What Is An Air Conditioning Compressor?

The A/C Compressor is essentially a pump. It is driven by the engine and compresses refrigerant. The high-pressure side comes from the compressor where cold gaseous refrigerant is compressed and passed onto the condenser. The process of compression adds pressure to the system and makes the gas very hot. From there, the hot, high-pressure refrigerant gas travels through the condenser and becomes a high-pressure liquid. The liquid then passes through the receiver/drier thereby removing any moisture and then arrives at the expansion valve. The expansion valve converts the liquid into low-pressure, cold refrigerant. As it is passed on to the evaporator, the cool refrigerant is exposed to warm ambient air which forces it to return to a gas state. Or as the name suggests, it evaporates. This part of the process is on the low-pressure side of the system.

There are 7 different types of air conditioner compressors:

SCROLL COMPRESSOR

A scroll compressor is the most widely used style of compressor used in automotive air conditioning systems. Scroll compressors are strong and durable. They use a scroll-shaped rotor to compress the refrigerant inside the compressor coil.

VANE COMPRESSOR

Vane compressors are often considered the most efficient type of air conditioning compressor. Vane compressors offer high power and excellent cooling capacity. They’re also quieter than reciprocating compressors. Vane compressors use fewer moving parts than many other types of compressors, which makes them less prone to failure.

ROTARY COMPRESSOR

Rotary compressors are also one of the most common types used in cars. They are efficient pumps used in small cars and trucks alike. Rotary compressors are more expensive to manufacture than other types.

RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR

Reciprocating compressors are widely used in car air conditioning compressor. They consist of two cylinders that move back and forth to compress the refrigerant, which is then sent through the condenser and evaporator for cooling. Reciprocating compressors work well for cars because they’re simple and inexpensive to manufacture compared to other compressor types.

CENTRIFUGAL COMPRESSOR

Centrifugal compressors are the most common type of car air conditioning compressor. They’re used in vehicles with high power outputs. This type of compressor is more durable than some other types.

PISTON COMPRESSOR

Piston compressors are widely They are good for low-pressure applications requiring long discharge lines. They are good for low-pressure applications requiring long discharge lines. used in residential and commercial applications. They are less expensive than rotary compressors. The main advantage of piston compressors over rotary compressors is their quietness. Unlike rotary units, which use an electric motor to drive a pump, piston units use an oil-lubricated piston as their pump. The oil prevents air from entering between the pistons during operation—which would result in loud noises—and keeps them moving smoothly through their stroke cycle without any delay or friction.

DIAPHRAGM COMPRESSOR

This compressor, more commonly known as a rotary compressor, uses a diaphragm to compress the refrigerant. They are more reliable than some other types of compressors, and with proper maintenance, they can often last over 2000,000 km before they need to be replaced.

The Importance Of The Compressor’s Cooling Efficiency

The compressor’s displacement capacity directly affects the refrigeration system’s cooling capacity and performance. A higher displacement capacity enables the compressor to process a larger volume of refrigerant gas, increasing the heat transfer rate and system cooling capacity (Domanski & Didion, 1994). In contrast, a lower displacement capacity reduces the volume of refrigerant gas processed and, consequently, the system’s cooling capacity.

Common Issues With Air Conditioning Compressors

Low refrigerant levels. Over time, you will lose refrigerant, which will reduce cooling efficiency and performance.

Overheating. Insufficient cooling due to poor air circulation through the condenser can cause your compressor to overheat.

Lack Of Lubrication. The oil in the compressor is circulated through the A/C System with the flow of the refrigerant. Low refrigerant levels mean reduced oil circulation through the air conditioning system.

Trouble shooting and Repairs.

Just adding refrigerant to the A/C System is not a real solution. The amount of refrigerant in the unit must be very precise and exactly match the manufacturer’s specifications. If you’re A/C is low on refrigerant, a leak may be present and needs to be fixed.

Repairing a leak in your AC system is often best left to an experienced professional.

If you manage to diagnose the problem as a small refrigerant leak, you may be able to use a Freon leak repair kit for small leaks within the system. The compressor sucks the sealant through the system and repairs small leaks. This is not an ideal solution, though; it is best to fix the leak when practicable. If you’re A/C system continues to leak refrigerant, contact us at Cool Car Air Conditioning. We’ll let you know what it will take to fix the leak properly the first time.

Blower Motor Fan Won’t Run

The blower fan could be faulty and need replacing. It is best to have this confirmed by a professional before purchasing a replacement blower fan.

Frozen Pipes Or Evaporator Coil.

There are several reasons why your evaporator coil could freeze up. The cause of this can be one of the trickiest things to correctly identify. The reason is that the airflow is restricted. Possibly due to a blocked evaporator coil. The A/C system is low on refrigerant. possible blockages or moisture within the A/C System.

Compressor Cycles On and Off—Short Cycling

When your air conditioner repeatedly starts and stops every couple of minutes, the culprit could, unfortunately, be one of many things. The problem could be as simple as a faulty temperature sensor or a refrigerant leak.

A/C Smells Weird

When moisture collects in your car air conditioning HVAC unit, bacteria build up and can cause a foul Odor that resembles the scent of urine or vinegar. There is no way to know exactly what is wrong with your smelly A/C unit without having it inspected. Depending on what’s wrong with your unit, your health could be at risk. Usually, an antibacterial treatment along with a cabin filter replacement is all that is needed to eliminate that pesky smell.

Air Conditioner Blows Hot Air

It’s a summer day, and you’ve just discovered that your AC unit is blowing hot air.  There is no way to know exactly what is wrong with your A/C unit without us being able to give it a look. Your air conditioner is blowing heat instead of cool air, you might just need a small repair.

Weak A/C Unit

Have you noticed that your AC unit is not running as strongly as it used to? Does it take a while for your AC to cool your home? There is a chance that your air conditioning unit could be low on refrigerant or has had a long service life and is becoming tired.

Extending The Life Of You’re A/C Compressor.

To keep your compressor running smoothly, it is important to do regular maintenance. This includes having you’re A/C unit serviced by a professional every two years. If you notice any problems with your compressor, like it not starting or making a strange noise, get it fixed ASAP. A malfunctioning compressor can damage other parts of your Car AC system, which can lead to expensive repairs.