Review of Sharp AH-XP18MV 1.5Ton Eco-Inverter Air Conditioner

[rishiguru]

After surviving last year super hot and humid summer in Kolkata, I finally decided to go for Air Conditioners which are day by day becoming important equipment at homes today. With increasing demand and widely available EMI schemes, it has mooted variety of brands and products availability in the market. Some of the brands that can be found in the market are Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Daikin, Panasonic, Sharp, LG, Carrier, O-General, Toshiba along with several indigenous brands like Voltas and BlueStar. Every brand offers non-Inverter air conditioners with variety of functions such as antibacterial air purifiers, anti-odour, energy efficiency where as the best offers of them offers newer and advanced technology like Inverter air conditioners.

In India room air conditioners are generally available from 0.8 to 2.5 Ton range denoting their cooling capacity class. Internationally the air conditioners are rated as 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3 HP (Horse Power).

Below is a chart of the cooling capacity class:

0.5 HP = 6,000 BTU/Hr = 0.5 Ton
1.0 HP = 9,000 BTU/Hr = 0.8 Ton
1.5 HP = 12,000 BTU/Hr = 1.0 Ton
2.0 HP = 17,100 BTU/Hr = 1.5 Ton
2.5 HP = 24,000 BTU/Hr = 2.0 Ton
..

As a consumer it became very difficult for me to determine which air conditioners to go with, I mean Inverters or non-Inverters, the one that provides the best bang for the buck and is also extremely energy efficient?

One way was to go the non-Inverter route where air conditioners are rated from 1 ~ 5 stars in terms of efficiency by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statutory body under the Indian Union Ministry of Power. Affixing BEE star label has been made mandatory by BEE to all the manufactures for the benefit of general public, showing the level of energy consumption by the non-Inverter air conditioner both in terms of absolute values as well as equivalent number of stars varying from one to five, in accordance with BEE stipulation. The greater the number of stars on the label, higher the appliance energy efficiency and lower its electricity consumption. While selecting the non-Inverter air conditioner refer to the BEE Star Rated Label affixed is must.

Energy Efficiency of Air Conditioner

Efficiency of an air conditioner is normally measured as Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), which is the ratio of the cooling output, measured in British thermal units (BTU) per hour, to the power input (in Watts, and includes all inputs to compressor, fan motors and controls) to operate AC at standard rating conditions. This means a higher the EER, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

At times, EER is defined a little differently. The cooling capacity instead of being denoted in Btu/Hr is also denoted in Watts (1 BTU/Hr = 0.293 Watts). Thus EER is represented as Watts/ Watts or as a number without any units and will be assumed from now on.

EER Calculation of non-Inverter Air Conditioner

Non-Inverter Model: Hitachi i-Clean (RAU518ITDA)
Tonnage: 1.5 Ton
Star Rating: 5
Rated Cooling Capacity: 5274 watts
Total Power Drawn: 1524 watts
Rated EER: 5274/1524 = 3.46

So the higher the EER number better is its efficiency and more costly its going to be, due to the use of more advanced technology.

BEE Chart of star ratings applicable to air conditioners for 2012 ~ 2013

1 Star -> 2.5 to 2.69 EER
2 Star -> 2.7 to 2.89 EER
3 Star -> 2.9 to 3.09 EER
4 Star -> 3.1 to 3.29 EER
5 Star -> 3.3 and upwards EER

And for 2014 ~ 2015

1 Star -> 2.7 to 2.89 EER
2 Star -> 2.9 to 3.09 EER
3 Star -> 3.1 to 3.29 EER
4 Star -> 3.3 to 3.49 EER
5 Star -> 3.5 and upwards EER

Lets assume someone buys a 5 star rated non-Inverter air conditioner in 2011 with COP of 3.1. By 2012 the same AC becomes a 4-star since 5-star requirement is 3.3 and by 2014 the same AC becomes a 3-star since 5-star now requires 3.5. By 2016 the same AC becomes a 2-star since 5-star now requires 3.7. So we find EER star rating of non-Inverter air conditioners to be an ever moving target and its star rating is respective to the year a particular model was released. This is very important to keep in mind while going for non-Inverter air conditioners.

The other way was to go for Inverter Air Conditioners which are sophisticated piece of equipment and expensive.

At the start up of an air conditioners operation, powerful cooling is required to reach the set temperature. After the set temperature is reached, less cooling is required to maintain it. A conventional non-Inverter air conditioner can only operate at a constant speed which is too powerful to maintain the set temperature. Thus, in attempting to achieve this, non-Inverter air conditioners switches the compressor ON and OFF repeatedly. This results in wider temperature fluctuations leading to wasteful consumption of electrical energy.

