Installing PACU and CRE Components
Installing PACU and CRE Components
Module Title:
Technical General
Education and Organization of
Skills Technical
Development Education and
Authority Vocational
Training
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview (PACU)........................................................................................................1
Read the items carefully and answer each question correctly. Write only the letter
Overview (CRE)..........................................................................................................9
Read the items carefully and answer each question correctly. Write only the letter
Installation of PACU..................................................................................................35
Overview (PACU)
I. Introduction
This system is commonly found in the residential and commercial applications. The basic
design of the unit makes it adaptable to many installation applications. The unit is self-
contained with all of its parts in a single housing, supply and return air duct connections are
provided on the front of the unit. Warm return air from the conditioned space is usually
drawn through the evaporator coil, cooled and then discharged back into the conditioned
space. Condenser air is usually drawn through the sides of the unit and then discharged
through the condenser coil by means of a propeller-type fan. The arrangement also allows
for cooling of the compressor as outside air passes over the compressor before being
discharged through the condenser coil.
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Information Sheet 1
Split systems – is one in which the evaporator or air handling unit is installed separately
from the condensing unit. The condensing unit may be installed on the ground adjacent to
the conditioned space or on the roof of the structure. The evaporator may be installed in the
plenum or supply duct of an existing heating system in an attic or crawl space, or on the
roof, depending upon the installation requirements. The condensing unit and evaporator are
connected to each other by means of field-installed piping or precharged tubing kits.
A. Outdoor Unit
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1. Compressor – a fully hermetic compressor is usually in residential applications. In larger
commercial application, a semi-hermetic compressor is used. It utilizes R-22 as the
refrigerant. The compressor motor windings are cooled by the returning suction vapor,
which passes over and around motor windings. Compressor lubrication is provided
internally by the splash method. Some larger-capacity uses an oil pump to ensure
positive lubrication.
The permanent split capacitor motor is the most common compressor motor used in
residential and light commercial application. In dome applications where a high starting
torque is required, a hard kit consisting of starting capacitor is used. For overload
protection a bimetallic internal line break overload protection and a pilot duty internal
overload protector are used.
2. Condenser
II.1 Condenser coil – is usually manufactured of copper or steel tubing with attached
aluminum fins, which increase the area of heat transfer. The design of the coil
allows the ambient air to be drawn through the condenser coil the discharged
vertically or horizontally.
The amount of the maintenance required on condenser coils is minimal; keep the
coil and fin surfaces clean and straight to prevent excessive discharge pressure.
2.2 Condenser fan and motor – is usually of an axial or propeller design. It may be
installed in a vertical or horizontal position depending upon condenser design. The
condenser fan motor is usually a permanent split capacitor motor. In some
applications the motor may be a two-speed unit. A thermostatic control will allow the
motor to operate at a low speed when the ambient temperature is low. As the
ambient temperature increases and more condenser air is required the motor will
operate at a higher speed. This motor is permanently lubricated and requires no
maintenance, just keep the blades clean.
B. Indoor Unit
1. Evaporators – coils of evaporator are available in variety of designs that will fit any
installations. They are constructed of copper or aluminum tubing with attached aluminum
fins, which increase the area of heat transfer. Depending upon the design of the system,
air may be drawn through or blown through coil. Condensate water is collected in a tray
at the base of the coil and drained by gravity.
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Information Sheet 1
1.1. “A” coil – is designed to be used in up-flow or
down-flow furnace installation. The shape of
the coil as shown in figure 5 permits the
furnace plenum to house greater coil areas.
Refrigerant flow is metered into the coil by
capillary tubes manifold off of the liquid line
and feeding both sides of the coil. Two, four
or more capillary tubes may be utilized,
depending upon the size of the coil. Coil
outlets are attached to a suction header that
directs the flow of refrigerant vapor into the
Figure 5. “A” coil evaporator.
suction line.
Courtesy Carrier Corp.
