Elements of the air conditioning system (air conditioner)
1 - fan;
2 - evaporator;
3 — throttle;
4 - Low pressure service connection;
5 - High pressure service connection;
6 - dehydrator tank;
7 — capacitor;
8 — compressor;
a - counter air flow for cooling the condenser;
b - warm air, taken from outside;
c - uncooled air passes through the heater fan;
d — cooled air enters the cabin;
A - high pressure (gas);
B - high pressure (liquid);
C - low pressure (liquid);
D — low pressure (gas).
With the help of the air conditioning system, the temperature in the passenger compartment can drop below the ambient temperature. In a fully automatic system, any set temperature is maintained, and the air distribution and quantity are controlled by an electronic control unit, regardless of the vehicle speed: various temperature sensors inform the control unit of the ambient temperature and the temperature in the passenger compartment. In accordance with the programmed values, the actuator motors of the air flaps and the fan are controlled, thus maintaining the climate in the passenger compartment. Malfunctions of the control unit, sensors and actuators are stored in the memory of the diagnostic device of the control unit. For diagnostics, contact a workshop with the appropriate diagnostic equipment.
Operation of the air conditioning system
The air conditioner compressor is driven by a poly V-belt from the crankshaft. It increases the pressure in the refrigerant line to 30 bar, causing the refrigerant to heat up. In the condenser, the flowing air absorbs heat (cooling air remains outside), whereby the hot refrigerant (gas) cools and condenses. The refrigerant becomes liquid. It flows under high pressure to the throttle, which reduces the pressure. In this case, the refrigerant evaporates into the main line and simultaneously cools down significantly. In the evaporator, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the passing air. The air is cooled. This cold air now flows into the car's interior. Due to the heat absorbed in the evaporator, the refrigerant becomes gaseous and flows under low pressure to the compressor. There the process is repeated.
Note: Air conditioning repair operations are not described, as they should only be performed in a workshop. In addition, the refrigerant line should not be opened, as if the refrigerant gets on the skin, it can cause frostbite.