The Inverter air conditioners on the other hand have a full-output operation mode to operate at maximum capacity as soon as they start thus reaching the targeted temperature faster than non-Inverter air conditioners and then drastically reduce energy consumption when the set temperature is achieved by going into energy-saving operation mode and varies the rotational speed of the compressor along with the indoor and outdoor fan motors for optimum performance at all times. This provides a highly precise method of maintaining the set temperature and drastically reduces wasteful cooling operation and energy consumption.

Advantages of Inverter Air Conditioners

Information from in-built sensors of both the indoor and outdoor units measuring temperature and humidity are processed at over 4000 times per second by Inverter air conditioners brain i.e. Digital Micro-computer Module which then maintains targeted room temperature and humidity by constantly controlling the voltage, current and frequency send to the compressors having highly energy efficient DC motor using magnetic force to operate the compressor rather than conventional AC motor used in non-Inverters in conjunction with the electronic pulse linear expansion valve to precisely control coolant pressure for more efficient heat exchange. High quality DC motors are also used in the indoor and outdoor fan units instead of AC motors to save energy, all being controlled by the same electronic digital micro-computer module.

'The Brain' of an Inverter Air Conditioner (Digital Micro-computer Module)

One has to understand that technology comes at a price. The hard earned money one pays for Inverter air conditioners are put in using much better quality components which never came with non-Inverters, reaping their benefits in terms performance and efficiency with significant reduction in power consumption. Also Inverter air conditioners produce no humidity when adjusting room temperature. This is very important since it is the moisture removed from the room which actually produces the feeling of cooling. If the air conditioners can effectively remove enough moisture from the room it will produce a feeling of comfort.

'The Brain' of Inverter Air Conditioners are generally located on the Outdoor Units and their heatsinks are cooled by the ODU fan

Since I plan for extended use on a daily basis, I went for Inverter ones over cheaper non-Inverters. One will be astounded to learn in Japan almost all air conditioners are Inverter ones where as in India the same Japanese air conditioner companies sell normal non-Inverter 5 star rated air conditioners at same price of Inverter air conditioners since very few people know about the real benefits they offer in terms of cooling performance, efficiency and low power consumption under part load conditions. Thus they garner fat profit margins by selling 2~5 star rated age old technology.

Contd ...

 

[rishiguru]

It has been over four months since I installed two 1.5 Ton Sharp Eco-Inverter (Model no: AH-XP18MV) air conditioners having in-built Plusmacluster air purifier technology.

Sharp AH-XP18MV

I am not the kind of person who buys a consumer product because Mr. X has recommended buying product Y from manufacturer Z. After haplessly wandering in the forums for a month or so I understood people in India are still happily using stone age star rated non-Inverter technology filled with R22 gas where as the world have moved on to a whole new level with Inverters, filled with energy efficient and environmentally friendly R410A refrigerant gas.

Simply put Inverters are the way to go, no matter if they cost more or less. In Japan, people do not think about how many hours they are going to use them, they just buy Inverter air conditioners. Thus all room air conditioners in Japan are Inverters. They not only look at the money aspect, they also save precious energy and environment.

After some six months of market study, personal experiences and in visiting various dealers/ showrooms I reached to the conclusion there are NO number one or number two between air conditioner manufacturers. Some companies like Hitachi & Daikin are revered in India and sale only self proclaimed 'premium quality ' air conditioners due to their face value where as general consumer appliance manufacturers like LG & Samsung have their range from the very bottom to the top. Hitachi have an unprecedented reputation in India which they built through the last two decades when there was simply no competition at their level on Indian market by providing excellent products at sky high prices. Amazingly even today with their extra-high quoted price people go by hype and buy them blindly because its a 'Hitachi'.

But for sensible buyers who want the most out of his rupee find the current landscape to have changed a lot with multiple international air conditioner companies jumping in the lucrative and nascent Indian air conditioner market raising the performance bar even higher with cut throat competition. This is a boon for us buyers. In the Inverter air conditioner market I find Hitachi and Daikin as just two players along with Sharp, Panasonic, LG, Mitsubishi and Carrier.

After personally experiencing the Sharp, LG and Hitachi Inverter air conditioners, I found Sharp and LG's to be much superior than the similar Hitachi/Daikin ones in terms of performance, reliability and product quality. LG uses the most advanced technology of all Inverter air conditioners currently available in India and one will be a lucky to get their 1.5 Ton version at less than INR 54K. Also the product qualities of LG Inverter air conditioners are in altogether different premium level w.r.t. their non-Inverter air conditioners models.

But the real deal is how much you get at a certain price point (cost versus efficiency) and from that perspective Sharp Inverter's are truly hard to beat.

