Refrigerant Circuit, Function

Component Identification:

The A/C compressor (1) is driven by the engine and compresses the gaseous refrigerant which heats up and flows to the condenser
(2).

The heat resulting from compression is absorbed from the refrigerant by the surface of the condenser (2). As the refrigerant cools down it liquefies.

As the refrigerant flows through the receiver/drier (3) it is purified of chemical and mechanical impurities.

The expansion valve (4) sprays the cooled liquid refrigerant into the evaporator (5), located in the fresh air flow. The refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator. This evaporation process absorbs heat from the fresh air flowing across the system of tubes and honeycombs, cooling the air.

The moisture in the air is condensed out and the condensate drained to the outside. The air is dried. The A/C compressor (1) sucks in the refrigerant which has become gaseous due to the absorption of heat and compresses it again.

When the engine is running and with blower switched on cooled air can flow into the passenger compartment through various outlet openings. The intensity of cooling depends on the passenger compartment temperature set and the blower output.