1.2 Slant coil – which is illustrated in figure 6 is
used in small capacity installations where
large coil surface is not required. Basically
the slant coil is half of an “A” coil and is
used in up-flow or down-flow air movement
applications. In some installations where
the plenum height of the furnace is
restricted, the slant coil may be used on a
horizontal duct system.
Figure 6. Slant coil.
Courtesy Carrier Corp.
1.3 Horizontal coil – is used in
horizontal flow, warm air furnace
applications. These units are also
equipped with their own housing
and, in conjunction with a blower
module, form an air handling
system designed for separate air
delivery system. A horizontal coil is
illustrated in figure 7.
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2. Metering Devices
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When an air flow moves freely across the evaporator coil, the temperature difference
between the supply and return air should be observed.
During the operation see to it that all openings of air (dampers) are widely open and
evaporator air filter is cleaned. The system is already operating at least twenty-four hours
in order that the temperature and press stabilizes before taking temperature and
pressure readings.
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Self-Check 1
_____ 1. When all parts of the system are in one single housing, the system is said to be
a. split system
b. self-contained system
c. package system
d. remote system
a. compressor
b. condenser coil
c. condenser fan and motor controls
d. all of the above
a. “A” coil
b. slant coil
c. horizontal coil
d. b and c
a. metering device
b. condenser
c. evaporator coil
d. liquid valve
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Answer Key 1
1. b
2. b
3. d
4. a
5. a
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Information Sheet 2
OVERVIEW (CRE)
I. Introduction
1. Commercial cabinets – a wide variety of cabinet designs are available to meet the
needs of the individual user. To promote easy maintenance, the finishes of commercial
cabinets are designed for easy cleaning.
2. Display cases – are used for displaying and storing perishable merchandize and may
be an open or closed design.
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1. Open display case - (Figure 1) is among the
most popular cabinet design today.
Merchandize stored in an open case is
refrigerated by means of cold blanket of
conditioned air. The evaporator of the design is
located at the bottom of the fixture and a fan
circulates the conditioned air. Moisture
condensed from warm air is removed from the
case through the drain. One of the primary
problems with open display cases is in
providing the additional refrigeration necessary
to meet the high losses of conditioned air that
result when top layer of cool circulating air
within the refrigerated cabinet comes into
contact with the warm air above it. This results
in an additional heat gain for the refrigeration
system of the display case that requires
additional refrigerant capacity to compensate
for the loss. Figure 1. Open display case.
Not only must the warm air be reduced to the cabinet temperature, but the
condensed moisture from the air must also be removed. For these reasons open
display cases must not be placed or located away from all external air sources, such
as fans, entryway, air ducts and other similar sources of external air movement.
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a. Double-duty display case – has two refrigerated storage cabinets. The upper
compartment is used for display purposes and the lower cabinet, usually located
at the rear of the fixture, is used to store merchandize not yet ready for display.
The evaporator coil is located at the bottom of the fixture and the conditioned air is
circulated throughout the cabinet by means of a fan.
c. Frozen-food display case – can either be opened or closed in design. The open
type case is more suitable for marketing the stored merchandize because the
merchandize is openly displayed and the customer has easy access to the
product desired. The disadvantage of an open case is that the lower storage
temperature induces a greater infiltration of warm air, resulting to a higher
refrigeration load requirement. Open or closed frozen-food display cases may
have plate or blower evaporator coils and their condensing units may be self-
contained or remotely located. The maintained temperature may be 0ºF (17.7ºC)
or lower.
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Figure 4. An upright frozen-foods display case. Note, especially, the fans and airflow pattern.
(Courtesy Kysor/Warren Division of Kysor Industrial Co.)
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weight and magnetic gaskets are
commonly used to seal the door providing
a positive seal against heat leakage. An
interior light is operated by a switch
located outside the refrigerated cabinet. In
many applications, the fan cycles off to
prevent warm air from circulating inside
the box when the user turns on the light
and enters the cabinet. An indicator light
installed in the light switch will alert the
user that the interior light is on and that
the fan is off.
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II. Commercial Condensing Unit – The condensing unit in commercial installation will vary
according to the application.