Sharp AH-XP18MV

Specification

Indoor Unit [IDU]: Sharp AH-XP18MV
Outdoor Unit [ODU]: Sharp AU-X18MV

Cooling Capacity Range [kW]: (1.6 - 5.27 - 6)
Cooling Capacity Range [BTU/Hr]: (5,460 - 18,000 - 20,500)
Rated Cooling Capacity: 5.27 kW/ 18,000 BTU/Hr
Rated Power Consumption: 1,440 watts
Rated EER (W/W): 3.66
Indoor Airflow Rate (CMM): 16.8
Indoor Noise Level (High): 44 dB
Outdoor Noise Level (High): 53 dB
Plasmacluster Air Purifier: Available
Refrigerant Gas: R410A
IDU Weight: 12 kg
ODU Weight: 35 kg

My 1.5 Ton Sharp AH-XP18MV Inverter air conditioners come fully imported from Thailand with an MRP of INR 50K. The indoor unit looks gorgeous, has amazing cooling performance capability and just oozes quality. Sharp also have their patented Plasmacluster air purifier built inside it. If one can really bargain well he will get them for 43K. And if one can really really bargain like me, he will get them at 41K, below which the dealer will simply refuse to sale since their profit margin falls below 1K. In comparison the best price I got for the Hitachi i-Clean non-Inverter 1.5 Ton, 5 star air conditioner was a sky high 42K where as their i-Tec Inverter 1.5 Ton costs an earth shattering 56K!!!

I immediately dumped the Hitachi for their un-justified pricing and went for Sharp Inverters, other reasons being their excellent customer support and after sales service provided in Kolkata.

Sharp Plasmacluster Air Purifier Mechanism

I was able to get two Sharp AH-XP18MV, 1.5 tonners at 82K along with complete free installation kits. After adding two pairs of best after market ODU brackets and installation charge, total damage to my wallet rested at INR 87K.

I found Sharp provides the best and safest installation kits out here, the liquid and gas side copper tubing are of 4 meters in length having class leading 0.8mm thickness which is super thick along with superior 4 meters of XPE insulation(white), 4 meters of 4-core electric wire, 4 meters of drain pipe et-al. Our installer (he is a very experienced professional being in this air conditioner installation business for over 30 years) said the pipes will last a lifetime and no company even Daikin & Hitachi provides the copper pipes of similar quality to connect the indoor unit to the outdoor unit as provided by Sharp.

Nature inspired NatureWing Cross-flow Indoor Fan

I love their new concept of the cross-flow fan design as found in the indoor units of AH-XP18MV, it is inspired by nature and Sharp calls them NatureWing. The fan feature blades modeled on the shape of dragonflys wings which have ridged surfaces that generate minuscule air eddies during flight. These eddies function like ball bearings to make their flight smoother with less effort. These new dragonfly wing shaped fan blade optimally harnesses the flow of air to boost air circulation efficiency by approx 25% to their older models. The indoor unit is super quite in Auto Mode and only when I select Super Jet function do I hear jet stream of air gushing out!!! The AH-XP18MV indoor unit is capable of achieving a max airflow rate of 16.8 CMM (cubic meter per minute) resulting in strong chilling windblasts. In contrast Carrier can do a max of 14.3, Daikin a 14.7, Mitsubishi a 15.1 and Hitachi a 16.7 with their respective 1.5 Ton Inverter models.

While comparing different outdoor units I found Sharp is using a higher cooling capacity compressor for its class with advanced compressor control technology, which adopts a 180 conductance sine wave instead of the conventional 120 conductance waveform, resulting in a smoothing of motor rotation. This greatly reduces energy loss and noise, contributing to higher efficiency, and thus higher energy savings. The compressor of this Sharp Inverter comes enclosed inside a acoustic jacket to eliminate noise and makes the outdoor unit very quiet. It is so quite that it becomes hard for me to guess from a distance whether it is running or not until the ODU fan starts rotating.

----------

While Mitsubishi, Daikin, Carrier & Panasonic Inverter air conditioners have a rated 17,100 BTU/Hr cooling capacity for their 1.5 Ton class, Sharp uses a compressor which being rated at 18,000 BTU/Hr equates to a 1.6 Ton Inverter. So +1 to Sharp.

On the other hand while comparing with 1.5 Ton non-Inverter models with fixed rated 17,100 BTU/Hr cooling capacity, I find this 1.5 Ton Sharp Inverter have a maximum cooling capacity of 20,500 BTU/Hr equating to a 1.8 Ton non-Inverter!!! This implies the Sharp Inverter will have a full-output operation mode of a 1.8 Ton non-Inverter to operate at maximum capacity as soon as it starts thus reaching the targeted temperature faster than a 1.5 Ton non-Inverter and then gradually reduce its energy consumption by coming down to its rated cooling capacity of 1.6 Ton. When the set temperature is achieved it will drastically reduce energy consumption by going to energy-saving operation mode and rolling down to a minimum cooling capacity of just 5,460 BTU/Hr which equates to an amazingly tiny 0.4 Ton non-Inverter. This is the reason why dealers say a 1.5 Ton Inverter will suffice for a 2 Ton non-Inverter. So +10 to Inverter technology.

