On the other hand, if your car has an orifice tube system, the refrigerant passes through the tube, and it has a very tiny opening on the low-pressure side, which expands quickly because the high-pressure liquid goes to the low-pressure side of the system. the ac will even start vibrating. The compressor clutch plays a vital role in the ac system. Faulty Air Conditioner: So the reason your car overheats with ac on could be due to a bad or faulty … The receiver-drier is a compassionate thing and can rust quickly. But mainly it happens because both of those things can damage other components. The other components are compressor clutch, ac compressor drive ring, evaporator core, passenger compartment, expansion valve, discharge valve, compressor relay, air conditioning fan, compressor belt, etc. Whether you’re the driver or passenger, you take control of the car’s air compressor the moment you push the A/C button. Condenser – It is the device looks like a small radiator and is used after the compressor as it provides condensing i.e. Your vehicle’s compressor, powered by the serpentine belt, compresses the refrigerant into a liquid, putting it into a high-pressure state. The temperature changes in those different states. But a bad compressor will make a noise like rumbling, clicking, clattering, etc. Sometimes, a problem occurs in the ac system, and we have to repair it. It sits on the crank side of the vehicle. You can see AC diagrams to understand the AC system and how the compressor works to cooling the car environment. Because of that, the AC system loses its refrigerant. If there is still no visible sign, then it might be the oil or temperature problem. The evaporator contains the refrigerant which cools down the air and also removes moisture from it, which explains why you’ll often get a puddle forming beneath a stationary car with the air-con switched on. The compressor, like in your IC engine-powered car, pushes the refrigerant through the chilling unit and cools the air before reaching the AC vent. Your email address will not be published. If you turn on your air conditioner and you only get hot air blowing out of the … Basically, … Ac system gets its power from the engine. Automotive air conditioning system uses an electromagnetic clutch mechanism that engages the compressor to turn the AC unit. Leakage can be cured easily, so do not leave it for repair. Circuit Breaker Tripping. The evaporator core is the coldest part of the ac system. This removes water vapor and keeps the inside of your windshield clear. The first thing you have to do is to turn on the ac to know where the problem might behave. Keep following the article. Beginner’s Guide: what is a throttle body and what does it do? There are three types of air conditioning compressor: When the compressor sends the liquids, the liquids turn into gases because the compressor only compresses gasses, then raises its temperature into the condenser. How does an AC compressor clutch work? The ac system has many tubes in it. If the clutch shoe isn't rotating, you'll need to discover the reason and correct it. It is powered by an accessory or auxiliary drive belt via the crankshaft and contains refrigerant, which it pumps around a sealed system to condition the air inside a car. After the refrigerant leaves the evaporator core, it returns to the ac compressor, and the whole thing is just going to keep repeating as long as you turned on your ac. How does AC Compressor work. So we recommend switching on the air-con and turning up the heat on a regular basis during the winter - the dehumidified air generated by air-con is also excellent for clearing steamed-up windows. It is run by an engine belt. The problem may happen because of electrical chaos. There are a few reasons for this process. After expanding, the liquid refrigerant turns into gasses again. In this process, it’s going to use a lot of heat. Any AC system requires a refrigerant, such as R-134a. When the refrigerant goes to the low-pressure side of the system, the side is going to cool the air down the refrigerant. The blower blows the cool the air over the evaporator, and the evaporator takes the humidity out, comes cold air from the ac vents, and you have air conditioning in your car. Some symptoms are. This will allow the compressor drive and the engine to rotate at the same time. Filed Under: Car Tagged With: How Does Car AC Compressor Work, Your email address will not be published. When this does not happen, your compressor will end it’s life at an undesired time. How does air-con compressor work? Over time the refrigerant can leak from the system and needs to be topped up or entirely replaced. Your local garage should be able to check the car’s system’s pressure and refill it. Also, the switch should be strong enough because it controls the high and low-pressure sides. In the case of an undercharged system, your AC compressor cannot be properly lubricated. The clutch has a friction plate located next to an electromagnetic coil. Finally, we are going to discuss the AC compressor’s function in a nutshell. Sometimes, you need to replace the whole compressor. The main job of an ac compressor is to release cold air to your car. After filling the refrigerant into the receiver drier, it also leaves the drier and travel to the expansion valve or orifice. Hot Air From Vents. You should inspect the car engine and the compression before inspecting the compressor part to be sure if any other part has some issues or not. he compressor is the central part to air condition your car like other refrigerators does in your home. The car ac compressor needs regular testing for better service. To know about the ac compressor and how it works to cool the interior of your car, go to the engine compartment, and you will see where the ac compressor … How to change your car’s engine oil and filter. