DESIGN OF AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM FOR YLC-18 RADAR AT NO. 06 AIR DEFENCE RADAR SQUADRON SRI LANKA AIR FORCE ACADEMY CHINA BAY
Sri Lanka’s first 3D radar of Chinese origin came into operation in 2007. YLC-18 radar is a two-vehicle convoy, high mobility, medium-range, low-altitude 3D radar.
The electronic circuitry of the radar has a number of components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors which allow conductive paths to a flow of current. The Radar cabin is full of electronics and the heat inside the cabin increases rapidly during operation. When the temperature increases, the system starts to malfunction and even the speed of the processors get affected.
The air conditioner system of YLC-18 Radar at No. 06 ADRS (Air Defence Radar Squadron) Sri Lanka Air Force Academy China Bay was designed by the manufacturer for a capacity of 24,000 BTU (2 x 12,000 BTU window type). The ducted inbuilt air conditioners are very unique. However, due to prolonged use of existing air conditioner plants, global warming effect, the temperature at the location where the Radar is presently located, heat generation of the electronic PCB Cards with prolong usage and outside heat transfer through the Radar cabin insulation, the said air conditioner system is no longer adequate to provide the required cooling capacity to the Radar cabin.
The specialized team members of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Wing (M&EEW) at Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake modified the existing air conditioner plant at No.06 ADRS SLAF Academy China Bay. The Condenser unit and the Compressor were designed considering revised heat load calculation of the Radar cabin since the present cooling capacity differs from the original heat load. The modified system was installed and initial testing was carried out. Accordingly, full operational testing was carried out successfully. Presently, the Radar system is functioned with newly modified air conditioner for the operations.
