The Automotive

Air Conditioning
System

Why AC system
Automotive air conditioning systems are designed to cool and dehumidify the air
inside a vehicle. the automotive air conditioning system in the 1940’s, many things
have undergone extensive change. Improvements, such as computerized automatic
temperature control and improvements to overall durability, have added complexity to
today’s modern air conditioning system. Unfortunately, the days of “do-it-yourself”
repair to these systems, is almost a thing of the past.
To add to the complications, we now have tough environmental regulations that govern
the very simplest of tasks, such as recharging the system with refrigerant R12,
commonly referred to as Freon. Extensive scientific studies have proven the damaging
effects of this refrigerant on our ozone layer. There are several types of
automotive air conditioning systems commonly used in vehicles.

Vehicles are found to have primarily three different types of air conditioning
systems. While each of the three types differ, the concept and design are very
similar to one another. The most common components which make up these automotive
systems are the following:
 1. Compressor
 2. Condenser
 3. Evaporator
 4. Orifice tube

 5. Thermal expansion valve

 6. Receiver-drier
  7. Accumulator

Compressor
Commonly referred to as the heart of the system, the compressor is a belt driven
pump that is fastened to the engine. It is responsible for compressing and
transferring refrigerant gas.
The A/C system is split into two sides, a high-pressure side and a low-pressure
side; defined as discharge and suction. Since the compressor is basically a pump, it
must have an intake side and a discharge side. The intake, or suction side, draws in
refrigerant gas from the outlet of the evaporator. In some cases, it does this via
the accumulator.
Once the refrigerant is drawn into the suction side, it is compressed and sent to
the condenser, where it can then transfer the heat that is absorbed from the inside
of the vehicle.
Condenser
This is the area in which heat dissipation occurs. The condenser, in many cases,
will have much the same appearance as the radiator in your car as the two have very
similar functions. The condenser is designed to radiate heat. Its location is
usually in front of the radiator, but in some cases, due to aerodynamic improvements
to the body of a vehicle, its location may differ. Condensers must have good air
flow anytime the system is in operation. On rear-wheel-drive vehicles, this is
usually accomplished by taking advantage of your existing engine’s cooling fan. On
front wheel drive vehicles, condenser air flow is supplemented with one or more
electric cooling fan(s).
As hot compressed gases are introduced into the top of the condenser, they are
cooled off. As the gas cools, it condenses and exits the bottom of the condenser as
a high-pressure liquid.
Evaporator
Located inside the vehicle, the evaporator serve as the heat absorption component.
The evaporator provides several functions. Its primary duty is to remove heat from
the inside of your vehicle. A secondary benefit is dehumidification. As warmer air
travels through the aluminum fins of the cooler evaporator coil, the moisture
contained in the air condenses on its surface. Dust and pollen passing through stick
to its wet surfaces and drain off to the outside. On humid days you may have seen
this as water dripping from the bottom of your vehicle. Rest assured this is
perfectly normal.

The ideal temperature of the evaporator is 32 Fahrenheit or 0 Celsius. Refrigerant

enters the bottom of the evaporator as a low-pressure liquid. The warm air passing
through the evaporator fins causes the refrigerant to boil (refrigerants have very
low boiling points). As the refrigerant begins to boil, it can absorb large amounts
of heat. This heat is then carried off with the refrigerant to the outside of the
vehicle. Several other components work in conjunction with the evaporator. As
mentioned above, the ideal temperature for an evaporator coil is 32 F. Temperature
and pressure regulating devices must be used to control its temperature. While there
are many variations of devices used, their main functions are the same; keeping
pressure in the evaporator low and keeping the evaporator from freezing; A frozen
evaporator coil will not absorb as much heat.
Pressure Regulating Devices
Controlling the evaporator temperature can be accomplished by controlling
refrigerant pressure and flow into the evaporator. Many variations of pressure
regulators have been introduced since the 1940’s. Listed below, are the most
commonly found.
Orifice Tube
The orifice tube, probably the most commonly used, can be found in most GM and Ford
models. It is located in the inlet tube of the evaporator, or in the liquid line,
somewhere between the outlet of the condenser and the inlet of the evaporator. This
point can be found in a properly functioning system by locating the area between the
outlet of the condenser and the inlet of the evaporator that suddenly makes the
change from hot to cold. You should then see small dimples placed in the line that
keep the orifice tube from moving. Most of the orifice tubes in use today measure
approximately three inches in length and consist of a small brass tube, surrounded
by plastic, and covered with a filter screen at each end. It is not uncommon for
these tubes to become clogged with small debris. While inexpensive, usually between
three to five dollars, the labor to replace one involves recovering the refrigerant,
opening the system up, replacing the orifice tube, evacuating and then recharging.
With this in mind, it might make sense to install a larger pre filter in front of
the orifice tube to minimize the risk of this problem reoccurring. Some Ford models
have a permanently affixed orifice tube in the liquid line. These can be cut out and
replaced with a combination filter/orifice assembly.

