by
propellers and internal combustion engines, much like automobile engine. The
basic mechanical design of the right engine is remarkably similar to modern, four-
stroke, four-cylinder automobile engines. On the power stroke the piston turns a
crank which converts the linear motion of the piston into circular motion. The
turning crankshaft is then used to turn the aircraft propeller. Many different types
of IC engines are used depending upon the application and size of the aircraft.
Some of the IC Engines used in Aircraft propulsions are: horizontal opposed
engines, radial Engines and V-type engines.
Application of IC Engine in Automobiles:
IC engine is the heart of an automobile. It is the most common power source
for driving automobiles. Cars, bikes and mopeds are propelled by spark ignition IC
engine, which makes use of petrol as fuel, while heavy duty vehicles like trucks
and buses, and even some types of cars are propelled by compression ignition IC
engine, which makes use of Diesel as fuel.
Four stroke petrol v/s diesel engine:
Sl. Description Petrol Engine Diesel Engine
No. (Spark Ignition Engine) (Compression Ignition Engine)
1 Fuel used Petrol or Gasoline. Diesel
2 Admission of Mixture of air and petrol enters the Only air enters the cylinder during
charge cylinder during the suction stroke. suction stroke. Diesel is injected
at the end of compression stroke.
3 Ignition of fuel Fuel is ignited by a spark generated by the The heat of compression of air
spark plug. ignites the fuel.

4 Cycle of Works on Otto cycle or constant volume Works on Diesel cycle or constant
operation combustion cycle. pressure combustion cycle
5 Power developed Power developed is low due to low Comparatively higher due to high
compression ratios. compression ratios.

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6 Compression Compression ratio ranges from 6:1 to 10:1 Compression ratio is
ratio comparatively high and is in the
range of 16:1 to 22:1.
7 Fuel consumption More Comparatively less
8 Weight/space Lighter in weight and also occupies less In order to withstand high
occupied space. temperatures and pressures during
compression, the engine is
designed to be somewhat heavier
and stronger. Also occupies more
space.
9 Maintenance cost Low Comparatively higher, because
they require frequent
maintenance.
10 Thermal Thermal efficiency is low due to low Comparatively higher due to high
efficiency compression ratios compression ratios.
11 Speed Due to light weight, they run at high Due to heavy weight, they run at
speeds. low/medium speeds.
12 Uses Used in scooters, motor bikes, cars, large Used in buses, trucks, tractor,
boats, etc. bulldozers, marine, and industrial
applications.
13 Torque Low torque High torque. The engine can pull
heavy loads easily than a petrol
engine.
14 Running/ The initial cost of petrol engine is low, but Initial cost of diesel engine is
operating costs the running cost is high, because the cost high, but the running cost is low,
of petrol is high and also fuel consumed is because the cost of diesel oil is
more. less, and also fuel consumed is
less.
15 Engine life Petrol destroys lubrication. The Diesel fuel has better lubrication
Life expectancy of the engine is properties, and also increased
comparatively low. strength of parts used improves
the engine life.
16 Noise & Negligible due to low operating pressures Noise and vibrations are high due
vibration inside the cylinder. to higher operating pressures
inside the cylinder.
17 Pollution Exhaust pollution is more. The air-petrol Diesel engine consumes less fuel
mixture supplied by the carburetor is than petrol engine. Also, they
constant, and hence the un-burnt fuel due burn fuel in excess air which
to lack of air escapes to the atmosphere results in wide range of air-fuel
causing more pollution. ratios. Hence less pollution.
However they produce black soot
at low temperatu
18 Starting of Can be easily started even in cold Difficult to start in cold
engine conditions. conditions.
19 Governing Quantitative method of governing is Qualitative method of governing
employed. is employed.
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Naveen M R Assistant Professor
Introduction to Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Principle of Refrigeration
The primary purpose of refrigeration is to keep the substance cold. However
cold is only the absence of heat, just as darkness is the absence of light. Hence in
order to keep the substance cold, heat must be continuously removed from the
given substance. According to the law of thermodynamics, heat naturally flows
from a hot substance to a cold substance. But if heat has to flow from a cold
substance to a hot substance, some form of work has to be performed.
Refrigeration works on the above principle, wherein heat is continuously
extracted from the low temperature substance by performing mechanical work, and
rejecting this heat to the surrounding atmosphere (high temperature level). A
carrier substance is used to extract the heat, and this substance is known as
refrigerant. The refrigerant is a chemical substance, and includes ammonia, carbon
dioxide, methyl chloride, Freon, etc.
The refrigerant in the liquid state is made to circulate in a cycle, through a
series of events where it undergoes a change of phase from liquid to vapour
(gaseous), and again back to the liquid state. During its change from liquid to
vapour state, it absorbs heat from the substance, & a change from vapour to liquid
phase helps in rejection of heat to the surroundings. The process repeats again &
again thereby maintaining low temperatures in the given space or substance.