----------

Unlike the capillary used in non-Inverter air conditioners which allows free flow of the refrigerant gas, the Sharp Inverter's controls the flow according to the load needed by using superior Electronic Pulse Linear Expansion Valve. It has numerous settings to precisely control refrigerant flow. This helps in drastically improving the efficiency of the desired cooling. It also helps in maintaining a constant temperature unlike typical temperature change that occurs with non-Inverter air conditioners. Furthermore, the Digital Micro-computer Module helps in maintaining the room temperature within a 0.5 degree centigrade variation of the set temperature.

Electronic Pulse Linear Expansion Valve

Sharp & LG outdoor units uses complete all-aluminum, much lighter, more efficient & durable condensers having canalicular tubing resulting in superior refrigerant flow velocity, improved heat exchange efficiency and decreased heat transfer loss from tube to fin as fitted in their outdoor units. Other manufacturers like Hitachi, Daikin and Panasonic uses bulky, less costly, age old, less efficient copper-aluminum condensers with circular tubing to save cost.

All-Aluminium Canalicular Tubed Condenser VS Copper-Aluminium Circular Tubed Condenser

All-aluminium canalicular tubed condensers as pioneered by Sharp in the air conditioner segment are the next step towards advanced technology and improved efficiency where the refrigerant enters multiple tubes at the same time, therefore enhancing the air conditioners performance and reduce the power consumption. Such efficient condensers with high heat capacity have long been used in cars and are designed with increased surface area and less resistance to airflow enabling improved thermal efficiency and much better performance compared to copper-aluminium circular tubed condenser. These galvanic corrosion resistant all-aluminum condensers also calls for special outdoor fans and motors for proper heat expulsion. Thus Sharp outdoor unit employs a newly shaped fan blade which is based on the aeronautical theories of NASA run by highly efficient DC fan motors which in-turn are controlled by the digital micro-computer module. The redesigned fan blade cross-section with an ideal streamline greatly increase lift (the principle by which airplanes fly), thereby achieving a high rotation efficiency of 120170% compared to their previous outdoor fans having superior blowing performance.

Being all aluminum the outdoor units of Sharp 1.5 Ton Inverter's weighs just 35 kilos having a much smaller footprint with reduced weight. In contrast the similar 1.5 Ton Inverter outdoor units from Daikin are much bigger and weigh 47 kilos!!! Due to use of canalicular tubing, Sharp 1.5 Ton Inverter requires just 700 grams of R410A refrigerant gas to cool while the same 1.5 Ton Inverter air conditioners from Hitachi, Daikin & Panasonic using circular tubed copper-aluminum condensers requires 1.5 kg of R410A gas to cool the same area!!!

Amazingly with even less than half the refrigerant gas available the Sharp 1.5 Ton Inverter air conditioners still comes out on top with class leading cooling performance scientifically measured as EER of 3.66 (W/W) and at the same time be more environmentally conscious by using less gas. Performance & efficiency speaks. In contrast the Daikin could manage an EER of just 3.23 while Hitachi does a little better of EER of 3.51. Mind you both of them cost a minimum of 15K more than Sharp!!!

Rated EER of some 1.5 Ton Inverter air conditioners available in India (Higher value means more energy efficient):

Sharp (AH-XP18MV): 3.66
Hitachi (RAU018EQE): 3.51
LG (BS-Q186C7M1): 3.34
Carrier (42CVSR018-703): 3.31
Panasonic (CS-S18NKYP): 3.27
Daikin (FTKS50): 3.23
Mitsubishi Electric (MSY-GE18VA): 3.12

Sharp Inverters not only have the best cooling performance in 1.5 Ton category, it has one of the widest cooling capacity range. As Inverter air conditioners are constantly varying its cooling capacity according to the needs, when set temperature is achieved the Hitachi will climb down from its rated cooling capacity 5.33 kW to minimum of 2.37 kW to save power consumption, Daikin will climb even lower from their rated 5 kW to 1.7 kW to save more power, Sharp will climb down from rated 5.27 kW to even lower 1.6 kW and consume even less power under part load.

Comparison of cooling capacity range (Min - Rated - Max):

LG (BS-Q186C7M1): (0.9 - 5.2 - 6) kW. Range: 6 - 0.9 = 5.10 kW
Sharp (AH-XP18MV): (1.6 - 5.27 - 6) kW. Range: 6 - 1.6 = 4.40 kW
Daikin (FTKS50): (1.7 - 5 - 6) kW. Range: 6 - 1.7 = 4.30 kW
Mitsubishi (MSY-GE18VA): (1.4 - 5 - 5.4) kW. Range: 5.4 - 1.4 = 4 kW
Hitachi (RAU018EQE): (2.37 - 5.33 - 6.04) kW. Range: 6.04 - 2.37 = 3.67 kW

LG Inverters are simply unbeatable with their widest cooling capacity range of 5.10 kW and under part load conditions can come down from their rated 5.2 kW to an amazing 0.9 kW consuming very very less power. Hats off to LG to perform such a technically daunting task for controlling a 6 kW compressor to run smoothly at just 0.9 kW!!!

