The modern market offers potential buyers the widest range of air conditioners equipped with various functional sets. With each warm season, the popularity of such equipment is growing more and more. At the moment, inverter-driven air conditioners are becoming increasingly popular. What is this? What does inverter split system mean? What are the fundamental differences between these devices and conventional standard models? By answering these and many other questions, you can easily decide on the whole variety of air-conditioned devices.

At present, there are two types of air conditioners in relevant markets: conventional air conditioners (constant power start/stop function) and air conditioners equipped with an inverter drive that can independently adjust the power level. Of course, inverter split systems are much more expensive, but this is easily offset by excellent technical characteristics.

Differences between inverter air conditioners and standard models

Conventional air conditioning units cool the air temperature in the room until it reaches the set parameters. Then they spontaneously turn off and, after a few minutes, start working again. Thus, their work is based on the cyclical nature of repetitive on and off processes.

Split system inverter type works a little differently. The device operates in a dynamic mode until the set temperature is set in the room, after which the air conditioner switches to a lower power mode. That is: the device continues to work, but with a minimum amount of energy consumed.

Moreover, in some models, such a system allows you to program the device for a specific turn-on time, allowing you to create a comfortable temperature by the required moment.

Advantages of inverter air conditioners

Of course, the most important advantage of the inverter split system is its ease of use. In fact, the air conditioner can be turned on once and enjoy comfortable temperature conditions. Such devices operate almost silently, unlike standard models, the operation of which resembles the sound of an old refrigerator. In addition, the principle of operation of inverter air conditioners is based on economical energy consumption, that is, having reached a predetermined temperature regime, the device switches to another mode of operation: it maintains the specified temperature, but spending much less electricity.

In addition to all of the above, it is worth noting one more feature of such models designed for air conditioning. Working in silent mode, they are an excellent option for bedrooms and children's rooms, as well as other rooms in which excessive noise is unacceptable. In addition, an inverter-type wall-mounted split system can be installed in kindergartens, hospitals and other institutions of this type. Everyone knows that standard air conditioning systems often provoke a draft, which entails the corresponding consequences.

The temperature range of inverter air conditioners differs by 2-3 degrees from the similar one, only in conventional devices. And this means that it is impossible to catch a cold in such rooms.

Disadvantages of inverter air conditioning systems

Compared with the inherent advantages, the disadvantages of inverter air conditioning systems are not so many:

• The first and, perhaps, the most significant is the cost of such devices. As a rule, it is an order of magnitude more than the price of standard models. If we take the average values, then the difference is about $ 200.
• The second disadvantage of inverter split systems is their “tenderness and sensitivity”. The technical characteristics of such devices are due to the sensitive filling of the internal mechanism, which is particularly sensitive to voltage drops. In urban areas, and outside the city as well, power outages are not uncommon, and this can disable the air conditioning system.

How to choose the right inverter air conditioner

Despite the listed shortcomings of inverter split systems, their popularity in the Russian markets is growing every day. And the point here, perhaps, is not at all that the principle of their operation allows saving electricity consumption by almost 30%. These devices create the optimal temperature regime in the room in a much shorter period of time and maintain it until the device is turned off.

Having figured out what an inverter split system means, you can proceed directly to the choice of such a device. The modern market for these products offers a wide variety of models, among which you can meet both foreign and domestic manufacturers.

It should be noted that all inverters can be conditionally divided into two types:

1. Technology of American manufacturers Digital Scroll;
2. Japanese development of DC Inverter.

It is not worth delving into the details of which of these two types is better. But, for a more complete understanding, it is worth noting that the Japanese technology is somewhat better than the American Digital Scroll and much more efficient than a standard start / stop device.

When choosing inverter air conditioners, it is necessary to take into account one more important point: air conditioners and inverter split systems are complex technical devices that in no case can be repaired on their own, this business should be entrusted to qualified specialists. Although with proper and proper operation as such, the need for this will not appear.

