The variations and the diversity of climatic conditions that can be found across the length and breadth of the Indian sub-continent make it very difficult to design air conditioners that can work effectively in different scenarios. Some regions of the country may face excessive temperatures at a particular period, some regions may experience high levels of humidity, some may face dry winters and some may face excessive rainfall. Owing to these massive variations the air conditioning systems in India have been so designed to incorporate all these climatic scenarios and may deliver comfortable air conditioning round the clock throughout the year irrespective of the region in which it is used.
The basic necessities that must be present in an air conditioner used in the Indian sub-continent
Temperature control
Most important factor in providing comfort to the user, used to bring the room temperature to the comfortable zone.
- Summer – 20oC to 23oC (relative humidity- 60%)
- Winter – 18oC to 22oC (relative humidity – 45%)
Humidity control
Humidification is the addition of moisture to the air to avoid strain and irritation on the membranes of the nasal passages.
- Summer – Humidification is done to achieve a relative humidity of 40-50%
- Winter – De-humidification is carried out to achieve a relative humidity of 50-60%
Air velocity control
High velocities may cause greater temperature difference between the outside and the inside. A velocity of 6 to 9 m/sec is desirable.
Air quality control
Air should be free of odours, toxic gases, bacteria and other micro-organisms