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Glossary/Technical Terms

AIR CONDITIONER An air conditioner uses a refrigerant system and an air moving system to cool air.
A typical “Special Purpose Air Conditioner” operates as follows: Heat is transferred from the enclosure components by circulating air around and through them, the air is then cooled, dehumidified and returned to the enclosure without the admission of air from the outdoors. The heat is removed from this air within the air conditioner and discharged by means of a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. This takes place in a hermetically sealed system, utilizing either an air-cooled or water-cooled condenser coil. A schematic of a typical air conditioner is illustrated below.

   
Typical ADVANTAGE Series Air Conditioner
(Click on image to enlarge)
Advantage Enclosure Air Conditioner illustration
Typical TRIMLINE Series Air Conditioner
(Click on image to enlarge)
TrimLine Enclosure Air Conditioner illustration
   
The compressor forces refrigerant, in vapor form, into the condenser coil where it is cooled by ambient air. As it cools, the refrigerant condenses into a liquid, which is passed through a filter to remove impurities and excess moisture. The liquid refrigerant flow is metered by a thermostatic expansion valve (or capillary tube), to control its flow into the evaporator coil.
The liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator and begins to evaporate (vaporize) into a gas. As the hot air from the enclosure passes through the evaporator coil, the heat is transferred to the refrigerant, converting the refrigerant to vapor. High levels of humidity present in the air are removed by condensation; the water is drained to the outside or re-evaporated into the outside air. This cool, dehumidified air is then returned to the cabinet. After the heat is transferred to the refrigerant in the evaporator, the refrigerant passes into an accumulator, where any remaining liquid is separated. The gas then returns to the compressor to repeat the cycle in a continuous process.
Control of the system is generally kept simple. When power is applied to the air conditioner the evaporator blower (or fan) starts and runs continuously. If the temperature within the enclosure is high, the condenser blower and the compressor turn on, operating until the thermostat setting is reached. The thermostat is used as a low limit setting. This is typically 75ºF, the point at which the compressor and the condenser blower is turned off. Air within the enclosure continues to be circulated by the evaporator blower, picking up heat from the components within the cabinet. The thermostat has a differential setting that is typically 12-15 degrees above the low limit setting. When the air circulated within the enclosure rises by this amount (about 90ºF), the compressor and condenser blower turn back on, reducing the cabinet internal air temperature once again. Therefore, it would be normal at start up for the internal temperature to rise to this 90ºF temperature before the cooling process would begin. As the air cools, a balance of temperature within the enclosure is reached. Ideally the compressor and condenser blower continue to run most of the time until the heat load changes.
It is important to understand that enclosure cooling is not “comfort” cooling as found in homes and buildings. Heat producing power and control components are typically limited to maximum enclosure air temperatures of 100ºF to 110ºF. The actual component surface temperatures are higher. Maintaining enclosure temperatures at excessively low settings often becomes problematic. Condensation may form on live electrical surfaces if their temperature falls below the dew point of the air. Subsequent corrosion or electrical safety becomes a serious issue.
Air conditioners are required where the equipment operating temperature must be kept at or lower than the ambient room temperature, and/or the cabinet must be sealed from oil, dust, fumes and other contaminants.
Specially designed air conditioners protect the components and furnish the required cooling. Such air conditioners employ hermetic refrigeration systems with customized controls. They provide enclosure and air-path geometries for direct installation to the equipment cabinet and accomplish the following:

 

1. Isolate the interior of the equipment enclosure from ambient conditions
2. Cool the air within the enclosure to the optimum temperature for the sensitive components
3. Circulate the air within the enclosure to equalize temperature and increase heat transfer from hot components
4. Automatically vary cooling rate to maintain close control of equipment temperature
5. Reduce humidity harmful to sensitive components
 
   

Air conditioners that are used to cool enclosed equipment differ radically from room air conditioners. In the area of temperature control, for example, most electronic systems are adversely affected by large line transients typical of air conditioner compressor cycling. Electronics also exhibit sensitivity to electromagnetic interference caused by thermostat contacts. The control system of an air conditioning package must be designed accordingly.
In addition, the field experience of many compressor manufacturers has indicated that the frequent start/stop cycling, typical of standard air conditioner operation, shortens compressor reliability.
These factors have led to the development of techniques for close control of internal temperature over a wide range of ambient conditions, without turning the refrigeration compressor on and off and without employing electrically-controlled solenoid valves.
Recent developments in temperature requirements for enclosed components have led to the addition of adjustable Low Temperature Control thermostats in all KOOLTRONIC Air Conditioners to prevent over-cooling.

