Air Conditioning (AC) is a system or machine designed to regulate the temperature in a room. In addition to the room in the house, the air conditioner is also intended to regulate the temperature in the car cabin.
The workings of a car air conditioner are as follows:
- When the AC is turned on the compressor clutch will rotate causing the compressor to turn on.
- The compressor will take Freon from the evaporator and channel it to the condenser with high pressure.
- The condenser will change the high-pressure Freon which will pass through the filter drier which will filter the Freon from dirt and water.
- Freon will flow to the expansion valve and is atomized in the evaporator.
- The cold air produced will be sucked in and exhaled into the cabin by the ventilation blower.
In Split AC components there are several main components such as compressor, condenser, and evaporator. As with car air conditioners, it has several components. Each component certainly has its own function.
Here are 10 car air conditioner components and their functions:
1. Compressor
Compressor is a pump that serves to distribute Freon to all parts of the AC system in the car. Freon will be sucked in first by the compressor and then distributed to all parts of the AC with high pressure in the form of gas. The compressor is driven by the crankshaft on the car engine.
The compressor in the car air conditioning system has two types, namely the reciprocating type and the rotary type. The reciprocating type is further divided into two types, namely the swash type and the crank type. While the rotary type uses a trough vane type.
2. Compressor Clutch
Is a pulley that serves to connect the compressor with the engine speed. This pulley will rotate continuously because this part is connected directly to the crankshaft with a V-belt.
When the car air conditioner is turned on, the spool will be electrified which causes it to turn into a magnet. This magnetic spool will attract the clutch plate which will clamp the AC pulley. The rotation of the pulley will be forwarded to the compressor shaft so that the compressor can work.
3. Condenser
The condenser is a component that functions to cool high-pressure Freon gas after passing through the compressor. When the Freon is in the condenser, a condensation process occurs which makes the Freon change form.
In order to release heat faster, the condenser pipe is designed to be curved and equipped with fins. Therefore, cleaning the fins of the condenser pipe needs to be cleaned so that the heat transfer from the Freon is not disturbed.
4. Condenser Fan
The condenser fan functions to blow air through the condenser so that the heat absorption process occurs in the condenser section. Condenser Fan helps cooling in the condenser section with the wind blown by the fan.
5. Pressure Switch
The pressure switch is one of the important components because it is a switch that functions as a safety on the car air conditioner. Inside the pressure switch there is a liquid sensor. It can work automatically based on the pressure in the Freon gas and engine temperature.
The pressure switch also has a connector cable that can be connected to the compressor. The working process is to adjust the performance of the Freon gas pressure when the air conditioner is turned on.
6. Filter Drier
The filter drier is a car ac component that functions to filter dirt, dust and water carried by the Freon. It is located inside the receiver drier. In addition, it is also a temporary shelter for Freon in liquid form.
Water carried by Freon must be removed immediately because it can freeze in the expansion pipe.
7. High Pressure Service Connection
High Pressure Service Connection is a tool that functions as a car air conditioner safety when the pressure is too high.
8. Evaporator
Evaporator is a component that functions to absorb heat when Freon passes through the expansion valve. In this evaporator, leakage problems often occur. This of course will make the Freon in the evaporator will be wasted out, causing the cooling in the cabin to decrease later.
If your car’s air conditioner doesn’t feel cold enough, it could be that the evaporator has a leak, but that certainly needs to be checked first.
9. Ventilation Blower
Ventilation Blower serves to blow Freon and air into the car cabin. This ventilation blower is usually located under the dashboard of the car. You as a car owner need to check this part because usually this part is the part that gets dirty the fastest.
Clean regularly so that the ventilation blower can work optimally when blowing Freon and wind as needed.
10. Expansion Valve
Expansion Valve is valve that has the function of changing Freon from liquid to gas. The expansion valve also functions to regulate the amount of Freon that flows. This component is in the form of a small channel that is connected from the filter dryer to the evaporator.
Although there are various types of cars, the main components of car air conditioners are generally almost the same. There are several things that can cause a car air conditioner to break down quickly, such as:
- The habit of smoking in the car when the AC is on.
- Opening the car window in quite a long time.
- Using fragrance excessively.
Those are some things you should avoid so that your car air conditioner is durable and can last longer. Also do not forget to keep your car cabin clean.