Air-conditioning
| Air-conditioning | Heating | Defrosting and demisting | Ventilation | Filtration | Pressurisation | Standards |
Air-conditioning
The efficiency of the air-conditioning system relies on correct
dimensioning of components based on thermal exchanges between the
cabin and its environment. System efficiency.
How air-conditioning works
The A/C system is made of five main components:
A compressor, a condenser, a drier filter, an expansion valve and an evaporator.
These components are connected together by fittings and flexible hoses, or rigid lines, thus forming a closed circuit with the coolant circulating inside. The principle of the AirCon system is based on the ability of the coolant to absorb or transfer the heat depending on its physical state.
Air-conditioning system diagram
The
compressor
Driven by the engine of the vehicle, it circulates the refrigerant in the system by suctioning the fluid in its gaseous state before sending it to the condenser as a high-pressure, high-temperature gas.
The
condenser
is a heat exchanger in which the coolant changes from the gaseous state to the liquid state by transferring its heat to the outside air. The air is moved through the condenser by one or more mechanical or electric fans.
The drier filter
at the condenser outlet filters the liquid coolant. It retains the impurities and moisture and forms a buffer reserve.
The
expansion valve
Its role is to lower the refrigerant pressure and temperature by controlling its flow rate in the evaporator.
The
evaporator
converts the coolant from the liquid to the gaseous state. To evaporate, the coolant absorbs the heat from the air passing through it. The air thus cooled and dryed is blown into the cabin. The condensation left on the evaporator walls is collected in a condensate tray and evacuated underneath the cabin. The coolant in its gaseous state is suctioned at the evaporator outlet by the compressor and the cycle starts again.
Safety
components
Thermostat (temperature regulation at the evaporator outlet avoids liquid ingress in the compressor).
Pressure switch (compressor cuts out if pressure is too high or too low).
