Inverter air conditioner

An inverter air conditioner or inverter is an improved version of a conventional air conditioner that works on the principle of double voltage conversion. After reading this article, you will learn why such air conditioners are more expensive, why they are better, and how to choose the model that is right for you.

What does an inverter air conditioner consist of? Differences between an inverter air conditioner and a conventional one

To understand the differences between an inverter and a classic air conditioner, you need to have a general understanding of the structure of this equipment.

As you know, an air conditioner consists of two main blocks - external and internal. The indoor unit monitors the temperature of the refrigerated room through a sensor and sends a signal to the condenser to change the operating mode. Also in the indoor unit there is an evaporator in which the refrigerant (freon for household devices) changes its state of aggregation from liquid to gaseous, while absorbing the thermal energy of the external environment. This causes the room temperature to decrease.

The external unit contains another important element of the system - a capacitor.In it, under the action of a compressor, freon changes back from gaseous to liquid form and releases heat into the environment. This heat is removed using a radiator and fan.

A conventional air conditioner has only two operating modes - it works at full power or is inactive. Thus, the temperature is regulated rather roughly. From time to time, excess cold forms in the system, which has to be released into the environment, which leads to inefficient operation of the device.

The inverter compressor can operate at different power levels. Thus, the heat exchange process between the blocks, and therefore the cooling of the room, will proceed more smoothly and accurately.

Principle of operation

The inverter built into the air conditioner is a converter of alternating electric current into direct current and vice versa. This allows you to control the compressor through a voltage frequency that is constant in the electrical network and is 50 Hz.

The inverter inputs alternating current and converts it to direct current. Then the reverse conversion to alternating current is performed, and the output frequency required by the capacitor to provide the desired heat transfer rate is generated.

The control unit of the device reads the value from the temperature sensor and regulates the inverter output frequency, changing the intensity of the compressor.

When starting, the split system turns on at full power until the temperature of the cooled room approaches the set one. In the classics, a peak voltage surge occurs caused by the start of the compressor. The inverter electronics allow for a “soft” start and output to maximum power.

After entering the mode, the compressor does not turn off just like in a traditional air conditioner.It reduces power to approximately 10% of rated power. As soon as the room temperature rises higher, the operating power increases to the limit of comfortable loads.

Pros and cons of inverter air conditioners

The advantages of inverter systems stem from the principle of their operation:

• more economical at start and in modes far from maximum power;
• can function for a long time, not limited to 8 hours a day, like classic models;
• more durable due to the absence of shock loads and the operation of system parts near the maximum power level;
• more accurate temperature maintenance (1-1.5⁰C) by changing the compressor frequency;
• heating option in the cold season - the properties of freon allow this to be done at temperatures down to -25⁰WITH;
• no network congestion, since the device mainly operates at optimal power;
• less noisy - for the same reason;
• provide more comfortable cooling compared to traditional devices.

The disadvantages of inverter air conditioners are as follows:

• first of all, they are significantly more expensive;
• presence of losses during double current conversion;
• more demanding on the quality of the electrical network - the electronic control unit may not tolerate power surges;
• due to the presence of an inverter, the external unit has become larger and heavier, which somewhat complicates the installation process and places additional demands on the strength of the structure;
• more expensive to operate and repair due to the availability of a larger number and variety of spare parts.

The efficiency of an inverter device can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.It all depends on its operating mode: when it reaches the set temperature after switching on and operates in the optimal frequency range, the absence of idle losses and the smooth operation of the compressor will cover the losses due to double current conversion.

However, if the device is constantly used close to its maximum power, the inverter will not be able to realize its advantages, while losses from double current conversion can lead to a significant deterioration in efficiency compared to traditional models. The efficiency of each converter is no more than 90%, which means we are talking about constant net losses that depend on power.

Thus, two conclusions can be drawn:

• inverters are not recommended for use in rooms such as kitchens, where heat-generating appliances are installed - stoves, kettles, etc., or office spaces with high air exchange;
• Special attention should be paid to selecting power and ensuring the necessary reserve for long-term and efficient operation of the inverter device.

Top 3 inverter air conditioners

To determine the best manufacturers and, especially, models, it is necessary to define evaluation criteria. Depending on their use, different requirements will apply. For example, we can talk about the best models for allergy sufferers, for use in bedrooms, systems for universal use or economical options.

According to the rating of one of the suppliers specializing in climate control systems, the leading positions in the category of ultra-reliable inverters are occupied by Japanese brands: Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Among the highly reliable ones, the top three winners were also Japanese manufacturers: TOSHIBA, Mitsubishi Heavy Industrie, HITACHI.

The leaders in popularity among economy class models are:

• Ballu (Russia);
• Lessar (Czech Republic);
• General Climate (Russia).

Caring for an inverter air conditioner

Like any other equipment, the air conditioning system requires regular monitoring and maintenance. During operation, the inverter pumps a huge amount of air, which is contaminated with dust particles, especially on the lower floors of houses in megacities. All this dust settles on the filters and partially penetrates inside the external unit.

If left unmaintained, the system creates conditions for bacterial growth and mold, which can ultimately lead to failure of the units or even become a potential source of bacterial diseases in the refrigerated room.

To avoid these negative consequences, it is necessary to carry out routine maintenance of the inverter, including antibacterial treatment, replacing filters, checking routes and replacing/refilling the refrigerant, cleaning the heat exchanger and other necessary operations.

It is also recommended to check the oil and freon levels from time to time.