Classification of Marine Air Conditioning Systems
2025-12-16 2
Marine air conditioning systems, categorised as centralised or semi-centralised units, primarily comprise the following configurations based on their regulation methods: centralised single-duct systems, zone reheat single-duct systems, terminal recirculation single-duct systems, and dual-duct systems. When selecting a system configuration, consideration must be given to the load variations of the air-conditioned compartments requiring regulation, noise requirements, and spatial constraints of the ductwork system. 1. Centralised Single-Duct System The centralised single-duct system is a commonly employed marine air conditioning configuration suitable for small to medium-sized vessels. This system connects all compartments via a single main duct. A central air conditioning unit provides the heating and cooling source, distributing refrigerant to each compartment. Air is then treated through air handling units to regulate the internal environment of the vessel.
2. Zone-reheat single-duct system
The zone reheat single-duct system is a marine air conditioning system that divides air handling into separate cooling and heating zones, suitable for small to medium-sized vessels. This system connects all compartments via a single main duct. A central air conditioning unit provides the cooling and heating source, distributing refrigerant to each compartment. Air is then processed through air handling units, dividing it into separate cooling and heating zones to regulate the vessel's internal climate.
3. Terminal Recirculation Single-Duct System
The terminal recirculation single-duct system is a marine air conditioning system that performs air treatment at the terminal end of the main duct, suitable for small to medium-sized vessels. This system connects all compartments via a single main duct. A central air conditioning unit provides the cooling and heating source, distributing refrigerant to each compartment. Air is treated by the air handling unit, with a further treatment stage at the main duct's terminal point to achieve internal climate control. 4. Dual-Duct System
The dual-duct system is a marine air conditioning system that separates air into cooling and heating ducts, suitable for large vessels. This system connects all compartments via two ducts: one supplying cooled air and the other supplying heated air, thereby regulating the vessel's internal climate.