One very important aspect to note is Inverter air conditioners are not star rated in India due to their variable cooling capacity and power consumption which results to variable energy efficiency. They are more or less super star rated!!!

EER Calculation of Inverter Air Conditioner

Inverter Model: Hitachi i-TEC (RAU018EQE)
Tonnage: 1.5 Ton
Star Rating: Not Applicable
Cooling Capacity (Min/ Rated/ Max): 2370/ 5330/ 6040 watts
Total Power Drawn (Min/ Rated/ Max): 530/ 1520/ 1850 watts
Varying EER: 2370/ 530, 5330/1520, 6040/1850 = 4.47/ 3.51/ 3.27

From the above calculation we find the Hitachi RAU018EQE Inverter model having an EER which is constantly varying between 3.27 to 4.47, while their non-Inverter model discussed above always having a constant EER of 3.46. In other words the Inverters have varying efficiency and as much the air conditioners can reduce its cooling capacity greater will be their overall efficiency. But it is tough to do from a technical point of view.

Inverter air conditioner for every three hours of operation will reduce power consumption w.r.t. a non-Inverter air conditioner of same capacity by roughly:

30% in comparison to a 5 star rated
35% in comparison to a 4 star rated
40% in comparison to a 3 star rated
45% in comparison to a 2 star rated
50% in comparison to a 1 star rated

According to Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) for non Inverter air conditioners to qualify for a 5 star rating a minimum EER as below is required:

2012-2013 -> 3.3 (W/W), 2014-2015 -> 3.5 (W/W), 2016-2017 -> 3.7 (W/W)

My Sharp Inverter air conditioners with a EER of 3.66 (W/W) not only surpasses the 5 star requirement of 2015 it is nearly there with 5 star requirement of 2017!!! And that too it is an Inverter which means it will provide better cooling performance than a 5 star rated non Inverter air conditioner of 2017 while consuming much less power!!! Long live Sharp Inverter air conditioners. I advice everyone to go for Inverter air conditioners eyes closed, it is the future.

Contd ...

 

[rishiguru]

My Sharp AH-XP18MV, 1.5 Ton Eco Inverter Air Conditioner with In-Built Plasmacluster Air Purifier

Display shows power consumption instead of indoor temparature. 0.1kw means equal or less than 100 watts consumed (Running in Auto mode)

Full blast with Super Jet function + Plasmacluster air purifier in Auto mode. Varying power consumption now showing 0.8 kW = 800 watts

Some other shots of the Indoor Unit

Remote Control Unit

Sharp AU-X18MV [Outdoor Unit]

Sharp AU-X18MV outdoor unit implementing all-aluminum condenser with canalicular tubing

Enjoy!!!

 

[rishiguru]

Since I installed the Sharp Inverter air conditioners during last winter months I am refraining as of now to provide a conclusive personal review. Even though the air conditioners are chilling the rooms as of now in no time, let the summer heat of April, May and June arrive and then only I believe a conclusive personal review can be written.

Anyway just thought it will be useful to provide this link below which I found very useful and helps in decision making. It is regarding the real personal experiences of a FM using the same Sharp Inverter air conditioner which I am using: HifiVision: Recommend an inverter based AC (some prices inside)

 

[naveenjn]

Great review Rishi. Glad you bought the AC I recommended. After 5 months of usage I am thoroughly satisfied with the unit. I am sure you will be too.

 

[sribuddy]

Rishi
My cousin had booked this model in chennai yesterday. the dealer, who was friendly suggested to go for this and daiken because of the inverter facility.
I hope we made a good decision. If this works fine in chennai heat in the next month or so, I will plan one for my house as well.

Anyways great review and very encouraging. thanks.

 

[rishiguru]

Great review Rishi.

Anyways great review and very encouraging. thanks.

Thanks for the complements.

 

[aks07]

Dear rishiguru ji

Fantastic post! You have set a benchmark as far as product reviews go in hifivision.

I have been toying with the idea of replacing my air conditioners with inverter types this summer. We have 7 a/c at home (ranging from 1T to 2T) and energy bills are literally shooting thro the roof.

The only thing I am worried about is the electronics. In last 7 years 3 of our A/c (all LG split) suffered card burnout. It happens during thunder storms where surprisingly only the a/c control card is effected. Each time the replacement card was quoted a very high figure or not available. The only solution was to bypass the card and operate in a standalone mode e.i. no control on temp, timer, fan speed etc.

We have now power off and isolate the air conditioner at the first sign of thunder and lightening.

I hope these a/c control cards are better protected than LG ones.

 

[rishiguru]

Dear rishiguru Fantastic post!

Thanks for the complements.

You have set a benchmark as far as product reviews go in hifivision.

I just thought of sharing the knowledge and experience I acquired during my air conditioners buying exercise. As always I do a lot of study while buying consumer electronic goods and I believe it paid off in having the right AC at the correct price.