 
AIR CONDITIONERS (AIR-COOLED) Heat removed from the enclosure is discharged by circulating the ambient air through the condenser coil and returning the heated air to the ambient. This is the most common form of small air conditioning systems.
   
AIR CONDITIONERS (WATER-COOLED) Intended primarily for extreme operating conditions of high-ambient temperatures or severe contaminants, these units utilize water as the medium for heat dissipation. The heat is absorbed by cool water circulating through a coaxial condenser coil, following which the heat-laden water is discharged or recirculated after cooling.
   
AMBIENT The environment surrounding the product. The word Ambient is typically used to describe the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness or quality including dust and possibly any other harsh weather condition. (See Corrosive Atmosphere)
   
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE RANGE Most KOOLTRONIC Air Conditioners are designed to operate at ambient temperatures ranging from 50ºF to 131ºF. Optional Low Ambient Kits allow operation in ambient temperatures as low as 0ºF.
Maximum operating ambient temperature decreases linearly with altitude at the rate of 3ºF per 1,000 feet between 2,500 and 7,500 feet, where maximum operating ambient temperature is 110ºF. The ability to operate at high ambient temperatures permits KOOLTRONIC Air Conditioners to be installed indoors in close proximity to furnaces and other heat-producing equipment.
For applications in ambient temperatures higher than the rated maximum, consultation with the KOOLTRONIC Engineering Department often provides the solution.
   
AUTOMATIC EXPANSION VALVE (AEV) A refrigerant metering device that provides the same function as a capillary tube (See Capillary), but can provide a variable flow rate to match different load conditions. (See Temperature Control)
   
BLOWER or BLOWER WHEEL or SQUIRREL-CAGE BLOWER An air moving device typically used to move air against medium to high static pressure systems. Blowers are designed to operate against higher static pressures than fans. Packaged blowers provide compact, filtered, rack-mounted cooling in a variety of airflow configurations.
   
BLOWERS (VARIABLE SPEED) The optimum open-cycle system for use in contaminated environments combines appropriate air filters and cooling-effect detectors with a variable speed blower that adjusts its operating speed to provide the desired cabinet air temperature, as sensed at some point within the enclosure. Since blower air delivery is directly proportional to motor shaft speed, airflow rate can be adjusted to a minimum compatible with a clean air filter and low ambient temperature. Should ambient temperature increase or the filter clog with contaminants, the sensor and controls would demand an increase in motor speed until the new conditions were satisfied.
The variable speed blower is self-adaptive to changes in ambient temperature, air density, line voltage, power dissipation in the enclosure, and to the degree of filter-loading. Since the blower operates at the minimum speed and air delivery compatible with cooling, both power consumption and the rate of contaminant accumulation on filter surfaces is greatly reduced, compared to a constant speed blower designed to satisfy worst-case conditions. This increases filter life and reduces filter maintenance to a minimum. Conversely, as the filter loads, blower air delivery could increase to levels beyond those that would be obtained under constant speed conditions. However, cost must be considered.
   
BTU/H British Thermal Unit per Hour is a unit of measure for heat. Heat is also commonly measured in watts: (1 BTU/H = .29 watts)
   
CAPILLARY A copper tube with a very small inside diameter. Its function in the refrigerant system is to separate the High Pressure (condenser) side from the Low Pressure (evaporator) side, by providing a calibrated restriction and a resulting pressure drop.
   
CFM Cubic Feet per Minute - A unit of measure for air volume.
   
COIL An industry term for a device intended to transfer heat. The typical coil is constructed of aluminum fins and copper tubing.
   
COOLING (CLOSED LOOP) An industry term used to describe a cooling process that reconditions (reuses) the air inside a chamber. The purpose of this system is to prevent contamination from entering the chamber. Closed loop cooling is recommended only when open loop cooling cannot be used.
Many applications using sophisticated electronic/electrical components require a closed-loop cooling system to dissipate heat buildup without introducing outside contaminated air. Closed-loop cooling is required when equipment is operated in hostile environments containing dirt, oil, humidity or corrosives, which adversely affect the performance or ultimate survival of the components. The presence of airborne particulate matter compounds the difficulty of controlling the temperature of the equipment in the enclosure.
Air conditioners and water to-air heat exchangers provide the greatest capacity to transfer heat in closed loop conditions. They have the unique ability to maintain a lower than ambient temperature and reduce the humidity within the controlled space. It is important to note that enclosure design temperatures may exceed the ambient temperatures, yet be below the electronic components’ design limits.
Where maximum internal cabinet design temperatures cannot be maintained using open loop ambient air cooling, closed loop devices need to be considered. Air to air heat exchangers, water to air heat exchangers and air conditioning units are able to cool a confined amount of air within an enclosure.
In harsh environments involving high temperatures, heavy particulates, oil, or chemicals capable of damaging components, ambient air must be kept out of the enclosure. Sealed enclosures are generally used, with closed-loop cooling consisting of two separate circulation systems in a single unit. One system, sealed against the ambient air, cools and recirculates the clean cool air throughout the enclosure. The second system uses ambient air or water to remove and discharge the heat.
   