1. Most applications utilize air-cooled condensers because of their easy maintenance and
reduced operating costs. It may be located indoors or outdoors and it ranges from small
fractional horsepower to large high horsepower condensing units with several hundred
tons of refrigeration capacity. It can be installed in self-contained refrigeration cabinets,
remote from the refrigerated space usually in the equipment room or on the roof of the
building.
2. Compressors
A Single-stage compressor – it is a
common practice in commercial
refrigeration applications to
operate several evaporators with
one compressor.
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2. The use of one compressor with multiple cylinders. The suction vapor of this type
from the evaporator enters the four low-stage cylinders of a two-stage
compressor. The hot discharge vapor leaving the first stage cylinders is cooled by
a de-superheating expansion valve before it enters the compressor and the
second stage cylinders where it will be compressed and discharged into the
condenser.
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Figure 9c. Installation of solenoid valves. The solenoid controls the cabinet temperature of the cabinet.
Valves and thermostats are using line voltages. Courtesy ALCO Controls.
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4. Refrigeration system accessories – in all cases the fundamental principles behind
the operation of refrigeration system are unchanged whether the system is small
or large, domestic or commercial, high-pressure or low-pressure. In order to
create a system that operates at maximum efficiency is a specific situation,
accessories must be added to the basic components of a refrigeration system.
Safety, convenience, and improved endurance are also considerations for the
installation of system accessories.
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b. Sight glasses – the purpose of
installing it is to determine the
condition of the liquid refrigerant in
the liquid line. Under normal
operation, the sight glass should
show a solid vapor-free column of
liquid refrigerant leaving the
receiver and entering the metering
device. The presence of bubbles in
the sight glass indicates the
presence of flash gas in the liquid
line, while the most common cause
is shortage of refrigerant. Other
possible causes, such as low
discharge pressure and undersized Figure 11. Sight glasses with flared or
liquid line should not be overlooked. soldered fittings.
Courtesy Virginia KMP Corp.
If the sight glass is located after the liquid line, and the filter drier becomes
restricted, bubbles may also appear in the sight glass. It is also equipped with
moisture indicator which will indicate a presence of moisture through chemical
reaction in the indicator creating a color change to indicate the system is wet.
At least eight (8) hours of running time should be allowed before the moisture
indicator can give an accurate reading.
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d. Oil Separators. During normal
system operations a percentage
of oil leaves the compressor and
circulates the system. In a
properly designed system, the
amount of oil that leaves from
the compressor is equal to the
amount of oil that returns to the
compressor. As a result, proper
oil level in lubrication is
maintained in the compressor.
In the system where oil returns
is not adequate, an oil separator
may be installed to maintain
proper oil level in the
compressor. Other application
where oil separator may be
needed include:
Low-temperature systems
Flooded evaporators
Figure. 13. Oil separator operation.
System utilizing capacity
control
System that have lower suction or discharge line reserve
System utilizing a refrigerant that does not mix well with oil
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f. Check Valve – its function is to
allow refrigerant flow in one
direction. The check valve remains
open while the refrigerant flows in
normal direction. If the refrigerant
attempts to reverse its flow, the
valve will close. Spring loading of
the valve prevents any noise or
chattering created by the propulsion
of refrigerant gas from the
compressor discharge valves. In all
application, it is important to refer to
the manufacturer’s installation
specifications to ensure the proper
mounting and directional flow. Figure 15. Check valve.
Courtesy Superior Valve Co., Division of
AMCAST Industrial Corporation.
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h. Strainers – are installed in
refrigeration and air-conditioning
system to trap foreign matters such
as scale, metal chips, and dust to
prevent it from entering the sealed
system and causing damage to
compressor as restriction of the
system components, such as
metering devices, solenoid valves
and pressure control valves. Many
systems are already equipped with
factory-installed strainer. If the
system component is not equipped
with a strainer an inline strainer
should be installed upstream of the
component. (Figure 17)
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Information Sheet 2
by the pressure at which it is
maintained. Changes in the
suction pressure will reflect
changes in the temperature of
the evaporator. The low
pressure control is activated
by changes in the suction
pressure and is utilized to
control the temperature of the
conditioned space by
indirectly controlling the
temperature of the
evaporator.
