Air Conditioner Model

Andrea Badua Period 2 Physics Ms. Buenconsejo

Introduction

We are currently learning about heat and thermodynamics. An air conditioner is an item that relates to the law of thermodynamics. To find out how, we must construct the inside of an air conditioner.

Standard & Objectives

STANDARD: Heat & Thermodynamics A) Air conditioner Model Objectives: 1) Plan, Design, Modify and Construct an air conditioner model that clearly shows its important parts. 2) Trace and Explain how air conditioner works. 3) Relate Air conditioners to the Laws of Thermodynamics.

B) Research and Powerpoint Presentation

a)Label Important Parts of the Air conditioner and describe each b)Explain the function of each of the parts of the air conditioner c)Demonstrate/ Trace how air conditioner works d)Relate Air conditioners to the laws of Thermodynamics

Materials

Foam Cardboard Paper Sticks Straws Plastic cups Bottle caps White Glue/ Glue gun

Plan & Design

Procedures Cut board into separate board pieces Construct pieces to actual pieces of an air

conditioner Hot glue gun all pieces into place

Final Product

Main Parts of an AC
Compressor First, the chemicals used to transfer heat start as a low-pressure gas. The compressor compacts the molecules and makes them denser. This is done to increase their energy and temperature. When this happens, it moves onto the condenser as a high-pressure gas. Condenser It cools the high-pressure gas from the compressor into a liquid again. A series of metal fins along the outside of the air conditioner acts as a radiator to also help dissipate the heat faster. The excess heat is vented outside. Evaporator When the liquid leaves the condenser, it enters the evaporator under high-pressure. After a drop in pressure, the liquid turns into a gas. Filters The filtration system is used to collect dust, particles, pollen and other airborne materials.

The Path of an Air Conditioner

1. The fluid immediately begins to evaporate and

expands into a gas. In doing so, it uses its thermal

energy to separate its molecules from one another and it becomes very cold. 2. Enters the compressor and it squeezes the molecules of that gas closer together, increasing the gas's density

and pressure. and then the working fluid and that

fluid becomes hotter. 3. Since the fluid is hotter than the surrounding air, heat flows out of the fluid and into the air. The fluid then begins to condense into a liquid and it gives up

additional thermal energy as it condenses.

4. When the fluid goes through the narrowing in the pipe, it's pressure drops and it enters the evaporator as a low-pressure liquid. The cycle repeats.

Physics of Air Conditioners

An air conditioner uses a material called a "working fluid" to transfer heat from inside of a room to the great outdoors. The working fluid is a material which transforms easily from a gas to a liquid and vice versa over a wide range of temperatures and pressures.

Second Law of Thermodynamics It states that heat cannot flow to a system at a higher temperature from a system at a lower temperature by its own volition. For such an action to occur, work must be done. That's what air conditioners do, it moves heat from HOT to COLD.

Summary & Reflection

This was a pretty fun project to work on because I was able to understand how an air conditioner worked and what the major parts were on the inside that made it work. The hardest part for me would be slitting the holes and spaces on cardboards. The easiest part was placing all the parts inside since I already knew which piece went where.

Global Relevance

Air conditioners are great to have to relieve you off of the summer heat, but it could still be harmful for allergy and health reasons. Mold could be breeded easy through the filters of an AC when not properly cleaned. Built up mold and other particles are blown into your home and cause health problems for those allergic to the airborne particles. Breathing mold can also cause respiratory difficulty and infection in the young, elderly, and people with weak immune systems.

3 Safety Rules

Don't run with scissors Don't point hot glue gun at others No playing around while students are focused on completing their project.