Working Principle and Function of Car Air Conditioning Compressor

Q: What is the working principle and function of car air conditioning compressor?

A: The car air conditioning compressor is a mechanical device that circulates refrigerant through the air conditioning system. The compressor works by compressing low-pressure refrigerant gas into high-pressure gas, which raises its temperature. This high-pressure, high-temperature gas then flows through the system to the condenser, where it releases its heat and condenses into a high-pressure liquid.

The liquid refrigerant then flows through the expansion valve or orifice tube, which reduces its pressure and temperature. This low-pressure, low-temperature liquid then flows through the evaporator, where it absorbs heat from the cabin air and turns back into a low-pressure gas. The cycle then repeats, with the low-pressure gas returning to the compressor to be compressed once again.

The function of the car air conditioning compressor is to maintain the circulation of refrigerant through the system, which allows it to absorb heat from the cabin air and release it outside the car. The compressor is driven by a belt connected to the engine, and it is typically controlled by an electromagnetic clutch that engages and disengages the compressor pulley as needed to maintain the desired temperature inside the car.