Re:Cooling related failure (in Google London DC)
by FartyMcFarter on Wednesday July 20, 2022 @05:18AM
(#32163262)
> Putting a sprinkler next to the condensor (outside) unit is a hack.
However, water companies have been telling people to reduce water usage during the heat wave since demand is higher than usual, so this may not be a great idea.
Heat waves indeed kill equipment. The system is attempting to deal with a higher heat load on the home/conditioned space, while also having to operate with high(er) ambient temperatures.
High ambient temps -> High heat load -> warm(er) return refrigerant temps/high(er) refrigerant pressures -> less cooling for compressor / higher mechanical load on compressor -> Elevated power consumption as compressor is working harder -> higher power/heat levels stress electrical insulation & components.
The system struggles to keep up as the duty cycle is elevated as well. Putting a sprinkler next to the condensor (outside) unit is a hack.