COOLING (OPEN LOOP) An industry term used to describe a cooling process that replaces the air inside a chamber with “fresh” cooler air from outside the chamber.
Open loop cooling is the most commonly used process when the available air supply is cool enough and clean enough to provide the required heat removal. (See Cooling (Closed Loop))
Open loop ventilation uses ambient air to remove the heat, and may consist of small muffin type fans that exhaust or supply an electrical cabinet, with optional filters to prevent airborne aerosols and dust from entering the cabinet. The fans have the advantage of utilizing a minimum of cabinet space and will move a substantial volume of air where flow is virtually unimpeded. Cost and complexity is minimized. Where density of components impedes airflow, packaged blowers or motorized impellers may be arranged to operate against these higher static pressures. With a rack enclosure, supplemental fan trays may be used to spot cool or supplement other air-moving devices.
Where maximum internal cabinet design temperatures cannot be maintained using open loop ambient air cooling, closed loop devices need to be considered.
   
COMPRESSOR is the main component in a refrigerant system. Inside our compressors are a motor and a pump that circulates the refrigerant through the rest of the system.
   
CONDENSATION The process in nature that causes water (condensate) to be removed from the air, and form on a cold surface. This is commonly seen on the outside of a glass of ice water, or dew on grass in the morning.
High ambient relative humidity does not affect the rated capacities of KOOLTRONIC Air Conditioners. They are designed for installation on reasonably tight enclosures of relatively limited internal volume.
Normally, only sensible heat loads are imposed on the air conditioner. Even at an ambient temperature of 95ºF and a relative humidity of 100%, the air within a typical electronic equipment enclosure 2.5 feet square and 6 feet high will contain only a small amount of water in vapor form. As the temperature of the air being circulated within the enclosure is reduced from 95ºF to 70ºF, the water will be condensed quickly in the evaporator heat exchanger and be disposed of through the drain in the condensate tray at the bottom of the air conditioner.
Unless the enclosure is totally sealed, some slow invasion of ambient air will take place through cracks and seams in the cabinetry and the front panels. However, even at ambient relative humidities of 100%, the infiltration rate is normally so small that the effect on cooling capacity of latent heat of water vapor condensation in the infiltrating air is negligible.
Cooling performance of the air conditioner is reduced if its capacity is used for the condensation of excessive moisture. This occurs if the enclosure is poorly sealed or is open for long periods, under high humidity conditions. A continuous flow of condensate denotes that these adverse conditions are present and should be remedied immediately.
 
CONDENSER The hot section of the refrigerant system that removes the waste heat away from the refrigerant system. This is commonly accomplished with either air or water to carry away the heat. This component is called a condenser, because the refrigerant inside is changing state from a gas to a liquid (condensing).
 
CORROSIVE ATMOSPHERES Corrosive environments, such as those found in chemical plants and in industries where processes result in harsh chemical by-products, usually preclude the use of filtered ambient air for forced convection cooling. Corrosives generally cannot be filtered out by normal filtration methods. Scrubbing techniques that must be used to rid air of corrosives are complex, costly and often not satisfactory.
For such applications, the cooling method requires isolation of the sensitive components subject to damage from the offending substances. The solution is usually closed-loop cooling - heat exchangers or air conditioners - which consists of two separate circulation systems in a single unit. One recirculates clean cooling air through the electronics within the sealed enclosure, while the other discharges the heat removed from the cabinet to the ambient air or into water for removal.
If the corrosive atmosphere is within an acceptable temperature range, air-to-air heat exchangers can be used to provide cooling for equipment enclosures. When both high ambient temperatures and corrosives are present, either air conditioners or water-to-air heat exchangers must be employed to cool the hot components.
Regardless of the cooling apparatus chosen, it must be constructed of appropriate corrosion-resistant materials, or be treated with corrosive-resistant coatings, to ensure long, trouble-free operation under the conditions to be encountered.
Care should be taken to review the particular conditions involved. In most cases, a system can be designed to meet specific requirements at moderate cost.
 
