Package air conditioner is a bigger version of window air conditioner, with capacities of 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 tonnes of refrigeration and sometimes, even upto 25 tonnes of refrigeration. It is also a factory-assembled unit having complete system mounted in a cabinet. Like the room air conditioner, the package unit also houses the air filtering, cooling, dehumidifying and air-handling components. Components for heating and humidifying purposes can also be included within the unit. For condenser cooling, the cold water is supplied from the cooling tower mounted outside or at terrace of building. For uniform air distribution, the centrifugal fan is provided on evaporator side. Resin bonded fiber mats are placed on inside surface of cabinet for insulation purpose.
Fig. 1: Cross-sectional view of package air conditioner
Advantages of Package Air Conditioner
- Installation and assembly labour charges are less.
- Duct work is eliminated.
- Units can be started or stopped easily.
- Easy maintenance.
- Individual room control is possible.
- Failure of unit only affects one area, unlike the failure of central system, which affects entire building.
Disadvantages of Package Air Conditioner
- More noisy operation.
- Leakage problem.
- Vibrations are more as compared to other unitary systems.
Applications of Package Air Conditioner
- Computer centre.
- Telephone exchange.
- Big restaurants.
- Seminar/Bouquet hall.
- Control room.