Summing up, you should once again clearly identify the pros and cons of the inverter split system.

• Significant energy savings due to special manufacturing technology. The air conditioner operates at low speed after the set temperature is established in the room.
• Additional characteristics that create comfortable operating conditions for the device are the minimum noise level, as well as the optimal temperature regime, which does not create drafts throughout the room. This quality of split systems with inverter drive allows you to install such air conditioners in bedrooms, children's rooms, hospitals and other premises of the appropriate type.

• Stable maintenance of temperature within the range of specified parameters.
• A significant advantage of inverter air conditioners is also that such systems allow you to warm up the room at an external air temperature of -12 C to -15 C.

It is worth dwelling on the last property in a little more detail. Standard models of air conditioning systems are also often equipped with a heating function. But how is a split system different from conventional air conditioners?

The fact is that inverter devices have a much higher heating efficiency. So, for example, the inverter indicator ranges from 3.6 to 4.2, but for standard start / stop air conditioners, the same indicator is 3.1-3.5. Moreover, conventional air conditioners only work when it is 5 to 7 degrees below zero outside. Wall-mounted split systems equipped with an inverter drive can operate at lower temperatures (from -12 C to -15 C).

Of course, this type of air conditioning system has many more advantages compared to already familiar devices. Yes, the cost, of course, can alert, but is it comparable to the comfortable conditions that create a split air conditioning system.

Moreover, this is still the relevant market, mainly filled with products from foreign manufacturers. Already at present, domestic manufacturers are developing similar devices, which, of course, will cost much less compared to foreign counterparts. And this means that soon inverter multi-split systems will become even more affordable, creating a comfortable temperature regime in every ohm and any room.

If you are interested in an inverter type split system, then you can first consider a non-inverter type device. Such a unit works as follows: on the remote control you set the temperature that is comfortable for you, after which the device starts to cool the room. After the room has been cooled down to the required temperature, a shutdown occurs and the system switches to a rest state. When the temperature inside the room rises by a predetermined value in relation to that set in the air conditioner, the relay is activated. After that, the compressor is switched on again, continuing to cool the room. It turns out that the operation of such systems can be designated as cyclic alternating operation with constant power.

The inverter-type split system does not turn off when the room is cooled to a certain set temperature, and its compressor continues to work, but with a lower power level, which allows maintaining the set temperature level. It turns out that such a system works according to the principle: variable power and constant operating time.

Split system inverter type has certain advantages. The set temperature inside the room is maintained more precisely in comparison with classic air conditioners. Electricity is used more economically. The main flow is caused by the one that occurs at the moment the compressor of the device is turned on. When you save about 35% or more. An inverter-type split system, reviews of which deserve attention, can be installed on longer communications. The compressor in such devices lasts much longer. For such an air conditioner, the nominal life of the compressor is 10-15 years, and for a conventional one - no more than 9 years. Inverter climate control equipment is able to operate in winter at lower temperatures compared to classic ones. The inverter-type split system provides reduced and the vibration of the external unit is also much lower. In forced mode, the device can operate with a power exceeding the nominal one.

A 2-7 kilowatt inverter-type wall-mounted split system is the most inexpensive and common type of climatic equipment. Devices of cassette and channel types, as well as other types of devices will cost customers much more. The development of inverter systems is quite a costly item for manufacturers, so equipment of this level cannot be sold cheaper than traditional models. That is why the cost of a split system can become one of the indicators of its quality. Cheap devices may well be fake. As a result of such a purchase, you may be very disappointed. Therefore, when choosing a device, it is worth focusing not only on its characteristics and description, but also on the price.

Offered on the market today, inverter air conditioners stand out. Their advantages are as follows:

• High operational efficiency.
• Small fluctuations in air temperature in the room.
• Low noise level.
• High degree of air purification through various filters, including fine HEPA filters.
• The possibility of continuous ionization and humidification of the air, which exists due to its continuous flow.
• Increased service life.