I find there are lot of misinformation regarding air conditioners floating around forums mainly due to half baked knowledge of the FMs. I do not imply them to be ignorant; they never did a through study and just went after brands.

I have been toying with the idea of replacing my air conditioners with inverter types this summer. We have 7 a/c at home (ranging from 1T to 2T) and energy bills are literally shooting thro the roof.

I believe it is high time you do so. Start with the ones you use the most and replace all of them one by one with Inverters. You can also opt for 0% EMI schemes available, then I believe you can buy three or four at one go.

The only thing I am worried about is the electronics. In last 7 years 3 of our A/c (all LG split) suffered card burnout. It happens during thunder storms where surprisingly only the a/c control card is effected. Each time the replacement card was quoted a very high figure or not available. The only solution was to bypass the card and operate in a standalone mode e.i. no control on temp, timer, fan speed etc.

Dependability has its own issues. Previously non-Inverters were just electro mechanical devices which were super robust but their downfall was power consumption. Later with the advent of high quality five star rated non-Inverter air conditioners we found the electronic modules started to feature on these devices controlling various features of the air conditioner.

With the advent of Inverter air conditioners, which are true digitally controlled electro mechanical devices it became super complex with complete dependability on their digital controller module. As with all digital and electronic devices they are very susceptible to voltage change and natural calamities like thunder storms and lightning are a complete no-no.

But their benefit cannot be overlooked in Inverter air conditioners as they are now capable to control all the electro mechanical devices like compressor and motors to provide superior cooling while consuming the least amount of energy required. It is the overall efficiency that has drastically improved with the inclusion of these digital micro controller modules.

We have now power off and isolate the air conditioner at the first sign of thunder and lightening.

The most effective way to isolate these devices. I completely agree with you on this behalf.

I hope these a/c control cards are better protected than LG ones.

Hope so. Only time will tell.

 

[rishiguru]

I believed the overall efficiency of an air conditioner is mostly dependent on its compressor. But with closely coupled controlling network maintained by the digital micro-computer modules in todays Inverter air conditioners helps the other vital components of the air conditioner like the outdoor condenser unit, indoor evaporator unit, electronic expansion valve controlling the overall flow of refrigerant, outdoor fan motor, outdoor fan, indoor fan motor, indoor fan to also play a vital part in improving the overall efficiency. And the condensers for sure are a big part of this equation as it rejects heat absorbed from the indoor atmosphere to the outdoor atmosphere.

For long I was searching for two identical Inverter or non-Inverter air conditioner models having two different types of outdoor condenser units in order to get a measure of the improvement in overall efficiency this new type of all aluminum condensers having canalicular tubing brings over the normally used copper aluminum condensers with circular tubing. These new type of all aluminum condensers where first pioneered by Sharp in the room air conditioners segment and are now widely followed by LG, Samsung and Panasonic.

Luckily, Panasonic have two identical models of their ever popular CUBE series in the 1.25 Ton range, the only difference being one has this new innovative all aluminum condensers having canalicular tubing while the other uses normal copper aluminum condensers with circular tubing. Here are their specs:

Panasonic CS-ZC15PKY

Tonnage: 1.25 Ton
Cooling Capacity: 4.40 kW
Power Input: 1600 watts
EER (W/W): 2.75
Star Rating: 2-Star
Condenser Type: Copper-aluminum condenser with circular tubing having blue fin coating

Panasonic CS-ZC15PKY-3

Tonnage: 1.25 Ton
Cooling Capacity: 4.40 kW
Power Input: 1480 watts
EER (W/W): 2.97
Star Rating: 3-Star
Condenser Type: All-aluminum condenser with canalicular tubing

Comparing the above two we find for every hour of operation the CS-ZC15PKY-3 model saves 1600 - 1480 = 120 watts of energy consumption. This means 120/1000 = 0.12 energy unit saved per hour. For a 12 hour operation on a daily basis saves 0.12 X 12 = 1.44 units. In a months time of this daily routine saves 1.44 X 30 = 43.2 units. Considering an average rate of rupees 5 per unit, equates to INR 216 savings per month and for 10 months of use a year equates to an amazing INR 2160 savings per year.

In an assumed 10 year life cycle the CS-ZC15PKY-3 model incorporating the all-aluminum condenser with canalicular tubing saves a total of 2160 X 10 = INR 21.6K over its sister CS-ZC15PKY model using copper-aluminum condenser with circular tubing having blue fin coating!!! With this much of money saved one can buy another brand new CS-ZC15PKY-3 every 10 years!!!

I am just amazed by the amount of savings a new type of condenser unit can bring over an older one. No doubt the other air conditioner companies are incorporating this new type on condensers quite fast in their lineup.

Would love further views and comments of respected FMs on this topic.