Thermal Expansion Valve

Another common refrigerant regulator is the thermal expansion valve, or TXV.
Commonly used on import and aftermarket systems. This type of valve can sense both
temperature and pressure and is very efficient at regulating refrigerant flow to the
evaporator. Several variations of this valve are commonly found. Another example of
a thermal expansion valve is Chrysler’s “H block” type. This type of valve is
usually located at the firewall, between the evaporator inlet and outlet tubes and
the liquid and suction lines. These types of valves, although efficient, have some
disadvantages over orifice tube systems. Like orifice tubes these valves can become
clogged with debris, but also have small moving parts that may stick and malfunction
due to corrosion.

Receiver Drier
The receiver-drier is used on the high side of systems that use a thermal expansion
valve. This type of metering valve requires liquid refrigerant. To ensure that the
valve gets liquid refrigerant, a receiver is used. The primary function of the
receiver-drier is to separate gas and liquid. The secondary purpose is to remove
moisture and filter out dirt. The receiver-drier usually has a sight glass on the
top. This sight glass is often used to charge the system. Under normal operating
conditions, vapor bubbles should not be visible in the sight glass. The use of sight
glass to charge the system is not recommended in R-134a systems as cloudiness and
oil that has separated from the refrigerant can be mistaken for bubbles. This type
of mistake can lead to a dangerous overcharged condition. There are variations of
receiver-driers, and several different desiccant materials are in use. Some of the
moisture removing desiccants found within are not compatible with R-134a. The
desiccant type is usually identified on a sticker that is affixed to the receiver
drier. Newer receiver-driers use desiccant type XH-7 and are compatible with both R-
12 and R-134a refrigerants.
Accumulator
Accumulators are used on systems that accommodate an orifice tube to meter
refrigerants into the evaporator. It is connected directly to the evaporator outlet
and stores excess liquid refrigerant. Introduction of liquid refrigerant into a
compressor can do serious damage. Compressors are designed to compress gas not
liquid. The chief role of the accumulator is to isolate the compressor from any
damaging liquid refrigerant. Accumulators, like receiver-driers, also remove debris
and moisture from a system. It is a good idea to replace the accumulator each time
the system is opened up for major repair and anytime moisture and/or debris is of
concern. Moisture is enemy number one for your A/C system. Moisture in a system mix
with refrigerant and forms a corrosive acid. When in doubt, it may be to your
advantage to change the Accumulator or receiver in your system. While this may be a
temporary discomfort for your wallet, it is of long-term benefit to your air
conditioning system.

CONCLUSION
An AC system not only cools the cabin, but it also removes dust and dirt, leaving
only fresh air. One has to remember to use only environmentally friendly
refrigerants and avoid CFCs as much as possible.
The AC system can be recharged by adding fresh refrigerant and removing the
remining one. Care must be taken in the disposal of refrigerants as they may affect
the soil, rivers, etc.,
It's also necessary to check the AC system for leaks as it may lead to the loss
of refrigerant as well as environmental hazards.
DEL ROSARIO, GENEZABETH
BIT 2-0