Can a 1.2-liter engine power the air conditioning?
2 Answers
Yes, it can power the air conditioning. Whether it's a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine or a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine, the air conditioning can operate normally during regular driving. The vehicle's air conditioning provides excellent cooling effects, especially during the summer, making it very convenient to use. When the air conditioning is off or other devices are not in use, all the fuel (gasoline or gas) is converted into engine power. When the air conditioning or devices like a DVD are turned on, a portion of the fuel is diverted to power these devices, reducing the power available to the engine. The vehicle's air conditioning compressor is driven by the engine to provide cooling. A car with a 1.2-liter engine typically has an idle speed of around 800 rpm and a speed of about 2800 rpm at 100 km/h. Within this range, the engine is sufficient to drive the compressor for cooling. The faster the engine speed, the better the cooling effect of the compressor. Principle of air conditioning cooling: The low-pressure refrigerant vapor in the cooling system is sucked in by the compressor and compressed into high-pressure vapor, which is then discharged to the condenser. The indoor air continuously circulates to achieve the purpose of lowering the temperature.
I've been driving a 1.2L displacement car for five or six years, and the AC works perfectly fine. Small-displacement engines are designed with AC load in mind. The compressor is connected to the engine via a belt, and you might feel a slight power dip when starting, especially when climbing slopes where you need to give more throttle. But the cooling effect is just as good—even at 35°C, the second fan speed keeps it comfortably cool. I've noticed the fuel consumption difference: about half a liter more in city driving with AC on, and even less impact on highways. However, I'd advise against running the AC while fully loaded on steep slopes, as such extreme conditions might trigger overheating protection.