The air conditioning system in your car is
comprised of a compressor, condenser, expansion
valve, receiver/drier, and evaporator. Refrigerant
(also known as Freon) is compressed in the
compressor and turns into a gas. In the condenser,
this gas is cooled to a liquid state and travels to the
expansion valve. As the liquid refrigerant goes
through the expansion valve it rapidly cools in the
evaporator. A fan blows over the evaporator and cools the
air that blows out your vents. The receiver-drier
separates gas and liquid.
Evaporator with Blower Fan
In order to remove the heat
from the air in the vehicle, the A/C evaporator allows the
refrigerant to absorb the heat from the air passing over it.
The blower fan moves cool air out into the car interior.
Compressor
The compressor pumps and circulates the refrig-
erant through the system.
Condenser
The condenser is a heat exchanger mounted at the
front of the vehicle. Heat drawn out of the interior of the
car is expelled here.
Receiver/Drier
The drier not only dries refrigerant, it
also filters the refrigerant and stores it under certain
operating conditions.
High Pressure Switch
A pressure switch is used to shut
down the system if high or low pressure is detected, basical-
ly it acts as a safety switch.
A Basic Overview of Automotive A/C....
Receiver
Drier
Compressor
Evaporator Unit
Expansion Valve
Condenser
Suction
Valve Discharge
Valve
Firewall
OUTSIDE AIR
COLD AIR INTO VEHICLE
AIR FROM INSIDE VEHICLE
GROUND
POWER
SUCTION HOSE
DISCHARGE HOSE
LIQUID HOSE
1
1
2
3
4
5
2
3
4
5
COOLED AIR
VAPIR
SYSTEM
Compact A/C