REFRIGERANTS:
A refrigerant is a chemical substance that absorbs heat from a substance (or given
space) by evaporating at a low temperature and pressure, and rejecting the heat by
condensing at a high temperature and pressure. The refrigerant does not undergo
any chemical change during the process, instead undergoes a change of phase from
liquid to vapour by absorbing heat, and vapour to liquid phase by rejecting the
heat. The different types of refrigerants include: ammonia, sulphur dioxide, carbon
dioxide, methyl chloride, Freon, etc.

Properties of Refrigerants:
Refrigerants are specially selected substances that have certain characteristics.
These include;

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a) Thermodynamic properties
 Low boiling point. A good refrigerant should have a boiling point below the
target temperature. Since boiling point is affected by pressure*, refrigerants
should be selected based on the operating pressures.
 Low freezing point, so that the liquid refrigerant must not solidify under a
specified pressure.
 High latent heat of vapoursation, so that heat transfer can occur with least
possible circulating refrigerant.
 High critical temperature A, for easy condensation of refrigerant vapour.

b) Physical properties
 Low viscosity for easy circulation of the refrigerant.
 Low liquid specific heat, and high vapour specific heat so as to increase the
refrigerating effect per kg of refrigerant circulated.
 Low specific volume, so that the refrigerant occupies minimum space
thereby keeping the compressor capacity to a minimum and pipe diameters
relatively small.
 High thermal conductivity, so that heat transfer takes place easily.
 High electric insulation.

c) Chemical properties
 Non-toxic for health and safety reasons.
 Non-flammable & non-explosive to avoid risks of fire and explosion.
 Non-corrosive, so that the refrigerant does not corrode the machine
components.
 Good chemical stability, so that it does not disassociate or break down. The
refrigerant has to be stable for the life time of the refrigerator.
 Miscible with lubricating oil, i.e., the refrigerant should have good mixing*
properties with the lubricant oil, which is used to lubricate the moving parts
of the compressor.

d) Other properties
Availability • Low cost • Ease of handling • No impact on the ozone layer

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Types of Refrigerants
There are various types of refrigerants in use since the invention of refrigeration.
Yet the search for a better refrigerant is a ongoing process. Some of the commonly
used refrigerants, its properties and uses are briefed as follows.

a) Ammonia
Ammonia is the oldest and widely used of all the refrigerants. It has a
normal boiling point temperature of -33.3°C, soluble in water, produce high
refrigeration effect, costs less, and does not harm the ozone layer. However it is
highly toxic, not miscible with lubricating oil, explosive, moderately flammable,
irritating and corrosive. These food destroying properties makes it unsuitable for
domestic refrigerators. But this type of refrigerant is used where its toxic nature is
not considered seriously. It is used in large commercial applications like ice
manufacturing plants, packaging plants, cold storage, etc.

b) Sulphur dioxide
Sulphur dioxide is non-flammable, non-corrosive, absorbs a lot of heat in
evaporation, and dissolves oil well. However, it has a high boiling point of -10°C
resulting in low refrigerating effect. Also, it is suffocating and possesses irritating
odour, and in the presence of moisture it forms sulphuric acid that is corrosive to
refrigerator parts. The refrigerant was used in domestic refrigerators in olden days,
but now obsolete (no longer used).

c) Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is non-toxic, non-flammable, inexpensive, and odourless
gas. It has a normal boiling point of-77.6°C. It is nearly 1.53 times heavier than air,
and hence requires high operating pressures thereby lowering the efficiency of
refrigeration. However, due to its low specific volume, the plant size can be made
compact (small in size) to be used in large ships, theater air conditioning systems,
and similar such applications where space consideration is more important.