 

[Maddy02]

Thanks for all the extensive info that you have provided RishiGuru. I am about to decide on buying two Splits for my home (I am not averse to a window AC and I have sufficient space to install them).
Room 1: 12 x 12 x 10 - Ground floor, has a room above it, Receives no direct sunlight, Used by two adults. Usage will be couple of hours during the day and approx 7-8 hours during the night. It has an assembled 1.5 window AC right now which is a big electricity guzzler.
Room 2: 12 x 14 x 10 - Top floor, Little cross ventilation, faces the sun for most of the day, becomes very hot in peak summers. Usage will be mostly 7-8 hours at night (all days) and a few hours during the day on weekends. It has a decently performing Samsung 1.5 window AC right now.

For Room 1, a 1.1 should suffice. I am confused whether to buy a 1.5 ton for Room 2 or go in for a 1.1 (Considering it becomes very hot in this one)

Based on the inputs on this thread regarding the Sharp, I am incline to buy the Sharp AH-XP13LV or the Sharp AH-XP13NRV . I am getting the NRV for 32k + 1K installation (Stabalizer extra). I also have an option to go in for the Panasonic CS-YS12PKY. I am getting this at about 33 k + installation (Stabalizer extra). Also suggest the stabalizer for 1.1s.

I am getting 1.5 Ton Sharp Inverter (Model No. AH-XP18MV) for 45k + 1K installation (Stabalizer extra) - I can negotiate further to get the price down to 42-43k.
I am getting the Panasonic CS-YS18PKY (1.5 Ton inverter) for 40k + 1K installation (Stabalizer extra).

PS: Both the Panasonic 1Ton and 1.5Ton models mentioned above have Inverter power display just like the Sharp ones.

Kindly provide your inputs at the earliest..

P.S. I live in Chandigarh, so the temp ranges from 30- 42/43 with ow humidity levels most of the time. I am going to move the current window ACs to lesser used rooms in my home.

 

[alto]

superb post rishiguru.. u've made me think in other way....

 

[anuragn]

Excellent post Rishi.
I am in the market for a new split ac and now convinced that invertor model is the way to go.
Yesterday, I saw an ad of Sharp 1.0 T for Rs 34K under exchange. Looks like a good deal since I have to sell off my 1.5T window ac anyway.

 

[alto]

Yesterday, I saw an ad of Sharp 1.0 T for Rs 34K under exchange.

I enquired for 1 ton, it is 34250

Don't know how is the quality of the compressor, in one post in another forum someone says that the it is of Chinese made of another Chinese company.

Does any one know the price of other inverter model, such as General or daikin or LG....?

 

[rishiguru]

Hey man, As u know, i need to purchase Installation kit, Brackets, Stabiliser and get AC installed. Any tips from you will be helpful regarding below

Sorry for the late reply. I was quite busy and could not visit forums as usual. I posted the reply to your message here.

1) Any suggestions for a stabiliser. In my area, voltage is usually stable. So i wont need a heavy duty one. I m currently considering V-Guard VD 500.

In Kolkata we do not require any stabilizer since the voltage is quite decent throughout the year. I believe your V-Guard VD 500 will do the duty fine for a 1.5 Ton Inverter.

2) Any thing i need to look out for while purchasing Installation kit and Brackets

My Sharp AH-XP18MV, 1.5 Ton Inverters costs INR 41K and came with one of the best free installation kits available.

The free installation kit had an MRP of INR 3.25K and consisted of:

1) 4m Copper Tubes for both gas and liquid side of class leading 0.8mm wall thickness
2) 4m XPE insulation for both gas and liquid side tubes of white color which reflect heat
3) 4m 4 core electric copper cables to connect IDU with ODU
4) 4m drain pipe
5) Surgical gloves to be used by installers. Our installer was very happy to see that at least one company in India is including this with their kits.
6) Cleaning cloth
7) Packaging box that contain all of the above accessories.

I believe you have to spend atleast in the range of INR 2.8K to have anything close to it. Make sure the aftermarket copper tubes are atleast 0.7 mm wall thickness and are of required length.

Your LG (Model No.BS-Q186C8R2) 1.5 Ton Inverter costs INR 43.6K without installation kit, so if they have included a kit as good as Sharps it would have definitely spiraled up to INR 46.5K.

3) During installation, what should I do to ensure the process is clean and done right?

Look for qualified installers in your place. Make sure the pipes do not bend a lot, so that there is a clean flow without any obstruction.

 

[rishiguru]

Don't know how is the quality of the compressor, in one post in another forum someone says that the it is of Chinese made of another Chinese company.

From where did you you get this info? Mind sharing?

 

[alto]

From where did you you get this info? Mind sharing?

Sorry rishiguru, I was just browsing related to split ac and in a forum I read this. I did not keep the name of the forum, I will try to find from browser history. But it was said on that forum that manufacture name was written there on the sticker. You can also try to find out from sharp package sticker.

