Rectification And Repair Of A Faulty Air Conditioner

The rectification and repair of a malfunctioning air conditioner constitute a comprehensive process aimed at restoring the optimal functionality of the cooling system. Addressing issues within the intricate network of components, including the compressor, condenser, and evaporator, requires a meticulous examination of the unit. The diagnosis begins with identifying specific faults, such as refrigerant leaks, electrical malfunctions, or compressor failures, each necessitating tailored solutions. Skilled technicians adeptly navigate through the labyrinth of intricate circuitry and mechanical components, employing diagnostic tools to pinpoint the root causes of the malfunction. Additionally, routine maintenance and timely repairs are imperative to sustain the system’s efficiency and prolong its lifespan, ensuring a consistent and comfortable indoor climate. Regular servicing emerges as a crucial aspect, preventing the escalation of minor faults into major complications and promoting the sustained performance of the air conditioning system.

This work covers diagnosing, repairing faults and replacing faulty components in air conditioning systems, components, interconnecting circuits and equipments. It encompasses working safely, reading electrical circuit diagrams, refrigeration, hydronic and air distribution system diagrams and manufacturers reference material, sketching diagrams from traced wiring and piping systems, applying logical fault finding procedures, conducting repairs, replacing components and completing the necessary service documentation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER PAGE

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL PAGE

DEDICATION

ACKNOWELDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1      BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

  • AIM OF THE PROJECT
  • OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT
  • PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT
  • SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT
  • APPLICATION OF THE PROJECT

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

  • OVERVIEW OF THE STUDY
  • HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
  • OPERATING PRINCIPLES

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

  • DESCRIPTION OF AIR CONDITIONER AND THEIR FUNCTION
  • AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER PROBLEM, RECTIFICATION AND REPAIR
  • AIR CONDITIONER THERMOSTAT PROBLEM, RECTIFICATION AND REPAIR
  • AIR CONDITIONER EVAPORATOR COIL PROBLEM, RECTIFICATION AND REPAIR
  • AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR PROBLEM, RECTIFICATION AND REPAIR
  • AIR FILTER PROBLEM AND REPAIR
  • AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSER PROBLEM, RECTIFICATION AND REPAIR
  • AIR CONDITIONER FAN PROBLEM AND REPAIR

CHAPTER FOUR

TESTING AND RESULTS

  • AIR CONDITIONING CALCULATIONS
  • COOLING CAPACITY
  • AIR-CONDITIONER SIZING
  • CALCULATION FOR SIZING AN AIR-CONDITIONER

 

CHAPTER FIVE

  • CONCLUSION
  • RECOMMENDATION
  • REFERENCES

 

 

 

CHAPTER ONE

1.0                                                        INTRODUCTION

Air conditioning is the process of removing heat and moisture from the interior of an occupied space, to improve the comfort of occupants. Air conditioning can be used in both domestic and commercial environments. This process is most commonly used to achieve a more comfortable interior environment, typically for humans and animals; however, air conditioning is also used to cool/dehumidify rooms filled with heat-producing electronic devices, such as computer servers, power amplifiers, and even to display and store some delicate products, such as artwork.

Air conditioners often use a fan to distribute the conditioned air to an occupied space such as a building or a car to improve thermal comfort and indoor air quality. Electric refrigerant-based AC units range from small units that can cool a small bedroom, which can be carried by a single adult, to massive units installed on the roof of office towers that can cool an entire building. The cooling is typically achieved through a refrigeration cycle, but sometimes evaporation or free cooling is used. Air conditioning systems can also be made based on desiccants (chemicals which remove moisture from the air) and subterraneous pipes that can distribute the heated refrigerant to the ground for cooling.[2]

In the most general sense, air conditioning can refer to any form of technology that modifies the condition of air (heating, (de-)humidification, cooling, cleaning, ventilation, or air movement). In common usage, though, “air conditioning” refers to systems which cool air. In construction, a complete system of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning is referred to as HVAC.[3]

The main function of an air conditioning system is mainly to produce cool ventilation inside the building in which the heat is taken out from a certain location to give a chilled air effect. The main process is that the air circulation is drawn to the condenser containing refrigerant gas.

However, when an air conditioner fails to perform its function we said the air conditioner is faulty and needs to be rectified and repaired. When an air conditioner suddenly stops working, it can be cause for alarm or it can be something as simple as a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. While many problems with air conditioner will require a professional technician to repair the issue. This work highlights different faults of an ac and also deals with different methods they can be rectified and repaired in a student mechanical workshop.

1.1                                                   AIM OF THE PROJECT

The main aim of this work is to rectify and repair faults in an air conditioner in mechanical engineering workshop.

1.2                                             OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

At the end of this project, student involves shall be able:

  1. To report faults and diagnosed in a logical and systematic manner in accordance with industry practice.
  2. To Underline causes or ac faults and are correctly established.
  3. Faults are rectified in accordance with standard industry practices.
  4. To repair, adjust, and replace components.
  5. Underlying causes are correctly established and documented in accordance with worksite procedures.
  6. State the safety precautions to be observed when rectifying faults in AC unit
  7. To list different faults in an ac unit.

1.4                                              PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT

This unit standard is for people working or intending to work in the air conditioning. Student credited with this unit standard are able to, under supervision; prepare to diagnose and rectify faults in air conditioning system in mechanical workshop. The purpose is to rectify and repair faults in air conditioning mechanical systems and components, to complete fault diagnosis and repair procedures.