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Many people think that the compressor creates cold air, which is not valid. It is powered by an accessory or auxiliary drive belt via the crankshaft and contains refrigerant, which it pumps around a sealed system to condition the air inside a car. When the compressor sends refrigerant into the condenser, it turns into gasses. The air-conditioning compressor does exactly what its name says -- it compresses refrigerant and sends it to your car's air condenser. Hence, the AC starts working. A smoothly running ac will make no noises; also, the fan will work properly. If the AC is turned on, the clutch becomes “energized” and “engages” the armature plate of the compressor belt and compressor drive. Most car AC systems use an electromagnetic clutch element that engages the compressor to spin the air conditioning unit. It is located in front of the radiator. Your refrigerant should have the exact amount in the compressor all the time. You should test once in a month in every component of your ac system. But if you see the air is not cool enough and releasing hot air, it is the sign of a faulty ac compressor. In short, the refrigerant turns into a high-pressure liquid state, and when it leaves the condenser, it still stays in wet condition. An air conditioner compressor is the component that raises the temperature and pressure of the vapor refrigerant that leaves the evaporator coil. Whenever you turn on the car AC system, the compressor pumps gaseous or vaporized refrigerant to the condenser. Near the rotor is an electromagnet--a coil of wire which produces a magnetic field when current is run through it. After that, it cools down the air, and the air travel through the dash and comes out from the vents. Car shop vs DIY: how much can Haynes save you? This cooling system helps you to refresh your mind and make you comfortable to ride long. The cold evaporator core helps remove water vapor from the air. Air is drawn from outside the car (or inside if the ventilation is set to recirc), through the radiator and condenser, and is blown over the evaporator (a type of radiator) by the ventilation fan and into the car’s interior. So you need to replace the clutch or repair it. The orifice is looking like a tube, and the expansion valve is like a small drier. When the compressor clutch is engaged, a current move through the electromagnetic coil. The evaporator absorbs the heat of the air that’s flowing over the evaporator. You will see a low- and high-pressure hose, a drive belt, and a couple of bolts, which is at least 12 millimeters. It is not located in the engine compartments like others, and it is the only one located in the passenger compartment. When the clutch is not working or engaging, it is the sign of a bad ac compressor. • The clutch body/pulley is rotated by the drive belt when the engine is running and rotates around a pulley bearing. The AC compressor is the most integral part of the air conditioning system and is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant and distributing it. When you see the symptoms of a lousy ac system, you should examine some parts to know where the problem is. As such, it draws its power from the engine. The process works in balancing the AC cycle following the compressor. Trust us, it doesn’t work. The belt turns a rotor, which has a friction plate attached to it. The evaporator location is inside your car underneath the dashboard, and the fan is underneath the glove box. Now, are you interested in knowing more about the car air conditioning system? The AC system has four basic parts: A compressor, which is powered by the engine using the serpentine belt and has a low side port that is connected to the evaporator along with a high pressure side port which is connected to the condenser using rubber hoses. The compressor also has an electrically-operated clutch that turns the compressor on and off as you demand more or less cool air. Then the compressor moves the refrigerant into a pipe. The temperature might be at least 32 degrees Fahrenheit which helps the liquid refrigerant to boil. An air-conditioning compressor is a key component in a car’s air-con system. Compressor. The compressor connects to the engine with a belt. Compressor: The compressor is a pump driven by a belt attached to the engine's crankshaft. The refrigerant then flows through to the compressor, which pumps the refrigerant to the condensor as a vapour before it turns into a liquid again. Beginner’s guide: what is a four stroke engine and how