1. Refrigerant Circuit: The air conditioning system consists of a closed circuit of pipes and components that contain a refrigerant gas. The refrigerant used is typically R134a or R1234yf, which are both hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
2. Compressor: The compressor is the heart of the air conditioning system. It is driven by the car's engine and pressurizes the refrigerant vapor, increasing its temperature and pressure.
3. Condenser: The high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant vapor then flows into the condenser, which is located in front of the car's radiator. The condenser dissipates heat from the refrigerant, causing it to condense and turn into a high-pressure liquid.
4. Receiver/Drier: The refrigerant then passes through the receiver/drier, which removes moisture and any contaminants from the refrigerant.
5. Expansion Device: The high-pressure liquid refrigerant then enters the expansion device, which can be a throttle valve or an expansion valve. The expansion device allows the refrigerant to expand and reduce its pressure, causing it to cool down significantly.
6. Evaporator: The cooled, low-pressure refrigerant vapor flows into the evaporator, which is located inside the car's dashboard. As the refrigerant passes through the evaporator, it absorbs heat from the air inside the car, causing the air to cool down.
7. Blower Motor: A blower motor circulates the cooled air from the evaporator into the car's interior through vents. This cold air helps lower the overall temperature inside the cabin, providing a cooling effect.
8. Return to Compressor: Finally, the cooled refrigerant leaves the evaporator and returns to the compressor, completing the cycle.
By continuously cycling through these processes, the air conditioning system effectively removes heat from the car's interior, producing and circulating cool air to keep the cabin at a comfortable temperature during hot weather conditions.
