What are the components of an automotive air conditioning refrigeration system?
3 Answers
The automotive air conditioning refrigeration system consists of a refrigeration system, heating system, air delivery system, control system, and air purification system. The refrigeration system mainly includes components such as the evaporator, air conditioning compressor, condenser, liquid storage tank, expansion valve, and high and low-pressure pipelines. The heating system primarily consists of a heating core, water valve, and blower. The air conditioner can regulate the temperature inside the vehicle cabin, capable of both heating and cooling the air to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature. It can also remove moisture from the air, allowing dry air to absorb human sweat, thereby creating a more comfortable environment.
The car air conditioning refrigeration system is like a heat-moving magician, which I've often disassembled over my years of repairing cars. At its core is the compressor, equivalent to the heart, responsible for compressing the refrigerant into a high-temperature gas. Then, the high-temperature gas flows to the condenser near the front radiator, where it dissipates heat through the fan and driving wind, turning into a liquid. The liquid refrigerant is sprayed into the evaporator through a tiny expansion valve, instantly absorbing heat and vaporizing under low pressure. At this point, the blower blows over the cold evaporator, and cool air enters the cabin. Finally, the gaseous refrigerant carries the heat back to the compressor to restart the cycle. Don't forget the receiver-drier, which filters impurities and moisture—if this gets clogged, the entire system will shut down. Replacing the cabin air filter every two years can extend the system's lifespan.
Nothing is worse than weak AC during summer drives. I just recharged my car's refrigerant last month. The cooling system works in a fascinating way: the compressor pressurizes gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure state, which then flows through the condenser at the front (it looks like a mini radiator with cooling fins). There, the refrigerant is cooled by the fan and turns into liquid. This liquid passes through an expansion device (like a capillary tube) and rapidly evaporates inside the evaporator core behind the dashboard, absorbing heat. The blower then pushes out cold air. The R134a refrigerant flowing through the system is gradually being replaced by the more eco-friendly R1234yf. Remember to vacuum the system before recharging—air contamination will reduce cooling efficiency.
