The air conditioner of a car provides a driver with a comforting environment. It creates an atmosphere that provides the driver with a relaxed zone by maintaining the temperature between 20 to 25 degrees centigrade. It also removes the humidity from the air and makes it fresh and clean. Have you ever wondered how does this system work? Let’s just find out the answer to this question in this article.
What are the Components a Car air Conditioner Consists of?
According to the car air conditioning specialists, the car air conditioning system consists of a compact version of components that includes an evaporator, compressor, expansion device, condenser, and a fan that provide air conditioning in the passenger’s compartment. The air conditioning system of the car takes power from the engine’s crankshaft and provide cool air to the passenger’s compartment. The air conditioning system in a car by converting coolant liquid into a gaseous state. When the refrigerant changes its state from liquid to gas, it absorbs heat and humidity from the vehicle and makes it cool. This system works to control pressure and temperature to change the refrigerant between liquid and gas.
What are the Parts of a Car air Conditioning System?
The automotive air conditioning system of a car has a few components that are listed below:
- Compressor
- Condenser
- Expansion valve
- Dryer
- Metering device
- Evaporator
The Refrigerant in the Air Conditioning System of the Car
Before, the automotive AC systems used R12 refrigerant, which was also known as Freon. It is an effective CFC based refrigerant that is safe for humans. In 1980, scientists found it harmful to the ozone layer. After that, the manufacturers transitioned to R134, which is an HFC based refrigerant. It does not have ozone layer destroying properties and is also non-poisonous. The low temperature and low pressured refrigerant enter the compressor, and the high-temperature refrigerant leaves the compressor.
In the condenser, the refrigerant cools down and converts into liquid. The dryer removes the water and moisture from the refrigerant. The expansion valve reduces the pressure, and then the refrigerant converts back to a gaseous state in the evaporator. In an evaporator, when the air blows, it absorbs heat and cools down the refrigerant.
What are the Common AC Failures?
Since the AC system operates under pressure, they need to remain sealed from the surrounding. If anything, that allows the refrigerant to escape, it causes AC failure. If a leak is found in any component, the temporary fix is the recharging of the system with a new refrigerant. For the proper fixture, the mechanic identifies the leak, replace the component with fault and evacuate and recharge the system. The leak not only stops the AC system from working, but also damage the compressor. While trying hard to run with too little refrigerant, the compressor gets overheated and damaged. Compressors are quite expensive components to get replaced easily, and they are generally not easily serviceable. The Air conditioner condenser needs a steady flow of air to operate correctly.
How often should a Car Air Conditioning System be Serviced?
The air conditioning system of a car adds value to the vehicle. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the system in good working condition. Maintaining this system is as important as maintaining the body of the vehicle or exhaust system. It is common for the refrigerant to leak, which can damage the compressor and evaporator. When you notice your AC is not as cold as normal, it could be a sign of a potential issue. Over time, it can cause further damage to the entire system. Therefore, it is necessary to keep looking for the problems and get them fixed on time.
Conclusion
The AC system of the car is the most valuable. It works by manipulating the refrigerant between the liquid state and the gaseous state. To keep the system in optimal working condition, it is important to keep it well serviced and maintained.
