- Trending Categories
Data Structure
Networking
RDBMS
Operating System
Java
MS Excel
iOS
HTML
CSS
Android
Python
C Programming
C++
C#
MongoDB
MySQL
Javascript
PHP
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Mathematics
English
Economics
Psychology
Social Studies
Fashion Studies
Legal Studies
- Selected Reading
- UPSC IAS Exams Notes
- Developer's Best Practices
- Questions and Answers
- Effective Resume Writing
- HR Interview Questions
- Computer Glossary
- Who is Who
Difference between Copper Coil and Aluminium Coil
Copper coil and aluminium coil are two important components in air conditioning, heating, ventilation systems. Also, copper coils and aluminium coils are widely used in several different industrial applications where highly efficient heat transfer is required.
The fundamental difference between copper coil and aluminium coil is that the copper coil is made up of copper tubing which is wound in a coil shape of multiple turns, while the aluminium coil is made up of aluminium tubing which is wound in a coil shape of multiple turns.
In this article, we will discuss all the important differences between copper coil and aluminium coil, but before that let’s have a look at their basics.
What is a Copper Coil?
A copper coil is a coil of multiple turns made up of copper tubing and is used in air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems. Copper coils are widely used in HVAC systems like air conditioners, heat exchangers, etc. due to their high thermal conductivity and longer life. Copper coils allow for efficient heat transfer between the surrounding air and the refrigerant in an HVAC system.
Due to high resistance to corrosion of copper coils, they are more reliable choice for long-term use. Also, the low electrical resistivity makes them more energy efficient. Therefore, copper coils are extensively used in a variety of applications where efficient heat transfer is required.
What is an Aluminium Coil?
An aluminium coil is a coil made up of aluminium tubing and is used in HVAC systems for heat exchange. Similar to copper coils, the aluminium coil is also used in a variety of applications like air conditioning, heat exchangers, ventilation, etc.
In addition to HVAC systems, the aluminium coils are also preferably used in several different industrial applications, such as automobile parts, electric motors, relays, etc. due to their low cost than copper coils.
After getting insights into the basics of copper coil and aluminium coil, let us now understand their important differences.
Difference between Copper and Aluminium Coils
The following table highlights all the significant differences between copper coil and aluminium coil:
Parameter |
Copper Coil |
Aluminium Coil |
|---|---|---|
Basic |
A coil of multiple turns that is made of copper tubing is referred to as copper coil. |
A coil of multiple turns that is made of aluminium tubing is referred to as an aluminium coil. |
Heat transfer capability |
Copper coil has far better heat transfer capability than aluminum coil. |
The heat transfer capability of aluminium coil is lower than that of the copper coil. |
Cost |
Copper coil is more expensive than aluminium coil. |
Aluminium coil is less costly than copper coil. |
Durability |
Copper coils are stronger and more durable than aluminium coil. |
Aluminium coils are not stronger as the copper coils, and hence are less durable. |
Material required |
In the case of copper coils, more copper material is required to make a coil. |
In the case of aluminium coils, less aluminium material is required to make a coil. |
Cleaning & maintenance |
Copper coils are easier to clean and maintain. |
Aluminium coils are difficult to clean and maintain due to the protecting cabinet around them. |
Corrosion resistance | Copper coils are more corrosion resistant, and can be repaired easily. |
Aluminium coils are less resistant to corrosion, due to which they need to be replaced. |
Design flexibility |
Copper coils are less flexible in terms of design. |
Due to high malleability, aluminium coils are highly flexible in terms of design. |
Lifespan |
Copper coils have longer lifespan. |
Aluminium coils have shorter lifespan. |
Refrigerant compatibility |
Copper coils are compatible with a wide range of refrigerants. |
Aluminium coils are not compatible with a variety of refrigerants. |
Weight |
Copper coils are heavier |
Aluminium coils are lighter in weight. |
Thermal conductivity |
Copper coils have high thermal conductivity. | Aluminium coils have lower thermal conductivity. |
Electrical conductivity |
Copper coils have high electrical conductivity, making them more energy efficient |
Aluminium coils have low thermal conductivity |
Efficiency |
Copper coils are more efficient in terms of heat transfer. |
Aluminium coils are less efficient than copper coils. |
Conclusion
Both copper and aluminium coils are widely in several industrial application where efficient heat transfer is required. However, they are absolutely different from each other as described in the above table.
The most significant difference between copper coil and aluminium coil is that copper coil is made of copper tubing and used where high thermal conductivity is needed, whereas aluminium coil is made of aluminium tubing and is used where light weight and design flexibility are important factors.
358 Views
