The early development of self-contained and packaged air conditioners

The basic technology for air conditioning, involving mechanical refrigeration, heat transfer, air movement, and electrical and fluid controls developed in the 1800s and 1900s, made it possible for the early development of self-contained and packaged air conditioners, starting with room air conditioners, first called room coolers, in 1930, and unitary air conditioners, first called store coolers, in 1936. The problems existing in the development of these air conditioners are analyzed, along with solutions leading to the manufacture and application of the self-contained and packaged air conditioners in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional markets.