DEW POINT The surface temperature at which condensate (water) will form as related to the air temperature and air humidity. (See Condensation)
 
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMI) Electrical “noise” that is accidentally generated by electrical products and interferes with the normal operation of other audio and visual equipment.
   
EVAPORATOR The section of a refrigerant system that operates colder than the ambient. This component is called an evaporator, because the refrigerant inside is changing state from a liquid to a gas (evaporating).
 
FAN or PROPELLER FAN An air moving device typically used to move high volumes of air against low static pressure systems. Fans occupy minimal cabinet space and will move a substantial volume of air where flow is virtually unimpeded. Packaged fans can be used for filtered panel or rack-mounted cooling in such applications.
   
FILTRATION Filtration of contaminated air can be accomplished in some installations to permit forced convection cooling of electronic equipment. Generally, contamination can be broken down into two major categories: airborne particulate matter and corrosives.
In most cases, particulate matter can be filtered out and the air made safe for the cooling of heat-producing equipment. However, removal of corrosives by filtration generally requires processes that are too costly and/or too restrictive to airflow. Therefore, isolation of the enclosure contents is usually necessary.
Careful consideration must be given to the type and severity of the conditions to be encountered. Filters must be able to protect the enclosure at the worst-case level of contamination anticipated. Once the system is installed, adequate preventive maintenance is crucial. Filters must be cleaned or replaced regularly, or means must be provided for continuous monitoring of the filter condition.
In order to prevent choking of airflow, it is important for the filter inlet opening to be at least as large as the total area of all air outlets. Inlet and outlet areas should be determined after allowance for impedance of grille materials or other barriers.
Air inlets and outlets should be as far apart as possible, so the air is forced to circulate through all heat-producing components. All air inlets should be filtered, whether the air enters through a fan or blower, or directly into the cabinet for exhausting, when pressurization is not feasible.
   
FILTERS (STANDARD) Filters used with typical electronic equipment cooling devices are usually the viscous-impingement type and are approximately 65% efficient. They utilize fibers that have been coated with a nondrying, tacky substance which traps particulates as air is drawn through. Usually constructed of aluminum foil or flock-coated pleated wire screen, the filters can be cleaned, recoated and re-used indefinitely. Often, filters of this type are used as pre-filters in multiple filter systems to extend the service life of high efficiency or absolute filters.
   
FILTERS (HIGH EFFICIENCY) High efficiency or absolute filters are available in efficiencies ranging up to 99.97% on 0.3 micron size particles. The filter media is a pleated paper which operates as a strainer, since its openings are physically smaller than the particulates it is designed to intercept. This type of filter offers relatively high resistance to airflow and is employed only where more common filter types are incapable of providing acceptable levels of protection. In applications where such filters are required, provision must be made for adequate airflow to overcome the higher resistance in addition to the cooling airflow needed. These filters are not offered in our standard products.
   
FLOW MONITORS Where higher levels of contamination exist or can develop rapidly, filtered cooling air packages should be equipped with some form of flow monitor. In the event of a reduction in air delivery below a minimum acceptable level due to a clogged filter, a flow-sensing or temperature-sensing device triggers warning alarms or shuts down effected equipment.
Pressure differential switches, which respond to pressure drops across an air filter, are often employed, as are simple vane-type airflow velocity sensors or thermostatic over-temperature detectors located at equipment hot spots. At times, flow-sensing and temperature-sensing devices are employed in combination. In this way, relatively low airflows are accepted when the ambient temperature is low.
At higher ambient temperatures, reduced airflow, resulting in excessive component temperature, activates the warning device or shuts off power. This arrangement permits maximum filter utilization and safety to the equipment.
The need for flow monitoring should be evaluated carefully because of the added cost of the various devices required.
   
FORCED CONVECTION COOLING or OPEN LOOP AMBIENT AIR COOLING An industry term that describes an air system used to cool a chamber with just the available air surrounding the product.
   
FORCED VENTILATION vs. CLOSED-LOOP COOLING If ambient air is cool and clean enough, use it. If the ambient is too hot, dirty or corrosive, a closed-loop system is needed. A heat exchanger is usually a lower-cost choice than an air conditioner. See if it will do the job. Don’t over-cool. Don’t oversize the cooling equipment.
   