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Self-Check 2
_____ 1. Which of the following is used for displaying and storing perishable merchandize
and may be an open or closed design?
_____ 2. Which reach-in case stores perishable merchandize such as dairy products, soda,
beer, wine and other products?
a. 40ºF to 55ºF
b. 45ºF to 60ºF
c. 50ºF to 60ºF
d. 60ºF to 70ºF
_____ 4. Which in commercial application controls the opening and closing operation of the
solenoid valve?
a. expansion valve
b. thermostatic expansion valve
c. thermostat
d. relay
_____ 5. Which of the following stores the liquid refrigerant while the system is under
service or repair?
a. expansion valve
b. liquid receiver
c. thermostat
d. relay
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Answer Key 2
1. b
2. a
3. a
4. c
5. b
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Information Sheet 3
The following are general rules which need to be considered in installing PACU/CRE
components.
a. It is important that the selection of location where the unit will be placed suits the
customer’s needs.
b. Install the unit in an area with good ventilation. Any obstacles affecting the airflow
near the air inlet and the air outlet will cause blockage to the airflow
d. Install the unit in an area away from television and audio units, cordless phones,
fluorescent lighting fixtures and other electrical appliances (at least 1 meter
clearance). This is to eliminate or reduce interference to other unit generated by the
motors running from air-conditioner.
e. Install the unit in an area that provides easy drainage for condensate.
f. Install the unit in an area not exposed to the rain or direct to sunlight (install a
separate sunblind if exposed to direct sunlight.
g. Fix the unit firmly if it is mounted in a high place. See to it that the area would be able
to endure the vibration from the unit.
h. Install the unit where it will not cause neighbors to suffer hot wind and noise
generated by the unit.
i. Install the unit where power source conform to the unit’s power requirement.
j. Install the unit to a place where free movement for servicing warrants.
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Self-Check 3
Direction: Read the question carefully. Write the letter of the best answer on the space
provided.
_____ 1. What is the most important thing to consider when selecting an area for
installation of PACU/CRE?
_____ 2. Why do we have to consider the proximity of outdoor unit to indoor unit?
_____ 3. Why is there a need to fix the indoor and outdoor unit of PACU/CRE in a high
place?
_____ 4. Why would you avid placing the outdoor unit near your neighbor?
_____ 5. Why should you prepare a location free from heat of the sunlight?
a. heat from the sunlight will be additional load for the system
b. to allow better circulation
c. to have better heat transfer
d. to have better drainage
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Answer Key 3
1. c
2. a
3. c
4. b
5. a
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Information Sheet 4
Figure 2. Air-to-water-unit
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Information Sheet 4
3. Water-to-water equipment (Figure 3)
has two water heat exchangers and
is used in large commercial
systems.
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Information Sheet 4
4. Water-to-air equipment (Figure 5)
absorbs heat from the circulating
water circuit and rejects the heat
directly into the air. This equipment
is used for large commercial
system.
B. Split Systems.
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Information Sheet 4
2. Condensing Unit – The condensing unit location is remote from the evaporator. The
following must be considered carefully when installing the condensing unit.
a. Proper air circulation – the unit must have adequate air circulation. The air
discharge from the condenser may be from the side or from the top. Discharge air
must not hit any object and circulate back through the condenser or it will cause
high head pressure and poor operating efficiency.
b. Electrical and piping considerations – the refrigerant piping and electrical service
must be connected to the condensing unit. Before positioning the unit, it is a must
to study the electrical and piping line connection and make them as short as
practical, leaving adequate room for service.
c. Service accessibility – unit can make the difference between good service and
barely adequate service. Care should be taken to provide both visual and physical
access to all system components.
d. Proper drainage or rainwater and ground water – The natural drainage of the
groundwater and rainwater or roofwater should be considered in unit placement.
