An introduction to Energy Savers for Air Conditioners

Air Conditioners are one of the devices that consume more power. This is applicable both to commercial as well as to domestic consumers. There are several easy and simple steps to reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioner. There are some devices that when retrofitting with existing air conditioners reduce up to 35% in the energy consumption of the air conditioner. There are several models of AC energy savers. The working concept of various AC savers are briefed here.

Model 1

They have some intelligent microprocessor inbuilt with multiple algorithms. It operates in a closed loop circuit  with feedback from the two additional sensors available along with that meant for room temperature and coil temperature. This ensures that the AC energy saver to adjust itself to the ambient conditions automatically and reduce the power consumption.

Model 2

The thermodynamic saturation in the air conditioner is detected by sensor based algorithms. This helps in optimizing the operation of the compressor. Any sense of overcapacity, the compressor is switched off by the energy saver to avoid any inefficient cooling. The air conditioner moves to, “saver mode” where the fan keeps running, with the air conditioner making the maximum use of the stored cooling energy in the heat exchanger. The compressor will get switched On only when the stored energy is consumed. The ensures that there is no inefficiency in the cooling cycle. The energy saver adapts to the setting of the air conditioner based on its cooling pattern, making it suitable to different weather conditions. The compressor may be harmed if it is made to operate in shorter cooling cycle. There is anti short cycling protection in order to protect the compressor from frequent operation. The AC energy saver is connected between the wire connecting the compressor and the thermostat. This type of energy saver is not suitable for multi split systems, inverter type air conditioners, chiller plants and evaporative cooling systems.

Model 3

There are also other type of energy savers that works along with the ceiling fan in the room and optimises the energy consumption by the air conditioner. The AC swing position, temperature fan settings and user preferences are understood by the AC energy saver. The room temperature is observed by the AC energy saver to ensure that the air conditioner and the ceiling fan consume lower power without compromising the comfort level of the user. As a person goes on sleeping, the person’s body emit lesser heat. At this stage, the AC energy saver switches off the air conditioner and switches on the ceiling fan. This operation ensures the user get an uninterrupted and peaceful sleep.

Model 4

This kind of energy savers measures the room temperature and finds out the duty cycle of the compressor. The energy saver processes this data and ensures that the compressor is under intelligent control. This avoids the thermodynamic saturation while achieving the room temperature with optimal compressor operation. The temperature can be seen for the display in the AC energy saver. Unlike a few other AC energy savers this can be used along with single phase or three phase, wall mount or cassette and non inverter and inverter type air conditioners. The AC energy saver has four cables coming out of it, which has to be connected across the AC power lines and compressor wire supply.