1.5                                         SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

As a student of mechanical engineering, this work exposed me to working principle of an air conditioner, faults and troubleshooting guide to help you address the most common problems you may encounter with your air conditioner.

With this work I was able to explain how to repair and replace ac parts and supply hints for troubleshooting noise problems and performing the replacement.

1.6                          APPLICATIONS OF THE PROJECT

Apart from academic purposes, this study can also be useful to:

  1. Ac producers,
  2. Ac users/ owners
  3. Ac technicians, etc. For rectification and repair of a faulty air conditioner.

 

SHARE PROJECT MATERIALS ON:

MORE DESCRIPTION:

Rectification And Repair Of A Faulty Air Conditioner:

Rectifying and repairing a faulty air conditioner can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and knowledge, it can be done effectively. Air conditioners are complex systems that consist of various components working together to provide cool air and maintain a comfortable environment. When an air conditioner malfunctions, it can be due to a variety of reasons, including electrical issues, mechanical failures, or simple wear and tear. In this guide, we’ll explore the steps involved in rectifying and repairing a faulty air conditioner.

Diagnosis:

The first step in rectifying a faulty air conditioner is to diagnose the problem accurately. This involves observing the symptoms of the malfunctioning unit and identifying potential causes. Some common symptoms of a faulty air conditioner include:

  1. No Cooling: The air conditioner fails to produce cool air.
  2. Weak Airflow: The airflow from the vents is weak or inconsistent.
  3. Strange Noises: Unusual sounds such as grinding, squealing, or rattling coming from the unit.
  4. Leaks: Water or refrigerant leaks from the unit.
  5. Foul Odors: Foul smells emanating from the air conditioner when it’s in operation.

Troubleshooting Steps:

Once the symptoms are identified, the next step is to troubleshoot the air conditioner systematically. Here are some common troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check Power Supply: Ensure that the air conditioner is receiving power by checking the circuit breaker and the power switch.
  2. Inspect Filters: Dirty or clogged filters can restrict airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. Clean or replace filters if necessary.
  3. Examine Thermostat Settings: Make sure the thermostat is set to the correct temperature and mode (cooling or heating).
  4. Inspect Air Vents: Check for obstructions such as furniture or curtains blocking the air vents. Ensure that the vents are open and unobstructed.
  5. Inspect Condenser Unit: Examine the outdoor condenser unit for debris such as leaves, dirt, or grass clippings. Clean the condenser coils and remove any obstructions.
  6. Check Refrigerant Levels: Low refrigerant levels can indicate a leak in the system. If refrigerant levels are low, it may be necessary to recharge the system after repairing the leak.
  7. Inspect Ductwork: Leaks or blockages in the ductwork can reduce airflow and efficiency. Inspect ducts for leaks and seal them with duct tape or mastic sealant.
  8. Test Capacitors and Relays: Faulty capacitors or relays can cause the compressor or fan motor to malfunction. Test capacitors and relays using a multimeter and replace them if defective.

Repairing Common Issues:

Based on the diagnosis and troubleshooting steps, you can proceed to repair the identified issues. Here are some common repairs for faulty air conditioners:

  1. Cleaning Coils: Dirty condenser or evaporator coils can reduce cooling efficiency. Clean coils using a coil cleaner and a soft brush. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fins.
  2. Replacing Filters: If the air filters are dirty or clogged, replace them with new ones. Disposable filters should be replaced every 1-3 months, while reusable filters can be washed and reused.
  3. Repairing Leaks: If refrigerant leaks are detected, repair the leaks using a leak repair kit or by soldering the damaged area. Once the leaks are repaired, recharge the system with the appropriate refrigerant.
  4. Replacing Capacitors and Relays: Faulty capacitors or relays should be replaced with new ones. Ensure that you use capacitors and relays with the same specifications as the original ones.
  5. Repairing Electrical Connections: Loose or corroded electrical connections can cause intermittent operation or complete failure. Tighten loose connections and clean corroded terminals using a wire brush.
  6. Replacing Fan Motor: If the fan motor is faulty or burnt out, it may need to be replaced. Disconnect power to the unit and remove the old fan motor. Install a new fan motor and reconnect electrical connections.
  7. Sealing Duct Leaks: Use duct tape or mastic sealant to seal any leaks or gaps in the ductwork. This will improve airflow and efficiency.

Safety Precautions:

When repairing a faulty air conditioner, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind:

  1. Turn Off Power: Always turn off the power to the air conditioner before performing any repairs or maintenance tasks.
  2. Use Protective Gear: Wear gloves, safety glasses, and appropriate clothing to protect yourself from sharp edges and electrical hazards.
  3. Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines when performing repairs or maintenance.
  4. Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Ensure that the area where you’re working is well-ventilated to prevent exposure to refrigerants or cleaning chemicals.
  5. Avoid DIY if Unsure: If you’re unsure about how to repair the air conditioner safely, it’s best to seek professional help.

Conclusion:

Rectifying and repairing a faulty air conditioner requires careful diagnosis, troubleshooting, and repair techniques. By following the steps outlined in this guide and prioritizing safety, you can effectively repair common issues and restore your air conditioner to proper working condition. If you encounter complex or serious problems, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance to ensure the safety and efficiency of your air conditioning system