中央空调系统由一个或多个冷热源系统和多个空气调节系统组成，该系统不同于传统冷剂式空调，(如单体机，VRV) 集中处理空气以达到舒适要求。采用液体气化制冷的原理为空气调节系统提供所需冷量，用以抵消室内环境的热负荷；制热系统为空气调节系统提供所需热量，用以抵消室内环境冷暖负荷。
The central air conditioning system is composed of one or more cold and heat source systems and multiple air conditioning systems. This system is different from the traditional refrigerant air conditioning system (such as single unit, VRV) which centralizes air handling to meet the comfort requirements. The principle of liquid vaporization refrigeration is used to provide the required cooling capacity for the air conditioning system to offset the heat load of indoor environment. The heating system provides the required heat for the air conditioning system to offset the cooling and heating load of indoor environment.
制冷系统是中央空调系统至关重要的部分，其采用种类、运行方式、结构形式等直接影响了中央空调系统在运行中的经济性、高效性、合理性。
Refrigeration system is an important part of central air-conditioning system. The type, operation mode and structure of refrigeration system directly affect the economy, efficiency and rationality of central air-conditioning system in operation.