A portable room air conditioner (AC) works on the same basic principles as any other air conditioning system. It is designed to cool the air by removing heat and moisture from an enclosed space (e.g., a room) and then expelling the heat outside. Let's break down the working process step by step:
Refrigerant: The unit uses a refrigerant, typically a chemical compound that can change from a gas to a liquid and back again at relatively low temperatures. This refrigerant is contained within a closed loop system.
Compressor: The compressor is the heart of the air conditioner. It compresses the low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant gas, causing its temperature and pressure to rise significantly.
Condenser Coil: The hot, high-pressure refrigerant gas is then passed through a condenser coil located on the back or side of the portable AC unit. Here, the heat from the refrigerant is released to the surrounding air, causing the gas to condense into a high-pressure liquid.
Expansion Valve: The high-pressure liquid refrigerant then passes through an expansion valve, where it rapidly expands, leading to a drop in temperature and pressure.
Evaporator Coil: The low-pressure, low-temperature liquid refrigerant is passed through an evaporator coil located inside the room. As warm air from the room is drawn in by the unit, the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air, causing the air to cool down.
Fan: A fan inside the unit helps circulate the air over the evaporator coil, ensuring that cooled air is distributed throughout the room.
Exhaust Hose: The portable AC unit is equipped with an exhaust hose that vents the hot air and moisture generated during the cooling process to the outside. This hose can be connected to a window or a vent.
Now, let's address the noise issue in portable AC units. There are a few reasons why they tend to be noisier compared to other types of AC units:
Compact Design: Portable AC units are designed to be small and portable, which means they have limited space for sound-dampening materials. This can result in more noise being transmitted to the surrounding environment.
Single Unit Design: Unlike split-system air conditioners, which have an indoor unit (evaporator) and an outdoor unit (condenser), portable AC units house all the components in a single unit. This condensed design can lead to more noise being generated in the immediate vicinity of the user.
Higher Fan Speeds: Due to their smaller size, portable AC units often need to use higher fan speeds to circulate air effectively. Higher fan speeds can result in more noise generation.
Vibrations: Portable AC units may produce vibrations as the compressor and other components operate, and these vibrations can contribute to the overall noise level.
Manufacturers are aware of the noise issue and continuously work on improving the design and technology to reduce noise levels. When purchasing a portable AC unit, it's a good idea to check the decibel rating, as some models may be quieter than others. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of the unit can also help reduce noise caused by dirty or malfunctioning components.