For some reason, the opinion has taken root among the buyers of climate technology that an inverter air conditioner is the one that can not only cool, but also heat the room. This opinion is fundamentally wrong. Air conditioners that can not only cool, but warm the air, are among both conventional and inverter air conditioners. The difference between them is not in functionality, but in design features. In order to understand this, you have to go a little deeper into the theory.

How does a conventional air conditioner work?

An electric current with a voltage of 220 Volts and a frequency of 50 Hertz in a household air conditioner is supplied to the electric motor through a relay controlled by an electronic unit. To power the electronics, a constant voltage is required. It is obtained from the mains, stepping down with a transformer and converting with a rectifier.

The air temperature is measured by a sensor. If it is higher than the set value, the electronic unit turns on the engine and the air is cooled. When the temperature equalizes, the engine is switched off. This scheme has been worked out for decades, it seems to be as simple and functional as possible. But, in fact, everything is far from being so safe.

Any electrical appliances at the moments of switching on and off experience serious overloads. All of us have watched many times how they burn out when an incandescent lamp is turned on. Electric motors burn out much less often, but it happens to them too. Generally speaking, continuous operation for an electric motor is safer than endless on-off.

But if the air conditioner motor will run continuously, then how to regulate the temperature? It would be possible to regulate the air flow, but AC motors are designed in such a way that it is possible to change the frequency of their rotation only by changing the frequency of the supply voltage. This design flaw does not make it possible to smoothly regulate the air flow by simple means.

What is an "inverter"?

An inverter is an electronic device that converts direct current into alternating current. The inverter power circuit is as follows: the mains voltage is rectified and fed to a controlled frequency generator. The voltage from its output is supplied to the motor. When the generator frequency changes, the fan and compressor speeds change. Frequency control is performed by an electronic unit with a temperature sensor. Inverters are used not only in air conditioners, for example, power supplies for computers and laptops are built according to this scheme. It gives a significant gain in weight and volume, since the high-frequency transformers used in this case are much smaller and lighter than conventional ones.

What are the advantages of an inverter split air conditioning system?

• The compressor runs constantly, not in start-stop mode. This increases its service life by approximately 30%.
• The engine is designed for round the clock operation.
• Depending on the air temperature, the power consumption varies from 5-90%.
• Electricity consumption is reduced by up to 50%.
• The air conditioner does not cool the entire volume of air in the room each time it is turned on, it only maintains the set temperature.
• The temperature control accuracy is up to one degree.
• Low noise level.
• No drafts.
• Environmental Safety.
• Ability to work on heating in severe frost.

The last point requires clarification. It is forbidden to turn on a conventional split system at an outside air temperature below -5 degrees. This is due to the fact that the oil in the switched off compressor flows down and thickens. The start-up occurs with an almost “dry” compressor. The result of such actions is unpredictable, from the usual jamming to a fire. The compressor of the inverter air conditioner works continuously, as a result of which the refrigerant is constantly in operation and retains its properties. This allows you to safely operate air conditioners of this type at -15, and some -25 degrees below zero outside. Apparently, the belief that only an inverter air conditioner can work as a heater is based on this fact.

What are the disadvantages of an inverter split air conditioning system?

There is only one drawback, but quite significant - this is the price. On average, inverter air conditioners cost 40 percent more than conventional ones. This difference quickly pays off by reducing energy costs.

What is the main quality parameter of an inverter air conditioner?

This is the motor frequency control range. In cheap models, it does not exceed 40-70%. But all the advantages of using an inverter are revealed with an adjustment range of at least 25-80%. This is a specific parameter in the list of characteristics, when choosing an inverter air conditioner, you need to pay special attention to it. The latest models, using newly developed superinverter circuits, achieve a regulation depth of 5-90%.

What additional features do inverter air conditioners have?

