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Compressor is hot due to gas compression, and the gas then cooled in condenser. AC installed in tropical climate. Why compressor have insulation barrier?AC outdoor units, compressor

RainerJ
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  • Stop ambient heat entering...? Or noise reduction? – Solar Mike May 04 '18 at 11:08
  • Ambient heat cannot entering since compressor temperature must be higher than ambient. This is also happened to be R-32 refrigerant (higher condenser temperature). – RainerJ May 04 '18 at 14:21
  • But heat can go back to the environment which you are trying to cool... As pointed out by Olin... – Solar Mike May 04 '18 at 14:26
  • You mean, heat go to outlet of condenser. That's can make sense, but should be the outlet condenser tubing to be insulated. I'm thinking why don't we air cooled the compressor also. This discussion might lead to some system improvements. – RainerJ May 04 '18 at 14:29
  • No, that unit is trying to cool the space it is in.. if the heat from the compressor gets back into that space then it is wasted work, so i sulate the compressor so the heat is taken away by the fluid to the condensor... – Solar Mike May 04 '18 at 14:32
  • Wait, in AC split, the compressor is outside of the room. While indoor units don't have compressor. I don't get your saying. About insulate the compressor so the heat is taken away by fluid to condenser - I think it is better for compressor work if the gas is intermediate-cooled (like multistage compression with its interstage coolers). – RainerJ May 04 '18 at 14:35
  • Let us continue this discussion in chat. – RainerJ May 04 '18 at 14:44
  • The picture of the unit you provided is what I have been commenting on.... – Solar Mike May 04 '18 at 15:46
  • Please provide make and model of condenser unit. – Phil Sweet May 04 '18 at 18:17
  • @Phill Sweet, make & model is irrelevant for this answer since other make & model may have same insulation. – RainerJ Jun 05 '18 at 23:30

5 Answers5

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Knowledgeable service man said it was for noise reduction.

blacksmith37
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Just guessing, but some possibilities:

  1. To reduce noise.

  2. To reduce heat exchange in places other than where it is wanted/used.

Olin Lathrop
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Noise reduction. Compressor is cooled by returning refrigerant. Compressor blankets/jackets are a common add on product to reduce noise from manufacturers and aftermarket. Insulating a compressor, cabinet or closet can deliver results that make heros out of blue collar folks. Annoying noises drive people absolutely bonkers and the annoyance is difficult to understand until experiencing such.

Michael King
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This is not for heat insulation. One look tells you that. If it were for heat insulation the whole of the compressor would have to be covered and sealed. The top is open. Any heat will just pour out the top - as it is supposed to.
The fan that blows air across the condenser coil draws air from around the compressor and expels it out, helping to cool the compressor. Usually the intake vents for the condenser fan are placed in such a position to facilitate this.

This insulation is only to reduce noise. The insulation will absorb much of the noise from the compressor (and turn it into heat).
A/C compressors get extremely hot, the last thing you need is thermal insulation. This insulation is designed to provide some sound attenuation whilst still allowing air circulation for cooling.

Rich
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I am agree with Mr. Rich . The isolation used to reduce the noise only . If check out the isolation it is not used to prevent heat exchange

Anass Yateem
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