 

[rishiguru]

Sorry rishiguru, I was just browsing related to split ac and in a forum I read this. I did not keep the name of the forum, I will try to find from browser history.

Awaiting.

But it was said on that forum that manufacture name was written there on the sticker. You can also try to find out from sharp package sticker.

Nothing is written regarding compressors on any of the stickers of my Sharp Inverter air conditioners. It is highly unusual for a 100 year old Japanese company to use a Chinese made compressor.

But as long as it works efficiently who cares.

 

[alto]

Awaiting.

How good are Sharp AC's - Page 4 - BCMTouring

look at the post....

one thing is that why everything from China would be bad....!!!!

how ur unit is working? as long the unit is running fine and sharp servicing is good...then it is okay....

 

[rishiguru]

How good are Sharp AC's - Page 4 - BCMTouring

look at the post....

one thing is that why everything from China would be bad....!!!!

Wow a Sharp 1.5 Ton non-Inverter window air conditioner just for INR 17.5K. Amazing since I never new in India they were into window units.

After going through the thread in the link provided by you and a little bit of web surfing it seems this window air conditioner, the only window model marketed in India under the Sharp brand name does come imported from a different destination other than Thailand.

Generally all Sharp air conditioners available in India follow the naming convention as used by Sharp Malaysia. Unfortunately all units available there and in Thailand are splits. All Inverter air conditioners designed and manufactured by Sharp and destined for India are splits and comes from their own Thailand manufacturing base. These Inverter air conditioners are designed in the R&D facilities of Japan and Asia. Almost all top rated air conditioner companies in India have their own manufacturing base in Thailand.

For this specific 1.5 Ton non-Inverter window model Sharp AF-A18PT, it seems Sharp India sourced it from some third party Chinese manufacturer just alike many other Indian air conditioner brands due to lack of proper R&D facilities. They opted for this route as because their own Thailand manufacturing unit does not produce any window units. Window air conditioners being a rage in India they required to fill this ominous gap with an outsourced model.

The owner of this model in the aforementioned thread says this window unit is manufactured by Gree Electric Appliances which according to his findings happens to be the world's largest residential air conditioner manufacturer. Chinese companies like Gree produce air conditioners under their own brand name in their own market as well as take contracts from different other air conditioning companies around the world and re-badge their products to sell under the name of the contracted company.

Gree manufacturing the window unit under contract with Sharp India is entirely viable. But relating this outsourced Sharp labeled window air conditioner to their own splits manufactured in Thailand will be unjust as because there is no direct relation in terms of technology and parts used. Even Sharps own patented Plasmacluster air purifier is missing with their window unit.

Link: Gree Electric Appliances(English)

Link: Gree Electric Appliances-1 (Chinese)
Link: Gree Electric Appliances-2 (Chinese)
Link: Gree Electric Appliances-3 (Chinese)

After going through Gree website I am astounded to find that many of Blue Star air conditioners models seems to be rebadged Grees.

In the end I believe nobody is going to complain about this window unit, at just INR 17.5K its awesome deal for penny pinchers who sometimes loves to live with ancient, energy gulping technology. On the other hand their own premium quality 1.5 Ton Inverter splits like Sharp AH-XP18MV manufactured in Sharps own Thailand base sales at around INR 45K. So we should not even compare.

Some features of this window unit which is worth mentioning:

1) Can operate at 48 degree centigrade max operating temperature. In contrast the Sharp AH-XP18MV splits manufactured in Thailand can operate at 46 degree centigrade max.

2) Said to achieve highest rated efficiency in 1-Star, 1.5 Ton, non-Inverter, Window Unit category with a rated EER of 2.65. BEE standards of 2013 suggests a 2-Star non-Inverter must have a rated EER between 2.7 ~ 2.89, so it just missed 2-Star rating by 0.05. One can almost award it a 2-Star.

3)The front fascia and grill that separates every other window air conditioner in terms of looks and feel is said to be designed exclusively by Sharp having the biggest suction/ discharge area than any other 1-Star competitor product.

4)On the power circuit board a varister is provided to protect it against power surges. Also a snubber circuit is included for smooth fan speed control.

5)Some kind of anti-mould filter is included. May be marketing hype as it is not their patented Plasmacluster technology.

Tech Specs

Model No: AF-A18PT
Type: non-Inverter
Cooling Capacity: 4,900 Watts
Power Input: 1,850 Watts
EER (W/W): 4900/1850 = 2.65
Star Rating in the Year 2013: 1-Star
Sound Level: 52 dBA
Low voltage Startability: 187 volts
Refrigerant Gas: R22
Weight: 53 kg

Edit: Just wanted to make a note that Sharp India mentions the above window air conditioner as AF-A18PT in their brochure where as in their ill maintained Indian website says AF-W18MT. I believe both denotes the same air conditioner.

how ur unit is working? as long the unit is running fine and sharp servicing is good...then it is okay....

Absolutely awesome with chilling windblasts!!!