Compressor General

The compressor builds pressure on the refrigerant, in a vapor state, and forces the refrigerant to flow through the A/C system. Compressing the refrigerant also adds heat to the refrigerant. Heating the refrigerant allows the refrigerant to change from a vapor to a liquid state, at the condenser.

The compressor used on this vehicle is V-5. The V-5 is a constant run, variable displacement compressor that can match the automobiles A/C demand under all conditions without cycling. The V-5 compressor is a variable angle, wobble-plate design, with 5 axially oriented cylinders.

A bellows actuated valve, located in the rear head of the compressor, senses the suction pressure and controls the wobble plate. A difference between the crankcase pressure and the suction pressure will change the wobble-plate angle and the compressor displacement. A slight elevation of the crankcase- suction pressure differential creates a total force on the pistons, resulting in a movement of the wobble-plate pivot pin and reduce the wobble plate angle.

When the A/C demand is high, the suction side pressure will be above the control point. The valve will bleed crankcase pressure into the suction side (no crankcase-suction pressure differential), and the compressor will operate at maximum displacement. When the A/C demand is lower, the suction side pressure reaches the control point. The valve will then allow high side pressure into the crankcase. The pressure differential will close off the crankcase to suction side pressure bleed, allowing the compressor displacement to vary by the A/C demand.