Elements of the air conditioning system
1 - heater; 2 - capacitor; 3 - cover; 4 - evaporator.
Compressor
All compressors operate on a belt drive, which is carried out from the crankshaft through the clutch pulley. The compressor pulley rotates but does not drive the compressor shaft until the clutch electromagnetic coil is energized. When voltage is applied to energize the clutch winding, the clutch disk/hub assembly is pushed back towards the pulley. The magnetic force closes the clutch disc and pulley into one unit, as a result of which the compressor shaft begins to move. The movement of the compressor shaft causes the low-pressure refrigerant vapor to be compressed in the evaporator and exits at high pressure. The refrigerant also releases refrigerant oil, which is used to lubricate the compressor.
Bypass valve
The compressor is equipped with a bypass valve, which plays the role of a fuse in the system. Under certain conditions, the refrigerant on the discharge side may exceed the rated operating pressure. To prevent damage to the system, the valve is designed to open automatically at a pressure of approximately 3036 kPa. In some cases (faulty high pressure switch, cooling fan not working, etc.) the valve may open, and then the fault that caused the valve to operate should be corrected, and if necessary, replace the cooling oil and refrigerant.
Capacitor core
The condenser block, located in front of the radiator, consists of coils through which the refrigerant flows and cooling fins, which provide a fast heat exchange. The air passing through the condenser cools the high pressure steam, it condenses and turns into a liquid.
Expansion tube (conclusion)
The plastic expansion tube, together with the strainer and outlet, is located in the evaporator inlet pipe at the liquid line connector. It is designed to confine the high pressure liquid refrigerant in the liquid piping while also metering the refrigerant flow to the evaporator. The expansion tube and outlet are protected from contamination by mesh filters on both sides, outlet and inlet. During maintenance, this tube is not repaired, it must be replaced with a new one. When the engine is off and the A/C system is running, the refrigerant in the system will flow from the high pressure side of the expansion tube (output) towards the low pressure side until the pressure equalizes. This can be identified by the faint sound of fluid flowing for 30-60 seconds, which is normal.
Evaporator core
An evaporator is a device that cools and humidifies the air before it enters the car. High pressure liquid refrigerant flows through expansion pipe (output to the low pressure zone in the evaporator. The heat of the air passing through the evaporator core is transferred to the cooling surface of the core, and thus the air is cooled. While the process of heat transfer from the air to the surface of the evaporator core is in progress, all the moisture contained in the air condenses on the outer surface of the evaporator core, and then is discharged from there in the form of water.
Battery
Connected to the outlet pipe of the evaporator, the sealed accumulator unit is like a container for storing refrigerant, which receives vapor and some liquid, as well as refrigerant oil from the evaporator. At the bottom of the accumulator there is a dessicant-desiccant that penetrates into the system of moisture. The drain device is also located near the lower boundary of the accumulator discharge pipe, and through it the oil returns to the compressor. The low side Schrader valve technical fitting is located at the top of the accumulator. During maintenance, the battery is not repaired, but replaced with a new one.
1 - output; 2 - inlet for refrigerant vapor; 3 - input; 4 - guide partition; 3 - internal pipe; 6 - package with a desiccant; 7 - filter; 8 - the location of the drain device on the pipe.
Heater core
The heater core raises the temperature of the air before it enters the car. The engine coolant circulates through the core and heats the outside air flowing over the fins of the core. The core functions permanently and can be used for a combination of air conditioning operation as well as heating or ventilation.