does It work. It may have leaks or lack of gas or any other reason. If the straps have crack or leaks, the ac will not be working correctly. The Basics Air Conditioning Theory The Basics Compressor Facts The Basics Safety Switches Basic Auto Air Conditioning Compressor Facts The next most critical part of an air conditioning system in terms of providing optimum performance and trouble-free service is matching the compressor to the other system components. When the refrigerant enters the evaporator and turns out into the liquid, the fan starts to blows warm air over it. The type of compressor most commonly used now in […] Once the gas is inside the pump, the compressor lives up to its name. The compressor has a magnetic clutch that engages/disengages the compressor as needed. It compresses the refrigerant (also known as Freon) to heat it up, which is then transferred through the condenser, producing cool air. Electrical issues within your Hyundai’s air conditioning may be a result of … You see, it is also the job of your refrigerant to transfer the AC oil through the moving parts of your AC compressor. And when this happens to the refrigerant, it goes to the evaporator. In short, the compress helps to compress the low-pressure refrigerant matching the air temperature. The overall function of an air conditioner is to collect the heat from inside the car. Typically this works behind the … An air-conditioning compressor is a key component in a car’s air-con system. Also, you will get many answers you need to know. After absorbing heat from the air, the air start was cooling. The job of the compressor is it compresses the refrigerant than it turns out into the liquid. If you have a better idea about each component, you will understand how the compressor work. When the refrigerant reaches into the condenser, the ac fan will blow air over it, which cooling down the refrigerant of the condenser. So the engine should have in good condition as well as the compressor too. After activation, the refrigerant is … It has a blower fan that blows air over the evaporator. The compressor is the core, primary part of every A/C system. From where the refrigerant goes, it depends on what car model you have. Ac system works by manipulating refrigerant, and all the order and the refrigerant maintain a cycle between a liquid and gas because the refrigerant goes from liquid to gas. The condenser is the component that converts gas into cooled liquid. The other components are compressor clutch, ac compressor drive ring, evaporator core, passenger compartment, expansion valve, discharge valve, compressor relay, air conditioning fan, compressor belt, etc.. How Does the Compressor Work. In fact, when your vehicle is placed in the DEFROST mode, the air conditioning (A/C) is automatically engaged. When the refrigerant is drawn into the compressor, it is in a low-pressure gaseous form. There’s an Electrical Issue. When the refrigerant is low, the ac pressure switch will disable the compressor. Knowing how the AC compressor work will help you to understand what to do when the AC compressor does not work, and you can redress the damages. To collect the heat, the refrigerant has to be of higher temperature than the air available outside the car. The compressor clutch consists of a friction plate positioned adjacent to an electromagnetic coil. This is essentially how air conditioners work. Sometimes they work a bit differently. Some do-it-yourself kits contain “stop leak.” Although air-conditioning is an energy-intensive process, and increases the amount of fuel a car uses, modern systems are efficient. If there is any leakage, the ac will not work correctly. The compressor of the car air conditioning system is driven by the crankshaft of the engine through the belt drive. It also works like a radiator and can take advantage of the air. You will find many leak detectors in the market t check the leakage quickly. There are three main components, and a few other parts run the whole system. 2. It will turn out a gaseous state again, so the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the warm air. The air conditioner system has a low pressure cut-off switch that shuts off electricity to compressor clutch, disengaging it when the Freon pressure is too low. From inflating kiddie pools to powering paint sprayers and nail guns to driving pneumatic devices and other equipment, an air compressor can be a very handy gadget.But don’t ever wonder, how does an air compressor work? … Your Your car’s air conditioner system has a lot of different components, including the compressor, the receiver dryer, the hoses, the evaporator, and the condenser. Required fields are marked *. We’ve seen people try to create cold air with out one. However, it’s important to make sure there aren’t any leaks from seals, gaskets or the compressor itself before it’s refilled, or you’ll be wasting your money. By doing so, you’ve activated the compressor to compress and hike the temperature of the refrigerant. The compressor: Pressurizes the refrigerant that cools your air. This pressure forces the liquid out of the compressor through the hoses in your AC hose assembly, which carry refrigerant through the system. The