Wednesday, July 6, 2011

The Facts About Air Conditioning

By Wanda T. Milam


Air conditioning is a system that removes heat from an environment to provide thermal comfort. It is sometimes called AC or air con. This system can refer to any form of heating, cooling, disinfection or ventilation that is done to change the condition of the air. Air con can come in the form of a machine, system or appliance. It typically uses evaporation or a refrigeration cycle to stabilize the humidity and air temperature of an environment.

The advancements in chemistry during the nineteenth century led to the emergence of air con systems we know today. Willis Haviland Carrier is responsible for the first large-scale and electrical AC system. He developed this system in 1902. It was able to control humidity and temperature, something that previous inventions had been unable to do. The first mass-produced air cons were hazardous because they used flammable or toxic gases that sometimes leaked and caused deadly accidents.

Innovation of these systems continues today. With the global warming potential comes the desire to improve air quality. Developments have become focused on energy efficiency and air-quality improvement. Some have suggested changing refrigerants used. Carbon dioxide has been proposed as an alternative.

There are two broad air conditioning applications. That is, two primary uses. These applications are comfort and process. The objective for both extends beyond temperature. They also serve to regulate humidity, air quality and movement.

Comfort applications are designed to provide comfort for a human, regardless of the weather conditions outside of the indoor environment. Within these systems, the temperature is always in range of thermal comfort. Process applications are designed to provide ideal conditions for a specific process. Human comfort levels do not determine settings. The needs of the process are used to provide a suitable setting, despite humidity, internal heat and external weather.

AC systems come in different forms. Heat pumps are a type of air con that has a refrigeration cycle capable of reversing. It is able to produce hot and cold air. Dehumidifiers are designed to remove humidity from the atmosphere. Portable AC systems have wheels that make them easy to move. Air conditioners are commonly used in transportation devices for comfort purposes.

These systems can positively or negatively impact the health of humans. Air conditioning has been known to save lives of individuals who live in areas with heat waves. It can create a hypoallergenic atmosphere in hospitals, which allows for cleanliness and safety. It can also provide relief for asthma and allergy sufferers. Some systems, commonly those in water-cooling towers, have been known to produce and spread microorganisms, which can lead to serious health issues.




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