What is the function of the evaporator?
2 Answers
The function of the evaporator: The evaporator is a heat exchanger. High-pressure liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator through the expansion valve. Due to the atomization effect of the expansion valve, the liquid refrigerant turns into a mist. The mist-like refrigerant transforms into a gaseous state under low-pressure conditions, absorbing heat during this process, which makes the evaporator cool. When air passes through it, it becomes cool air, achieving the purpose of refrigeration. There are tube-fin type, tube-belt type, and laminated type evaporators. Currently, passenger cars in China mainly use all-aluminum laminated and tube-belt type evaporators, while large buses mainly use copper tube-aluminum fin type evaporators. Medium-sized buses use several types, with tube-belt type being the main one. The refrigerant channels of the air-conditioning heat dissipation evaporator are formed by two aluminum plates stamped into complex shapes, which are stacked together to form a sandwich plate, creating the refrigerant channels.
The car's air conditioning evaporator is like an unsung hero! After studying automotive structures for many years, I've discovered this component hidden behind the dashboard, primarily performing two critical functions: First, when refrigerant evaporates in the copper tubes, it absorbs heat, instantly cooling the hot air blown in by the blower. Second, its dehumidification capability is remarkable—humid air condenses into water droplets upon contact with the cold evaporator, which are then drained outside, keeping even the most stuffy cabin dry and comfortable in summer. However, it's important to note that the evaporator's surface tends to accumulate dust and bacteria. If left uncleaned for years, the air blown out can develop a musty odor, necessitating a thorough cleaning of the AC ducts. Additionally, the evaporator's fins are delicate; using a high-pressure water jet can easily deform them, so it's best to treat them with specialized foam cleaners.
