Copper Coil Vs Aluminium Coil: Nothing beats the heat better than an Air conditioner. It is safe to say that the Air Conditioner is ‘the’ ultimate boon of modern technology. Not so long ago, this was a luxury that only a few could afford. But, thanks to the innovative technology of the 20th Century, that almost all homes can afford a basic Air Conditioner. However, it was the genius of an engineer by the name of Willis Haviland Carrier that led to this invention. The year was 1902, and Carrier was looking out for a way to control the humidity at a printing plant in Brooklyn. The first-ever model of an Air Conditioner comprised of Coils that contained cold water. This system led to the cooling of the air around it, meanwhile also removing the moisture content from the air. Thus, the Carrier Air Conditioning Company of America was founded in the year 1933. This company manufactures cooling units, which included belt-driven condensing units along with a blower. Also, mechanical controls, evaporator coils were used in the working of the machine. This is the ‘basic’ structure of the Air conditioner used even today, though a lot has been changed ever since.
The modern Air conditioner comprises of the following parts:
- Vapour Compression
- Diagnostics
- Controls
- Electronic sensors
The main procedure involves the conversion of the refrigerant gas from the gaseous state to the liquid state. This is done first by the process of compression and then Absorption in the second stage. The entire cycle of the working of an Air Conditioner can be summarized in the following steps:
- Compression: At this stage, the gas undergoes pressurization and is converted into a hot liquid.
- Condensation: At this step, the liquid ‘travels’ through a coil. This is where the hot liquid is converted into cooler liquid. This step is accompanied by the release of heat to the outside. This is where the importance of the ‘Coils’ in an Air conditioner comes to play.
- Expansion Valve: After the Condensation step, the high-pressure liquid is converted to low-pressure liquid in a Valve.
- Evaporation: Now, the low-pressure liquid travels through the Evaporation coil, and heat is absorbed from the room. This is where it is converted from the liquid state to the gaseous state. This is the only process that occurs within the indoor unit.
The Importance Of The Coil In an Air Conditioner
Coils in an Air conditioner are one of the most important aspects or parts. It is here that the heat is absorbed from the air as it passes over it. The air cools down in the process and is then released into the room. Later the gaseous refrigerant passes through the condensation coil, and the compression takes place where heat is released into the outside. Exhaust fans are used to push the hot air outside in this step.
While the standard process of the working of an Air conditioner is basic across all models, makes, and designs, the Coil used makes a major difference. The coil type directly affects the efficiency of an Air Conditioner. The coil size and the material it is used for makes a lot of difference. Also, the ease of use and cleaning process enhances efficiency. Coils are made of two metals; Aluminium and Copper. While the earlies models used Copper coils, later, many brands started utilizing Aluminium instead. So, what is the main difference between the Copper coils and the Aluminium Coils? Let us find out:
What is a Copper Coil?
As mentioned earlier, the initial models of Air conditioners comprised of Copper coils. As the Copper coils have high conductivity, hence these are used in Air conditioners. The metal is known to have a better strength to withstand high heat and temperatures; therefore, it is a favourite choice.
Advantages:
- It is easier to repair in case of damages.
- Are stronger as compared to the Aluminium coil.
- Are easy on maintenance and cleaning.
- Can withstand harsh environmental conditions.
- It is better in the process of heat exchange as compared to Aluminium coils.
Disadvantages:
- Copper coils are expensive.
What is an Aluminium Coil?
Some of the latest models of Air Conditioners utilize Aluminium coils for their mechanism. These are the Evaporator coils and the Condenser coil. The evaporator coil is the part of the system where the refrigerant absorbs the heat. This is perhaps the most vital of all steps, as here the cooling occurs. Likewise, in the Condensor coil, the refrigerant gas releases its heat that was absorbed from the room. Therefore, the coils are important in the working of an Air conditioner. But, more importantly, the material of the Coil is also one of the major deciding factors. Hence, many models utilize Aluminium for their coils.
Advantages:
- Aluminium coils are much cheaper in comparison to Copper coils.
- Aluminium coils display a better ability to bend in shapes as desired.
- The high flexibility of the metal makes it a desired candidate for Air conditioners of various sizes.
Disadvantages:
- Aluminium coils are not as efficient.
- These are difficult to clean.
- Aluminium corrodes much easily.
- These are also much tougher to repair.
- The maintenance is high.
Difference Between Copper Coil and Aluminium Coil
Today, most of the HVAC systems in AC are the same. But, the only difference remains in its choice of the metal used in the coils. So, what is the main difference? Let us find out:
FEATURE | ALUMINIUM COIL | COPPER COIL |
TRANSFER OF HEAT | Less in comparison | Better in comparison |
RESISTANCE TO CORROSION | Corrodes more in comparison to aluminium. Hard to repair, clean, and maintain | Less corrosion in comparison. but is easy to repair, clean, and maintain |
LIABILITY | Less metal used in the making of the coil in comparison to aluminium | More metal is used in the making of the coil, in comparison to the aluminium |
COST | In expensive in comparison | Is costlier to aluminium |
DURABILITY | Is not as strong and less durable | Is more durable and more strong |
MAINTENANCE | Is difficult to clean and maintain | Is easier to clean and maintain |
REPAIR | Difficult to repair | Easier to repair |
The Conclusion- Which one is better?
The Air conditioner is an expensive machine. Even today, it is a symbol of luxury and wealth in most homes. It is interesting to know that the very first Air conditioner was used for residential purposes in the year 1914. This machine was 7 feet high, 6 feet wide, and 20 feet long. These giant cooling systems were priced at anywhere between $10000-$50000. However, it was only posted during World War II that the Air conditioners were made into an affordable commodity. Today, these are used globally and allow more and more people to lead comfortable lives.
One of the breakthroughs occurred with the replacement of the Copper coils with the Aluminium coils. It needs to be understood that Copper coils are INR 5000 or more expensive in comparison to Aluminium coils. This is mainly because the average cost of the Copper coils ranges from INR 600-800 per meter. So, depending upon the model size and the installation requirements, the need for the Copper coils can increase. Now, as we know, we are a country that loves to save. Be it energy or money. Hence, the demand for Aluminium coil Air Conditioners is always on a high. This is best suited for most financial backgrounds of Indian homes. Also, Aluminium coil Air conditioners come in various sizes. Therefore these are preferred for small spaced rooms and accommodations as well, thus, making them a favourite.
Lastly, it has to be kept in mind that the ‘better’ quality Air conditioner is the Copper coil. An air conditioner is in comparison to the Aluminium coil. But, in terms of budget, the Aluminium coil Air conditioner is the ‘better budget choice.’ So, choose your ‘better’ as per your requirement.
Also Read:
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- Can an Air Conditioner(AC) Run on an Inverter?
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- Copper Coil Vs. Aluminium Coil in AC-Which Works Better?
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