Not for humans but for books: Do you know why Willis Haviland Carrier invented AC using two science rules? The answer will leave you shocked
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Today, the air conditioner (AC), without which it is almost impossible to survive the summer heat, was not originally invented to cool people. In fact, it was developed to prevent paper from getting damaged in printing presses. This often leads people to wonder how an AC actually works and who invented it. Let’s take a look at the two scientific principles that changed the world.
Lithographing & Publishing Company
In 1902, a printing company in New York called Sackett-Wilhelms Lithographing & Publishing Company was facing a strange problem. Due to heat and high humidity, the paper was expanding and the ink was spreading, which ruined their books and magazines. To solve this issue, a 25-year-old young engineer, Willis Haviland Carrier, was given the responsibility. He was not trying to create a luxury product; his goal was simply to protect paper from moisture.
Controlling Humidity:
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Willis Haviland Carrier realized that just cooling air wasn’t enough. He passed air through cold coils, which removed moisture and made the air dry. This prevented paper from shrinking or expanding.
How Moisture is Removed
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When warm, humid air touches cold coils, the water vapor turns into liquid and drains out. This reduces humidity and protects materials like paper from damage.
Heat Exchange Principle
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Using thermodynamics, Carrier created a system that absorbs heat from inside a room and releases it outside, while bringing cool air in.
Role of Refrigerant
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Inside an AC, a liquid refrigerant absorbs heat when it turns into gas. This process helps cool the surrounding air effectively.
Early Use and Impact
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In the beginning, ACs were used only in factories and printing presses. Later, in the 1920s, they were introduced in cinemas, showing people that even in extreme heat, cool comfort was possible.