Contents: Compressor ⇓ Bypass valve ⇓ Capacitor core ⇓ Expansion tube (outlet) ⇓ Evaporator core ⇓ Battery ⇓ Heater core ⇓
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 winding is excited. When voltage is applied to energize the clutch winding, the clutch disc/hub assembly is pushed back toward the pulley. The magnetic force locks the clutch disc and pulley into one unit, causing the compressor shaft to move. The movement of the compressor shaft causes the low-pressure cooling vapor in the evaporator to be compressed and exit from there under high pressure. The refrigerant also produces cooling oil, which is used to lubricate the compressor.
Bypass valve
The compressor is equipped with a bypass valve, which acts as a safety valve in the system. Under certain conditions, the refrigerant on the discharge side may exceed the rated working 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 electric fan not working, etc.) the valve may open, and then the fault that caused the valve to operate should be corrected, and if necessary, the cooling oil and refrigerant should be replaced.
Capacitor core
The condenser unit, located in front of the radiator, consists of coils through which the refrigerant flows and cooling fins that ensure rapid heat exchange. Air passing through the condenser cools the high pressure steam, it condenses and turns into liquid.
Expansion tube (outlet)
The plastic expansion tube, together with the mesh filter and outlet, is located in the evaporator inlet pipe at the liquid line connector. It is designed to limit the high pressure liquid refrigerant in the liquid pipeline, while simultaneously measuring the flow of refrigerant 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 (outlet) to the low pressure side until the pressures equalize. This can be determined by a faint sound of flowing liquid 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. The high pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the expansion tube (outlet) into the low pressure area of 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 exchange 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 is then discharged from there in the form of water.
Battery
1 - conclusion;
2 - inlet for refrigerant vapor;
3 - entrance;
4 - guide partition;
5 - inner tube;
6-pack with desiccant;
7 - filter;
8 - location of the drain device on the pipe.
Connected to the outlet pipe of the evaporator, the sealed accumulator unit acts as a container for storing the refrigerant, into which steam and a small amount of liquid enter, as well as cooling oil from the evaporator.
There is a desiccant-moisture absorber at the bottom of the battery. The drain device is also located near the lower edge of the accumulator outlet pipe, and through it the oil returns to the compressor. The low pressure 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.
Heater core
The heater core raises the temperature of the air before it enters the car. Engine coolant circulates through the core and heats the outside air as it passes over the core fins. The core operates continuously and can be used to combine air conditioning, heating or ventilation.