Modern air conditioners are complex systems with electronic control units. Sensitive filling of split systems requires voltage stability. Downward and upward oscillations arising in worn-out power grids lead to the breakdown of expensive nodes. To protect the climate technology, it is worth connecting a voltage stabilizer for the air conditioner.
Why does the air conditioner need a stabilizer
Buying and installing an air conditioner promises comfort in the summer months. A voltage of 220 V is necessary for the operation of the equipment. Electric networks do not always provide a nominal indicator. The decrease in the cooling capacity of the split system may be due to a voltage drop. Indicators of 160-180 V cause overheating of the compressor motor windings. With frequent repetition of the situation, an expensive unit burns out. High voltage is no less dangerous, it leads to breakdown of electronic control boards. The reason for the unstable characteristics of the electrical network can be various factors:
- nearby welding;
- insufficient power of the electric cable;
- connecting new consumers.
Voltage stabilizer - a device that converts electrical energy to provide output voltage within specified limits.
The device acts automatically, smoothing out energy surges. It protects the electronic module from low and high voltage, the effects of combustion of the zero phase. Particularly relevant is the installation of the device in country houses and rural areas.
The choice of type of stabilizer for air conditioning
At the first stage of choosing a voltage stabilizer for the air conditioner, you need to determine the type of device. The main criteria of the device:
- accuracy of adjustment of current indicators;
- the number of phases (one or three), the three-phase device is configured for operation in single-phase mode;
- response speed;
- power.
Relay devices
Devices are widely used due to the optimal ratio of characteristics and cost. Components of the design: power transformer and electronic control unit. The addition of volts occurs when switching various transformer windings. The process is carried out using a relay. The current is regulated in steps, the output voltage increases gradually.
Advantages of relay devices:
- compact size;
- low noise
- the ability to change parameters from 100 to 280 V.
Minuses:
- stepwise voltage increase;
- probability of relay failure;
- error up to 8%.
Electromechanical devices
Adjustment occurs by moving the turns of the toroidal coil. The rate of change of parameters is limited by the capabilities of the motor moving the brush. The accuracy of the device is 2-3%.
Advantages:
- smooth adjustment;
- affordable price;
- accuracy of parameters.
Disadvantages:
- noise at work;
- wear of mechanical moving parts;
- response speed is 5 times less than that of a relay device.
Thyristor devices
The device consists of an automatic transformer, thyristor power switches, electronic control circuits. Changing the input current values occurs by connecting a certain number of turns of the winding.
To increase the voltage, the thyristors add several turns to the work, while lowering, part of the winding is turned off.
A feature of the devices is strong heating during operation.
Advantages of thyristor (triac) devices:
- accuracy of stabilization of indicators 2-5%;
- low noise level;
- minimum power consumption;
- high speed response.
Minuses:
- microcontroller can slow down during unstable current supply;
- step adjustment;
- high cost of appliances.
Inverter converters
Devices output voltage with an accuracy of 0.5%. Their device and principle of operation are different from other stabilizers. The devices have a rectifier, passing through which alternating current turns into direct current. The advantage of the process is a significant increase in power factor. Then the inverter performs the inverse conversion. The output current is 50 Hz and 220 V.
Storage capacitors allow you to give stable power parameters regardless of surges in the mains.
Advantages of the inverter stabilizer:
- silent work;
- input voltage range 115-300 V;
- precision adjustment.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
Low and mid-range stabilizers are rarely equipped with surge protection. In the event of a short circuit, he will not be able to adjust the current and will burn. When choosing a device, all its characteristics are specified. The option of connecting after the stabilizer a special relay that controls the voltage.
By the type of installation, the devices are wall and floor. The first option is compact, convenient for placement in an apartment. Floor models are more bulky, but their cost is lower. This is the best choice for a spacious private house.
Voltage regulator power selection
The stabilizer for the split system is selected according to the full capacity of the climate technology. It includes active and reactive power. Measured value in VA (volt-ampere). The parameter is calculated by the formula:
N = Nnom. / Cos, where
Nnom. - air conditioner power indicated in the specifications;
cos is the coefficient of the reactive component.
For example, Nnom. = 1600 W, cos = 0.85
N = 1600 / 0.85 = 1882 VA
The devices are capable of providing a voltage of 220 V with an accuracy of 5-8% with input parameters ranging from 105 to 280 V. The smaller the error, the more reliable the sensitive electronics. Choosing the load capacity of the device, take into account the starting currents of the air conditioner, which briefly increase several times. Also pay attention to the amplitude of the voltage fluctuation and power factor.
One of the factors requiring a reserve of productivity is an increase in energy consumption. During operation, the air conditioner is contaminated with dust, the viscosity of the oil increases. The increase in electricity consumption provokes a change in conditions - high temperature, humidity.
The purchase of a voltage regulator with a power reserve increases the reliability of the system. The only negative is that such a device is more expensive.
When the voltage drops, the power of the stabilizer decreases. Depending on the model, at 160 V it produces 80-60% of the declared power. Therefore, with significant deviations of the electric network indicators, it is recommended to purchase a device with 30-40% power reserve.
A change in the nominal voltage is common - a situation from which it is worth insuring climatic equipment. Premium air conditioners are equipped with a stabilizer during assembly. For the rest of the equipment, prudent owners buy the devices themselves.
Connecting a voltage stabilizer will prevent the failure of electronics and motors. Free repair in a service center does not apply to such damage.
The most common stabilizer option for an air conditioner is a 3-kW single-phase device.