HEAT EXCHANGERS Heat exchangers are recommended to cool equipment which can tolerate operating temperatures moderately higher than ambient, while air conditioners are required where equipment temperatures must be maintained below ambient.
In applications where airborne contaminants pose a threat to electronic components, the enclosure interior must be isolated from the external environment. For such applications, a sealed enclosure, with a heat exchanger or an air conditioner is required.
For installations that can operate at above-ambient temperatures, heat exchangers provide moderate-cost closed-loop cooling. Available in both air-to-air and water-to-air versions, there are models covering a wide range of cabinet sizes and performance capacities. Depending upon the model selected and the heat load, near-ambient to moderately-above-ambient temperatures can be achieved.
For applications that can utilize heat exchangers, the advantages compared with air conditioners include:
   
  • Lower initial cost
  • Lower power consumption
  • Simpler construction
  • Fewer operating components
  • Lighter weight
 

HEAT EXCHANGERS (AIR-TO-AIR) Advanced air-to-air heat exchanger designs for cooling enclosures include two types of heat transfer methods. One design consists of a finned-tube coil which contains liquid refrigerant. The warm air exhausted from the equipment cabinet to the heat exchanger is directed past the coil, causing the refrigerant to boil and absorb heat.
The resultant refrigerant vapor rises to the upper portion of the tubes, where the heat is removed by the cooler ambient air and the refrigerant condenses back to liquid, completing the cooling cycle in a continuous process. The most recent developments in enclosure heat exchanger design employ high-efficiency heat transfer elements fabricated of embossed convoluted metal foil or thin-film polymer material, constructed into two totally separate air paths. The air leaving the hot enclosure is directed through one side of the exchanger, where the heat passes through the element walls into the ambient-side air stream and is dissipated.

Figure 1 illustrates heat transfer in air-to-air heat exchanger applications.

 

 
Air-to-Air Heat Exchanger Air Flow diagram
Figure 1
In an air-to-air heat exchanger, heat from air surrounding the components is removed by a specially designed heat transfer element before being routed back into the enclosure.
   

 

HEAT EXCHANGERS (WATER-TO-AIR) If ambient air cannot be utilized directly as a cooling medium, another cost-effective method of cooling is a water-to-air system (Figure 2). Water is used to remove heat from air circulated within the electrical enclosure.
Cooling water is circulated through a finned-tube coil, which is installed in a compartment isolated from the enclosure to protect the contents from possible leakage of water. As the heat-laden air circulates through the coil, the heat is absorbed by the water and carried away, in a continuous process.
Water-to-air systems are easy to install and usually require minimum maintenance. The water used must be reasonably clean and cold enough to ensure proper operation of the cooling system under the most severe anticipated conditions.
In cases where sufficiently cold water is available, below ambient-temperature cooling can be achieved.

Water-to-Air Heat Exchanger Air Flow diagram
 
Figure 2
 
A water-to-air heat exchanger works by transferring heat of internal air to circulating water, resulting in cooled air which is recirculated throughout the equipment enclosure.
   
HEAT LOAD TRANSFER The amount of heat that is conducted through the exposed area of the enclosure from the warmer to the cooler space. Heat load transfer can be a heat gain, or a heat loss to the cabinet, depending on the conditions.
If the air outside the cabinet is warmer than the air inside the cabinet, the heat is moving through the cabinet and increasing the total heat load - this will require a larger capacity air conditioner.
If the air outside the cabinet is cooler than the air inside the cabinet, the heat is moving through the cabinet and decreasing the total heat load - this will require a smaller capacity air conditioner.
   
HOT GAS BYPASS VALVE A refrigerant metering device that allows some of the hot compressor discharge gas to flow into the evaporator. Its function is to prevent the coil from freezing during low load conditions and provide uninterrupted cooling. (See Temperature Control)
   
HUMIDITY See Relative Humidity
   
INTERNAL HEAT LOAD The heat generated by the components inside the cabinet.
   
INSULATED ENCLOSURES Insulated enclosures are recommended for outdoor applications, to minimize the additional heat load caused be the sun’s rays. It is best to consult your insulation supplier to select the correct material with the right thermal, flame and electrical ratings for your application. In general, a thin layer (about ½ inch) of foam insulation, with the proper flame rating, is sufficient for most applications.(See Non-Metallic Enclosures)
   
LATENT HEAT The energy in air that is reduced when water is removed in the form of condensation. (see Sensible Heat)
   
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association - Your equipment may require a NEMA rating to comply with local codes. See page 9 for chart of NEMA Enclosure Ratings. Air conditioners typically carry an agency marking such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories), which designates the environmental hazard from which the contents are being protected. This marking should be matched to the enclosure to be cooled. Typical examples include NEMA 12, (indoor use, protection from dust and dripping liquids), NEMA 3R, (outdoor use and rain proof) and NEMA 4/X (outdoor or indoor use, protection from wash-down and corrosive environments). Depending upon the NEMA enclosure type, an air conditioner can be provided to operate in most locations. Locations subject to dust, dripping liquids, rain, washdown and corrosive atmospheres can utilize these “Special Purpose Air Conditioners.”
   
