How a cabinet air conditioner actually cools
A cabinet AC uses a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle to move heat from inside the enclosure to the outside — not merely stirring hot air like a fan. It keeps the interior cooler than ambient while the door stays closed at IP55, which is what sets it apart from heat exchangers and fans.
Four core components
- Compressor: compresses low-pressure gas refrigerant into hot, high-pressure gas — the "heart" of the cycle.
- Condenser: mounted outside, it rejects heat to ambient air as the refrigerant changes from gas to liquid.
- Expansion device (capillary / valve): drops pressure and temperature, turning liquid refrigerant into a cold low-pressure two-phase mix.
- Evaporator: inside the cabinet, it absorbs heat as refrigerant evaporates; a fan pushes the cooled air back in.
Key cooling parameters
| Component | Location | State change | Temp range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor | Inside | Gas pressure/temp up | High |
| Condenser | Outside | Gas→liquid (reject) | Mid-high |
| Evaporator | Inside | Liquid→gas (absorb) | Low |
Selection tips
Cooling capacity must cover the total heat load of enclosed equipment plus a 20%–30% margin; for ambient above 40℃ check the derating curve. For model specs and capacity calculation, see the HCK product center or contact us.