What is the working principle of a car air conditioner?
2 Answers
Working principle of a car air conditioner: The components of a car air conditioner are connected into a sealed system using copper pipes and high-pressure rubber hoses. When the refrigeration system operates, the refrigerant circulates within this sealed system in different states. Each cycle consists of four basic processes: compression process, heat dissipation process, throttling process, and heat absorption process. A car air conditioner refers to the air conditioning device installed in a vehicle, which can cool, heat, ventilate, and purify the air inside the cabin, providing a comfortable environment for passengers, reducing driver fatigue, and improving driving safety. Car air conditioners generally include refrigeration devices, heating devices, and ventilation devices. This combined system makes full use of the limited space inside the vehicle, featuring a simple structure and easy operation.
Like most people, I rely entirely on the air conditioning to survive summer driving. The principle is actually quite simple: the system contains a refrigerant, which the compressor pressurizes into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas and sends to the condenser at the front of the car. When the fan blows, it cools down and turns into a liquid. This liquid then passes through the expansion valve, where its pressure is reduced, and enters the evaporator—located beneath the cabin—where it absorbs heat, evaporates back into a gas, and blows out cold air. The whole process cycles continuously, like a closed-loop pipeline. I often experience its efficiency during long drives—set it to 23°C, and within minutes, the cabin cools down. However, it's important not to blast the AC at full power immediately in summer; give the system some time to warm up. Also, replace the filter every six months, as dust can clog the vents, reducing cooling efficiency and potentially causing odors. Regular maintenance can even save fuel—last time I DIY-replaced the filter, I immediately noticed stronger cooling.