On the control panel of a conventional air conditioner, you can increasingly see the "Eco-mode" button, although no one knows exactly what it is. The inverter air conditioner works in this mode all the time, it uses a refrigerant that does not poison the atmosphere and does not destroy the ozone layer. In such systems, you can install any air filters, including fine HEPA filters. One of the Japanese firms has patented the Nano Titanium Wasabi filter with wasabi extract, which kills 99.99% of germs. Infrared systems for tracking the movement of people in the room allow you to direct the flow of cooled air exactly to the area where the person has moved. Such a system is already closer to the climate control of a car than to a conventional air conditioning system.

The installation of ionators and air humidifiers in the air conditioner is becoming more and more popular. This option contributes to the disinfection of the atmosphere of the room from fungi, bacteria and microbes, the destruction of household odors. The inverter air conditioner purifies the air and saturates it with ions constantly.

conclusions

An inverter split system should be installed in rooms with increased requirements for comfort and safety for health - a bedroom, a living room, a nursery. For industrial premises, where the unpretentiousness of the equipment and its cost are more important, a conventional split system is sufficient.

Inverter split systems, outwardly, do not differ from ordinary wall-mounted air conditioners, except for stickers. In fact, there are cardinal differences, but they are all inside.

Many people ask the question, what does an inverter split system mean? This concept comes from the Latin concept "inverto", which means to turn over, change. It was the change that formed the principle of operation of such compressors, which can operate at a variable speed. Thanks to this, the air conditioner has become more economical. In addition, such a split system can operate at sub-zero outdoor temperatures.

Inverter system: principle of operation and features of the device

The principle of operation of the inverter split system is to regulate the operation of the compressor depending on the air temperature in the room. When the set air parameters are reached, the compressor does not turn off, but continues to work, maintaining the temperature of the air mixture.

Thanks to these features, less noise is generated and the life of the compressor is significantly increased, as there are fewer starts. Running by itself wears it out quite a lot. The thing is that after the compressor stops, the oil in it to lubricate the rubbing parts flows into the crankcase, and when starting, the compressor works for some time in "extreme" conditions.

The main device of a split-system with inverter control is a compressor. Most often it is called the "heart of the air conditioner." Thanks to him, freon is compressed. In addition, thanks to the compressor, gas moves along a closed pipeline pipeline. But without other devices, the operation of the air conditioner is also impossible.

1. Evaporator. It is in it that the transition of freon from a liquid state to a gaseous form occurs. In this case, the temperature of the heat exchanger itself decreases, and, accordingly, the ambient air. The evaporator is located in the indoor unit of the split system.
2. Capacitor. In this device, the reverse process of transition from the gaseous state of freon to its liquid form takes place. During condensation, the gas gives off heat to the outdoor air masses.
3. Throttle, or as it is also called - a throttling device. It is designed to sharply compress freon in front of the evaporator. This device is located in the indoor unit of the air conditioner.
4. Fans. As a rule, there are two of them, one is located in the external, and the second in the internal block of the split system. They are designed to create air currents that blow over the evaporator and condenser.

There are also inverter-type multi-split systems. Their main difference from conventional air conditioners is the presence of several indoor units. They are designed to create comfortable conditions in several rooms at once. Depending on the type of multi split system, it can work perfectly with two, three, and even seven indoor units.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any climate technology, such systems have their undeniable advantages, but also some disadvantages that will be considered. Advantages:

1. More accurate temperature maintenance within the specified limits, compared to conventional air conditioning.
2. Lower noise level compared to classical type air conditioners.
3. They cool the room much faster, since from the moment of start-up until reaching the set temperature regime they work at full capacity.
4. It is much more economical than its classic "compatriots", due to the absence of peak loads during compressor starts.
5. They have a longer service life. This is due to fewer compressor on/off times.
6. Can work at rather low outside air temperature.

The disadvantages include their high cost, compared with classic air conditioners. In addition, they are very sensitive to voltage surges, so if there is such a problem in the home, care must be taken to install devices that smooth out power surges.