DETERMINATION OF REFRIGERANT CHARGE OF AN AIR CONDITIONER (WINDOW TYPE) AFTER MAINTENANCE

Abstract

Evaluating the amount of refrigerant charge of a refrigeration system is quite important to predict the lifetime of the compressor, to avoid undesired pressures and consequently leakage, to reduce costs related to the electricity consumed and to minimize environmental impacts. The maintenance of such equipment is often a complicated task that requires technical abilities and time, especially when the amount of refrigerant charge is not specified on the device. Due to this, many systems work in an overcharged or undercharged mode. In this study, a simple method was applied which uses the internal volume of the condenser and evaporator pipes to determine the ideal refrigerant charge for these specific systems. The procedures were adapted from refrigerators to air conditioners of the window type. The system working with the calculated charge presented a 0.9% reduction in the COP (Coefficient of Performance) of the system and a 3.5% reduction in electricity consumption. Furthermore, the application of this method saved 10.7% of the refrigerant. In conclusion, it is worth applying this method to reduce costs with the use of refrigerant and electricity and the reduction in COP is very small.