It is worth learning the basics of the common AC systems used in Dubai before calling an AC contractor to installed Air Conditioning systems for your villa or building projects. In this article we are trying to give you a comparison of various AC systems.
Decorative Split Unit System
The decorative split AC system consists of two parts as follows:
Outdoor unit and Indoor unit
Outdoor unit has compressor, condenser, evaporator and associated piping, valves etc.
The indoor unit is normally a wall mounted or ceiling mounted unit with a fan to circulate air. No duct work is required.
Advantages:
Easy installation
The AC units are dedicated to the apartments/offices and fed from their own distribution boards. Hence the AC usage charges are included in electricity bill.
Ducted Split System
The Ducted Split system is very common in apartment buildings with up to 6 floors. This system has out door unit and indoor fan coil unit (FCU). Outdoor unit is similar to that in the decorative split system. The indoor FCU has ducts connected to it to distribute air into various rooms. The temperature is controlled using thermostats.
Advantages:
The AC units are dedicated to the apartments/offices and fed from their own distribution boards. Hence the AC usage charges are included in electricity bill.
Even distribution of air
VRF System
Variable refrigerant system (VRF) system has several indoor units connected to one outdoor unit. The outdoor unit is theoretically similar to the one in split unit systems but usually a bigger one. The refrigerant flow in indoor units can be controlled by thermostats in various rooms.
Advantages:
Energy efficient
Suitable for buildings with more than 6 floors.
Central Air-conditioning System
In Central Air Conditioning system, one chiller unit installed outside the area to be cooled provides cold water at very low temperature. The cold water is distributed using insulated chilled water pipes to feed fan coil units or Air handling units installed in the area to be cooled. The FCU provides cold air in the area to be cooled and the temperature can be controlled by a thermostat.
The System consists following parts
Compressor, Condenser, Evaporator and associated valves, piping etc. included in the chiller unit.
Primary chilled water pumps and primary chilled water pipes
Heat Exchanger
Secondary chilled water pumps and secondary chilled water pipes
Air handling units and FCUs
Thermostats
Controls including variable frequency drives
The chiller unit cools down the primary water which is circulated by primary chilled water pumps.
The chillers are of two different types.
Air cooled chillers and water cooled chillers
Air-cooled chillers are compact. It requires only low maintenance. Water cooled chillers require a cooling tower but are highly energy efficient.