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When choosing an air conditioning service, not the least important factor is whether it is equipped with certain functions and technologies. Night mode, remote switching, energy saving mode – sometimes the buyer’s choice depends on the presence or absence of a particular function.
The present review is devoted to the technological tendencies which are observed in the split-systems market nowadays.
The New Refrigerant R32
The most important step that the climatic equipment made in recent years is the transition to the new refrigerating medium R32. Transition to the new refrigerant, as it is known, entails the development of practically all elements of any split-system – compressor, heat exchangers, thermostatic expansion valve, and automatics.
It is necessary to note that R32 refrigerant is not a newcomer in the field of air conditioning systems. It is one of the components of the widely spread until recently refrigerant R410a. R32 excels over R410a not only ecologically – its global warming potential is 3 times less, but also practically – the mass of charging R32 is less than that of R410a.
New Types of Air Conditioning
Engineers at the University of Massachusetts invented a new kind of air conditioning. The air conditioner is equipped with special sensors that react to movement. They put the system on low power or turn it off when no one is in the room. Thus, electricity is used much more economically, and, accordingly, energy and utility costs are minimized.
Air Conditioners, Powered by Solar Energy
Another project was presented by the Australian company Chromasun – a solar-powered air conditioner. This system uses solar energy, which can be supplemented with natural gas as an alternative energy supply at times when sunlight is insufficient.
This technology is not widespread, and it will probably be several years before solar air conditioners are available to customers. Nevertheless, this design promises to provide more cooling options than any other modern system, as well as eliminate energy costs overall.
An Air Conditioner with Water Freezing System
Air conditioning systems are open to tweaks and improvements. That’s why California-based Ice Energy created the Ice Bear model, which works by freezing water in a tank overnight, then the next day simply condensing the cold stored in the ice, providing room cooling for up to six hours.
After the ice melts, normal commercial air conditioning takes over cooling, which is why Ice Bear works in conjunction with a conventional unit. The company describes the product as an efficient and economical solution for the home, as it significantly reduces energy consumption during the hottest hours of the day.
Air Conditioner Printed on a 3D Printer
3D printing is becoming more and more advanced lately. Haier Group, China’s largest company producing a variety of home appliances, has unveiled the world’s first air conditioner printed using a 3D printer. What makes it special is the fact that it can be fully customized to function and even look the way the customer wants it to.
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