NON-METALIC ENCLOSURES Although plastics have better insulating properties than metal, a layer of insulation is still recommended for outdoor applications. (See Insulated Enclosures)
   
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE (RFI) “Noise” that is accidentally generated by electrical products that interferes with the normal transmission and reception of radios and other equipment that uses radio waves.
   
RELATIVE HUMIDITY A unit of measure to describe the amount of water (moisture) in air. It is described in percent, i.e. %RH - over 80%RH is very humid, and below 30% is very dry. (See Condensation)
   
SENSIBLE HEAT The thermal energy in air that is measured by a change in temperature. (See Latent Heat)
   
SOLAR LOAD or SUN LOAD The heat from the sun must be considered when identifying the total heat load on a system. This solar load can be minimized if the equipment cabinet is shielded from the direct rays of the sun. If this is not possible, painting the cabinet a light color and adding insulation should be considered. If none of these alternatives are possible, the capacity must be increased to address this additional heat load. In the southern USA, this affect can be significant. In the northern USA, this affect might be negligible.
   
STATIC PRESSURE A method used to quantify the air pressure created by a fan or blower wheel. Low static pressure exists at the outlet of a fan that is blowing into an open air space. High static pressure is created when the same fan is blowing into a restrictive, closed compartment. High static pressure is an indication of low airflow, and possibly poor cooling. If the components in a product are inherently very congested, the air flow through them will be restricted and create high static pressure. This condition can be overcome with an alternate blower wheel housing design. Typically a larger motor is needed to overcome this condition.
   
TEMPERATURE CONTROL Typical refrigeration and air conditioning systems control temperature by on/off compressor cycling as air temperatures fluctuate between minimum and maximum thermostat settings. Compressor start-up often introduces substantial transient noise into the circuit powering the equipment to be cooled. Thermostat or relay operation results in electromagnetic interference. Both of these factors can adversely affect the function of electronic equipment. On/off compressor control necessitates choosing between large temperature excursions or frequent compressor cycling.
Furthermore, frequent start/stop operation exposes internal compressor components to electrical and mechanical strains not encountered during continuous operation. The use of electrical controls to handle high compressor start-currents results in eventual erosion of the control contacts themselves.
In order to eliminate the possibility of these problems, KOOLTRONIC Air Conditioners feature a continuously operating compressor and non-electric proportional control system, which result in more stable equipment temperatures and prolonged life for the compressor and the control system. Both blowers and the compressor start simultaneously with the application of power to the unit, and continue to operate until power is removed at the time of equipment shutdown.
The Hot Gas Bypass Control Valve permits refrigerant to be injected into the evaporator coil. This high-temperature gas presents an artificial heat load and permits the effective cooling rate to be varied as necessary to maintain a constant return air temperature back to the enclosure. This control also prevents evaporator freeze-ups during periods of low heat load or low ambient temperature.
Although the above control system works effectively at most times, there are instances of over-cooling due to low heat load or low ambient temperature. In order to prevent that condition, Low Temperature Control thermostats and EMI/RFI suppressors have been added to all KOOLTRONIC Air Conditioners.
When activated, the Low Temperature Control shuts off the compressor and condenser (ambient side) blowers. The evaporator (enclosure side) blowers continue to circulate the air through the enclosure and air conditioner. When the air temperature again reaches the level at which cooling is needed, the compressor and condenser blowers resume operation.
   
UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES, INC. (UL) The leading third party product safety organization in the United States, the largest in North America and the leading quality system registrar headquartered in the United States. Providing product safety verification services for more than a century, the UL Mark is one of the world’s most familiar safety certification symbols. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) provides similar service in Canada. Recently UL and CSA have been working cooperatively and have adopted joint procedures, standards and marks.
   
VAPOR COMPRESSION REFRIGERATION CYCLE (See Air Conditioner)
   
WATT A unit of measure for electrical power. Watts are also used to quantify the amount of heat in a system, because 1 watt will convert to 3.413 BTU’s.
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