What is the Principle of an Automotive Air Conditioning System?
2 Answers
Automotive air conditioning principle: 1. The compressor draws in low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas from the evaporator outlet and compresses it into high-temperature, high-pressure gas before discharging it; 2. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas enters the condenser, where it condenses into a liquid due to reduced pressure and temperature, releasing a significant amount of heat; 3. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant liquid passes through an expansion device, causing its volume to increase while pressure and temperature drop sharply, exiting the expansion device in a mist form; 4. The mist-like refrigerant liquid enters the evaporator, where its boiling point is much lower than the temperature inside the evaporator, causing the refrigerant liquid to evaporate into gas. The automotive air conditioning refrigeration system consists of a compressor, condenser, receiver-drier, expansion valve, evaporator, and blower. These components are connected by copper pipes and high-pressure rubber hoses to form a sealed system. During operation, the refrigerant circulates through this closed system in different states.
As a frequent long-distance driver, I've studied the principle of car air conditioning quite a bit. Essentially, it operates on a refrigeration cycle: after startup, the compressor first compresses the gaseous refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure state, and this component makes noticeable noise when running. Then it moves to the condenser behind the front grille, where the heat is dissipated into the air through the fins, turning it into a liquid. Next, it passes through the expansion valve, where the pressure drops sharply, causing the refrigerant to evaporate and absorb heat. At the evaporator, the hot air inside the car is blown over by the blower, removing the heat and turning it into cold air that's then circulated. The whole process resembles a small refrigeration unit, requiring the refrigerant to circulate within a sealed system. I've learned that using eco-friendly refrigerants like R134a is the modern standard, and it's important to regularly check the refrigerant levels—if it leaks, it needs to be replenished. The efficiency of the air conditioning affects fuel consumption, so setting a reasonable temperature in hot summer and avoiding frequent switching can extend its lifespan.