d) Freon
Freon group of refrigerants are highly efficient, and overcomes the
disadvantages of all the above types of refrigerants. However, these refrigerants

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were discovered to deplete the ozone layer thereby making us to search for newer
refrigerants. Two types of freon refrigerants are briefed as follows.
Freon-12 (R 12)

Freon-12.
shortly designated as R12 with a chemical formula CC/2F2 (dichloro
difluoromethane) is non-flammable, non-explosive, non-corrosive and odourless. It
has a normal boiling point of -29.8°C. It is used in small capacity equipment’s such
as domestic refrigerators, water coolers, air conditioners, automobiles, etc.

Freon-22 (R 22)
Freon-22, shortly designated as R22 with a chemical formula CHCIF,
(chloro difuoromethane) has almost similar properties as that of Freon-12. It has a
normal boiling point of -40.8°C that is about 10° less than that of Freon-12. It is
therefore, a comparatively high pressure refrigerant. Freon-22 is employed in large
capacity plants like packaged air conditioning units where size of equipment and
economy are important. It is also used for low and medium temperature
refrigeration.
Note In India, from the year 2010, only recycled or saved stocks of Freon
refrigerants can be used. It will no longer be manufactured.

e) Modern Refrigerants — HFC (Hydro Fluoro Carbon)

Hydrofluoro carbons (HFCs) are a family of hydrocarbons containing one or
several fluorine atoms, but no chlorine atoms; thus have no ozone depleting
potential. Members of this family of compounds possess favourable
thermodynamic, health and safety properties to be used as an alternative refrigerant
to R12 and R22. For example R134A known as tetra fluoromethane (CH2FCF 3) is
a HFC compound with no chlorine content, is non-corrosive, non-toxic, and non-
flammable. It has a normal boiling point of -15°C. It is identified as a replacement
for R12 refrigerant.
R134A is used for medium temperature applications such as air conditioning
and commercial refrigeration. The refrigerant in widely used in modern car air
conditioners. Other refrigerant of HFC compounds include R407C. R410A, etc.

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Vapour Compression Refrigerator (VCR)
Vapour compression refrigerator works on vapour compression cycle, and
finds use for domestic (household) purpose. as well as in many large commercial
and industrial refrigeration. The details of VCR are briefed as follows.

Construction
Figure shows the refrigeration circuit with four basic components in its
simplest form. The basic components include: evaporator, compressor, condenser,
& expansion valve.
The evaporator is a component located inside the cabinet in which the
substance has to be cooled. It consists of a serpentine or coiled set of pipes through
which the refrigerant flow.

A reciprocating compressor with a piston-cylinder arrangement is placed at

the bottom portion of the refrigerator. The compressor is driven by an electric
motor from an AC power supply. It performs two functions:

 Compress the vapour refrigerant to high pressures and temperatures.

 Circulate the refrigerant in a circuit so that the refrigerant can perform its
heat absorbing function over and over again.

The condenser is similar in appearance to the evaporator, and is usually

placed at the back of the refrigerator. The condenser acts like a heat exchanger,
wherein the vapour refrigerant while flowing through it, gives away its heat to the
cooling medium (air / water) circulating around the coils. The vapour refrigerant
after rejecting heat gets condensed to liquid state.
The expansion valve is a small orifice (tiny opening), which performs two
functions:

 Reduce the pressure of the refrigerant as it flows through it.

 Regulate the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator.

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Figure: Vapour compression refrigeration cycle

