Feature
SPLIT UNITS - STILL SUITABLE IN MANY APPLICATIONS
By Benjamin Brits
The split air conditioning system , today being more widely adopted in the residential market , is still a contender for several other applications too .
As with many of the larger HVAC technologies , split systems have also undergone many improvements and adaptations over the years . This has seen these units undergo changes in styles and aesthetics , efficiency , air distribution , filtration / air quality improvements , controls and connectivity .
As global temperatures have increased , and are set to rise further in future , the use of devices to control and condition indoor air in several applications will continue to hold greater importance . This situation , that can possibly soon become essential to occupant health , is also subject to multiple factors – of which many involve the inability to use large central systems or where accessibility is limited .
As numerous studies have shown , optimal indoor air quality , along with correct temperature and relative humidity conditions are all critical elements in ensuring health , well-being , and performance of space occupants as they spend time indoors . Of course , the removal of pathogens from indoor spaces and the transmissibility of airborne diseases has also seen much attention and has become a major factor for space users as these impacts may be severe .
As we have seen over the course of this year , countries around the world have experienced all time high temperatures and of all of the factors involved , this is the major cause of illnesses leading to fatality . Experts have predicted that over the course of the next few years , more than 6-billion air conditioning units will be
© RACA Journal | Benjamin Brits
added to spaces and residences globally to combat temperature increases ( and decreases ).
Split units , technically referred to as “ unitary HVAC equipment ,” can provide cooling or heating only , or both cooling and heating . Cooling is most often supplied by a direct expansion ( DX ) system , while heating can be provided by several design types , including refrigerant gas , electric resistance elements , or supplemented by a heat pump . A heating function on unitary equipment is often not regarded – particularly in South Africa ,
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A split unit installed in a penthouse room .
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