1. Refrigerant Compression: The AC system relies on a refrigerant (usually R-134a or R-1234yf) to absorb heat from the air and release it outside the vehicle. The AC compressor's primary function is to compress this refrigerant vapor, significantly increasing its pressure and temperature.
2. Heat Transfer: The high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant vapor from the compressor then enters the condenser. The condenser is a heat exchanger that dissipates heat from the refrigerant, causing it to condense and turn back into a high-pressure liquid.
3. Expansion and Cooling: The high-pressure liquid refrigerant subsequently flows through an expansion device (such as a thermal expansion valve or orifice tube) that controls the flow rate into the evaporator. This expansion causes a sudden drop in pressure, resulting in a drastic drop in temperature.
4. Heat Absorption: As the low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant flows through the evaporator (another heat exchanger), it absorbs heat from the air inside the vehicle. This heat absorption cools the air, which is then circulated by the AC blower fan into the vehicle's cabin or building space.
5. Continuous Cycle: Once the refrigerant leaves the evaporator, it returns to the compressor as a low-pressure, low-temperature vapor, completing the cycle. The process repeats itself continuously as the AC compressor powers the refrigerant through this refrigeration cycle to provide continuous cooling.
By compressing the refrigerant and facilitating the heat transfer process, the AC compressor ensures that cool air is produced and circulated within the vehicle or building when you turn on the AC.