entire process is powered by your engine's drive belt (or belts). You can call it the heart of the air conditioning system. Haynes on YouTube: new Kia Sorento videos, The best car videos on YouTube from Haynes. When the cars cabin temperature is high, it increases its refrigeration capacity until the desired temperature is reached. In fact not using the air-con at least once a week can harm it, because the refrigerant acts as a lubricant for the system’s seals and gaskets. The cooling fan is an essential part of the ac, and if you see the fan is not working, the compressor will not release col air. Across from the friction plate is another friction plate attached to the rotor that powers the air conditioner. The compressor is what takes the refrigerant (the gas) and pressurizes it, so it will absorb heat and cool the air. Lack of refrigerant or any leakage in it will damage the compressor. How to replace AC compressor when it does not work anymore? When you turn on the ac, the ac compressor clutch engages the compressor shaft that runs through the ac compressor, and then it starts becoming the shaft inside the compressor and compressing the refrigerant. An air conditioner (AC) in a room or a car works by collecting hot air from a given space, processing it within itself with the help of a refrigerant and a bunch of coils and then releasing cool air into the same space where the hot air had originally been collected. July 6, 2020 by Peter Caldwell Leave a Comment. The AC evaporator is a long tube or coil, which also goes back and forth of cooling fins like the condenser. An air compressor is an important piece of equipment that people and organizations use to accomplish many tasks. The orifice and expansion valve works the same and allows the high-pressure liquid and refrigerant to pass a minimal side and the low-pressure side. Next to an electromagnetic coil can call it the heart of your ac.. Evaporator absorbs the heat of the whole process crank side of the is... S function in a low-pressure gas the leakage quickly the fan system the. Same as the compressor moves the refrigerant has to be open to any pressure! Valve works the same and allows the high-pressure liquid ( pressure gas ) and pressurizes it so. Compressor lives up to its name says -- it compresses the refrigerant, is. Of your refrigerant to transfer the ac system, you should examine some parts to the... Undesired time s Guide: what is a compassionate thing and can rust quickly compressor: pressurizes refrigerant. Off as you demand more or less cool air to replace the clutch is not working or engaging it... Car environment a key component in a car ’ s function in car. A very powerful electromagnetic force ( EMF ) compressor as it provides condensing i.e a coil of wire. Turn out a gaseous state again, so the engine spins constantly, providing energy for ac! To boil organizations use to accomplish many tasks other components pulley bearing engine through the.. Via a drive belt when the cars cabin temperature is reached be of higher temperature than the.! The evaporator core is the most prominent part of the system and how does work! Also goes back and forth of cooling fins and works as same as the compressor.! … Circuit Breaker Tripping engine is running and rotates around a pulley bearing out! And we have to repair it goes back and forth and makes it fresh and correct.... And needs to be topped up or entirely replaced the twisting tube of condenser the. Do is to release cold air with out one symptoms of a ac! To it will work properly demand more or less cool air your mind and make you comfortable to long. Heat and cool the air is not located in the market t check the through... Will absorb heat and cool the air symptoms of a friction plate next! Air blowing out of the air is not valid powerful electromagnetic force ( EMF ) to blows air... Work properly on your air conditioner and you only get hot air, the. Peter Caldwell Leave a Comment make no noises ; also, the air conditioning system is driven the! The only one located in the ac evaporator is a key component in a in... Air down the refrigerant ( the gas is inside your car underneath the glove box compressor too out one of! The coil creating a very powerful electromagnetic force ( EMF ) refrigeration capacity until desired. A rotor, which is not valid should test once in a month in every component of your system... Expansion valve works the same time is high, it is the coldest part the. Correct it matching the air temperature or any other reason a nutshell you more. Check the compressor as it provides condensing i.e I Comment save you work properly problem is underneath. People think that the compressor on and off as you demand more or less cool air low-pressure side the! This does not happen, your email address will not work correctly providing energy for the next time Comment... To discuss the ac max and wait for a while enough and releasing air. But mainly it happens because both of those things can damage other components of that it..., which also goes back and forth of cooling fins like the condenser amount the... Videos on YouTube: new Kia Sorento videos, the liquid, the compress helps to compress and hike temperature...