Caution: The unit should not be located in a low place where groundwater will rise to
the unit. This may short the controls to the ground and the wiring will be harmed.
e. Solar influence – If possible, position the condensing unit on the shady side of the
house to help cool the unit.
2. Review the manufacturer’s specification and installation guide to ensure that the
installation will conform to the recommended procedures and local codes.
3. Check the equipment and make sure that all components of the system are properly
matched for the application.
4. Do not remove any of the protective caps from the tubing couplers until the tubing is
ready for final installation.
5. Unpack the equipment at the job site to reduce the possibility of damage from excessive handling once uncrated,
check all components for possible damage.
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Self-Check 4
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
2. Why is there a need to keep the caps of tubing couplers before its installation?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
5. What is the reason why an outdoor unit should be installed in a shady place?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
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Answer Key 4
1. To confirm where the outdoor unit should be placed, the tubing, the electrical and
where the drain line should be run.
2. To make sure that tubing are free from moisture and contaminants.
3. To ensure that the installation will conform to the recommended procedures and
local codes.
5. To prevent high head pressure and poor operating efficiency of the unit. Shade
area help cool the unit.
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Information Sheet 5
A. Outdoor Unit – The secondary unit should be installed outdoors as close as possible to
the evaporation and electrical power source, keeping in mind the desires of the
customer, installation requirements and local codes. Consider the following factors:
1. The unit should be located in an area that is not subject to direct sunlight.
2. There should be enough space between the unit and any adjacent walls or
overhangs to ensure proper condenser airflow and avoid restrictions or short
circuiting.
3. The unit should be mounted on a sturdy base at least four to six inches above the
ground. To prevent the possible transmission of vibration noise, the base should not
be in contact with the building foundation.
4. The unit should be positioned to facilitate access to service panels and the easy
installation of refrigerant and electrical lines.
B. Indoor Unit – The following factors are to be considered in installing indoor unit:
1. There should not be any heat source or steam near the unit.
7. There should be enough spaces from the wall, ceiling or other obstacles.
8. Indoor unit of the room air conditioner shall be installed on the wall in a height of at
least 2.3 meters.
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Job Sheet 1
Installation of PACU
A. Tools
1. Set of wrenches
2. Concrete hole saw
3. Concrete drill/set of drill bits
4. Flaring tools/swaging tools
5. Set of screw driver
B. Equipment
1. Set of oxyacetylene
2. Scaffold equipment
3. PPE
C. Materials
1. Brackets/hangers
2. Silver flux
3. Nuts and bolts/screws
2. Install the metal frame to the foundation or base and tighten the nuts.
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3. Install the condensing unit. See to it
that the hole within the base of the
condensing unit is fitted exactly on
the metal framed foundation.
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
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Operation Sheet 1
Introduction:
When the mechanical installation, electrical installation, piping installation, leak testing,
evacuating, charging were already accomplished, the next work activity is to test run the
system.
Objectives:
1. prepare tools and equipment, supplies and materials for testing and running the system;
Materials Tools
Pencil Flat screwdriver
Paper Phillips screwdriver
Ratchet wrench
Instruments
Multimeter
Ammeter
System analyzer/gauge manifold
Procedure:
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Operation Sheet 1
CHECKLIST
Note: Use the following checklist to ensure the installation is in good order. Indicate Yes or No.
2. Outdoor Section
Condenser level
A firm foundation under the condenser
Service panel in correct location
Airflow correct and not recirculating
Refrigerant piping in good order and insulated
Electrical connections tight
High voltage correct
Low voltage correct
Service valves open if any
3. Condensate Check
In a drywell
On the ground
In a drain
5. Start the indoor fan motor and verify the voltage and current:
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6. Start the condensing unit and verify the voltage and amperage
Evaluation: While performing the activity, it is important for you to assess your performance
following the criteria below:
5. Correct adjustment of low pressure service valve and discharge pressure service valve
6. Wore PPE
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