1. Air Conditioning Systems Considerations for the School Districts
Steve Gardner
American Cooling Technology

2. Several factors to consider when specking, ordering operating, and maintaining School Bus AC Systems.
“Up Front investment in time will pay dividends over the long term of operating the AC systems in Districts fleet”.
Basic Understanding of Air Conditioning Concepts
Matching needs with product market offerings
Sustainability of the daily operation of AC equipped buses
“Number of Buses with WORKING AC systems”
Identification of operational needs in School Bus Fleet
Decision Process

3. School Bus Air Conditioning Basics
The operating concept of School Bus air conditioning systems are operationally similar no matter the company or supplier.
Basic concept is liquid refrigerant, R-134 operating in a “cycle, transferring heat” within a sealed system made up of 7 key components.
“The cycle consists of refrigerant moving throughout a system changing states from a liquid to a gas, then back to a liquid in continuous cycle” Evaporation stage – Condensing stage
Key Components:
Compressor
Evaporator core, condensate tray, evaporator air filter, and fans for COOL air movement
Condenser core with Fans for heat rejection to outside environment
expansion valve,
hose and piping
electrical controls
Refrigerant R-134
School Bus Air Conditioning Basics