Working:
To begin with, let us assume that the low pressure and low temperature
liquid refrigerant (partly vapour) in the evaporator absorbs the heat from the inside
of the cabinet and undergoes a change of phase from liquid to vapour. This vapour
at low temperature and low pressure is drawn into the compressor, where it is
compressed (squeezed) to high pressure and temperature. The compressor then
circulates the refrigerant to the condenser.
While the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant flows through the
condenser, it gives away its latent heat to the cooling medium, either air or water
flowing around the condenser coils. As a result, the vapour refrigerant gets
condensed to liquid state. The temperature of the refrigerant decreases, but its
pressure remains constant.
The high pressure and low temperature liquid refrigerant coming from the
condenser passes through the expansion valve (a tiny opening), where it is
expanded to low pressure and temperatures. The temperature of the refrigerant
after expansion will be below than the temperature inside the cabinet. The low
pressure, low temperature liquid refrigerant now enters the evaporator where it
absorbs heat from the cabinet and changes to vapour phase. The low pressure, low
temperature vapour refrigerant is drawn into the compressor and the cycle
repeats. Thus, heat is continuously extracted from the cabinet thereby keeping the
substance inside the cabinet at the required lower temperature.
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Room Air Conditioner
Room air conditioner, also called window units is the simplest form of air
conditioning designed to cool a single room. Figure 10.3 shows the top view of the
various components of a room air conditioner.

Construction
The air conditioner unit mainly consists of a compressor, condenser,
expansion valve, and a evaporator working in a vapour compression cycle. Other
components include an air filter, a control panel, a double shaft motor that drives a
fan at one end and a blower at the other end. The evaporator and expansion valve
are located at the room side (indoor), while the compressor and condenser are
located at the outdoor side. The room side and the outdoor side of the unit are
separated by an insulated partition wall within the casing of the air conditioner as
shown in the figure.

Working
The blower draws the warm air from the room through the air filter and over
the evaporator coils. The low pressure and low temperature liquid refrigerant
(partly vapour) flowing through the evaporator coils absorb heat from the warm air
and undergoes a change of phase from liquid to vapour. The blower then delivers

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the cool air to the room where it mixes with the room air to bring down the
temperature and humidity of the room.
The low temperature and low-pressure vapour refrigerant from the
evaporator is drawn by the suction of the compressor, which compresses it to high
pressure and temperature. The high pressure, high temperature vapour refrigerant
now flows through the condenser coils. The fan located at the outdoor side draws
atmospheric air and blows it over the condenser coils. The heat contained in the
refrigerant is dissipated to the atmosphere, and as a result, the vapour refrigerant
condenses to liquid state.
The high pressure, low temperature liquid refrigerant now enters the
expansion valve, where it is expanded to low pressure and temperature. The low
pressure and low temperature liquid refrigerant (partly vapour) enters the
evaporator coils, absorb heat from the warm air, and the cycle repeats until the
desired temperature inside the room is achieved.
After the desired room temperature has been achieved, the thermostat in the air
conditioner unit cuts the power supply to turn the compressor OFF. As the room
warms up, the thermostat initiates the power supply and the cycle repeats till the
desired temperature in the room is achieved. Usually, the compressor has to be
turned OFF for at least 3 minutes before turning ON again to prevent it from being
damaged.

APPLICATIONS OF AIR CONDITIONING

various applications of air conditioning can be grouped into two categories
namely, comfort applications and process applications, briefed as follows:

a) Comfort applications
Comfort applications aims to provide an indoor environment that remains constant
in a range preferred by human beings despite variations in external weather
conditions or internal heat loads. Applications include:
• Residential house and buildings, Institutional buildings like hospitals, academic
laboratories, etc., commercial buildings like malls, shopping centers, restaurants,
offices, etc., and transportation like cars, buses, ships, aircrafts, space craft etc.

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BEMEM203
Naveen M R Assistant Professor
b) Process applications
Process applications aims to provide a suitable environment for a process being
carried out, irrespective of changes in internal heat loads and external weather
conditions. Applications include:
 Medical operation theaters, where air is filtered to high levels to reduce
infection risk, and the humidity controlled to limit patient dehydration, etc.
 Industrial environment, especially in the production of integrated chips,
microprocessors, nano material fabrication, and other production
environments like textile industries that require a very high level of air
cleanliness and control over humidity for efficient production &
maintenance of machines & equipments.
 For breeding laboratory animals
 Oil refineries, chemical plants and petrochemical plants, to maintain
processes at low temperatures. For example, liquefy gases like oxygen,
nitrogen, propane and methane, alkylation of butane and butaneto to
produce a high octane gasoline component, etc.
 Pharmaceutical industries, for the production procedures of biological and
biochemical reactions, drug and medicine productions etc.
 Dam centers that store groups of servers used to process and distribute data.
The servers naturally produce plenty of heat during operation, requiring
efficient cooling system.
 Food and beverage industries, etc.

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