High competition in this segment stimulates companies to actively use innovations in their models. Of course, the choice of an optimal air conditioner essentially depends on its innovativeness. Today, the list of the most popular technologies includes the following engineering solutions.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi provides control via the Internet using a laptop, tablet or smartphone. As known, the first air-conditioner with Wi-Fi has been presented in 2012. But, today many new models of middle and upper price segments support Wi-Fi connection. Of course, this technology significantly expands the possibilities of control, providing, among other things, remote setup of the desired parameters. Wi-Fi control uses iOS and Android platforms. Additionally, Wi-Fi Smart technology provides setting the desired program on the longer period, for example, on week.
Reduction of the noise level
Today companies use two methods of noise reduction.
For example, the first method use an innovative fan in the indoor unit that works on low turnovers. The second way use reducing the distance between the indoor unit and the wall that reduces noise from vibration. But some models operate without the front grille, which reduces the noise of the air flow at the outlet.
Skew Fan technology deserves special attention. It reduces noise up to 19 dB. For comparison, the noise level on a quiet street reaches 36 dB, noise of 25 dB corresponds to a whisper at distance of 3 meters. Therefore of course, value of 21 dB is considered a very good value even for new air conditioners.
Skew Fan technology is developed by LG company. Engineers set the fan blades at an angle of 15 degrees to the air flow, reducing aerodynamic drag. This solution reduces noise by 40%. Skew Fan use a BLDC drive with a neodymium magnet to increase torque.
The presence sensor
This system provides automatic on / off, air flow direction control, and change of the air temperature in the room, depending on the presence of people in the room.
The sensor captures the object with a higher temperature compared with the room temperature and generates a control infrared-ray. This technology works on the principle of a conventional infrared sensor. The system additionally has Fresnel lens that provides focusing the rays from every point .
Design
Today, air conditioners have become an interior element. Ruler Artcool from LG (including ArtCool Gallery) clearly demonstrates this trend. These models are equipped with a decorative panel with the ability to change the images on it.
Thus, air conditioner with reproduction of Van Gogh paintings on the decorative panel is already available.
Environment friendly
Environmental standards have become significantly tougher in recent years. Demand on air conditioners with safe refrigerants is growing rapidly in Europe.
Many companies improve their air conditioners with a fluoride-based refrigerant to use natural refrigerants. Today there are a quite lot of such refrigerants. The list includes propane, butane, isobutane, ammonia, carbon dioxide and others. Propane is the most promising and absolutely does not affect the ozone layer.
The new R32 refrigerant
Leading Japanese experts actively work on the market of refrigerants. The R32 refrigerant is one of the new products. It’s practically safe for the environment. R32 is less dense and viscosity compared to other refrigerants. Therefore, its consumption nearly is 30% less. In addition, low viscosity minimizes the pressure losses, increasing the overall efficiency of the air conditioner.
The new refrigerant is safer, more economical and more efficient compared to competitors. Therefore, air conditioners with R32 consume less electricity.
Auto clean feature
For example, this function is implemented in LG models. It prevents unpleasant odors. The video shows this model.