If both the evaporator coil and the condensing coil are installed in-line in the air handling unit (AHU) with the air supply coming from the evaporator coil end, it would not be an ideal or productive setup for air conditioning or refrigeration. This configuration is not commonly used in standard HVAC systems due to several technical and practical reasons. Let's explore why this setup would be inefficient and ineffective:
Temperature Control: In a typical air conditioning system, the evaporator coil is located on the cold side, where it absorbs heat from the indoor air, cooling it down. The condensing coil is on the hot side, where it releases the absorbed heat to the outside environment. If both coils were placed in-line and the air supply comes from the evaporator coil end, it would be challenging to control the temperature effectively. The air would initially be cooled by the evaporator coil but then heated up again by the condensing coil, resulting in a lack of temperature control and uncomfortable indoor conditions.
Airflow and Air Mixing: Installing both coils in-line with the air supply coming from the evaporator coil end would likely cause air mixing issues. The hot air from the condensing coil would mix with the cool air from the evaporator coil, leading to inconsistent and inefficient cooling. Air mixing can reduce the overall cooling capacity and compromise the system's ability to maintain the desired indoor temperature.
Energy Efficiency: Air conditioning systems are designed to maximize energy efficiency by optimizing the heat transfer process. Placing both coils in-line as described would result in inefficient cooling and unnecessary energy consumption, leading to higher operating costs.
Refrigerant Circuit: In a standard air conditioning or refrigeration system, the refrigerant flows in a specific cycle, transferring heat between the evaporator and condensing coils. Installing both coils in-line without a proper refrigerant circuit design would disrupt the heat transfer process, further reducing the system's cooling capacity.
To achieve productive and efficient air conditioning, the evaporator and condensing coils should be installed in their traditional locations, with proper air and refrigerant flow arrangements. The air handling unit should be designed to supply cooled air from the evaporator coil end while ensuring that the hot air from the condensing coil is exhausted to the outside environment.
In summary, the described setup with both coils installed in-line with the air supply coming from the evaporator coil end would not achieve productive or efficient air conditioning conditions. It is essential to follow standard HVAC design principles to ensure optimal cooling performance and energy efficiency in air conditioning systems.