What is the purpose of a compressor?
2 Answers
Compressor is the power core of an air conditioning refrigeration system. It can compress the inhaled low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant vapor to increase its temperature and pressure, making the refrigerant circulate inside, and achieving cooling effect through thermodynamic conversion. If we compare the refrigeration system to the human body system, the refrigeration compressor is one of the most important components in the refrigeration system, serving as the core and heart of vapor-compression refrigeration systems. Below is an introduction to compressors: 1. It extracts refrigerant vapor from the evaporator to maintain a certain evaporation pressure inside the evaporator; increases pressure by compressing low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant vapor into high-pressure, high-temperature superheated vapor, creating conditions for condensation at higher temperatures; transports and propels the refrigerant to flow within the system, completing the refrigeration cycle. Thus, the process of raising refrigerant vapor from low pressure to high pressure and the continuous flow and transportation of gas are all accomplished through the operation of the refrigeration compressor. 2. Based on different principles of increasing gas pressure, refrigeration compressors are classified into positive displacement refrigeration compressors and dynamic refrigeration compressors. Positive displacement refrigeration compressors directly compress refrigerant vapor in a variable enclosed volume to reduce its volume and thereby increase pressure. Types of positive displacement refrigeration compressors mainly include reciprocating (also known as piston type), screw type, scroll type, rolling rotor type, vane type, and rotary vane type.
The compressor is absolutely crucial in a car's air conditioning system, acting like the heart of the AC unit by compressing refrigerant gas. When you drive in summer, the compressor kicks in, transforming low-pressure gas into a high-pressure, high-temperature state before sending it to the condenser to dissipate heat and turn into liquid. This liquid then expands, evaporates, and absorbs heat, ultimately blowing out cool air. Without it, the AC system fails, turning the car interior into a steamer and drastically reducing driving comfort. I once had a compressor failure—no cooling at all—and ended up sweating buckets during a long trip, forced to pull over and find a repair shop. The mechanic explained common compressor issues include seal leaks or internal wear, recommending an annual AC system check to ensure sufficient refrigerant levels and proper belt tension. Pay attention to sounds during normal operation—a slight hum is typical, but loud noises or slow cooling demand immediate attention. In short, the compressor keeps the cabin comfortable, and maintaining it saves hassle and money, especially in scorching weather.
