The air conditioning system is equipped with a filter with a replaceable element for cleaning the air entering the cabin. To heat the passenger compartment, heated liquid from the engine cooling system is used.
Air conditioning system
The air conditioning system is designed to cool the air entering the vehicle's interior. It is an integral part of the air conditioning system.
Air conditioning system: 1 - expansion valve; 2 - evaporator; 3 - low pressure zone service valve; 4 — compressor; 5 — air conditioner radiator (condenser); 6—receiver-dryer; 7 — low/high pressure valve; 8 - high pressure zone service valve; A - low pressure zone; B - high pressure zone
The operating principle of the air conditioning system is based on the fact that when the refrigerant changes from a gaseous state to a liquid state, its temperature decreases significantly.
Compressor 4 is of the piston type. It is activated by means of an electromagnetic clutch located inside the drive pulley. The compressor pumps the gaseous refrigerant out of the low pressure zone and, compressing it, feeds it into the high pressure zone. At the same time, the refrigerant heats up. Then, passing through the air conditioner radiator 5 (condenser), the heated refrigerant cools and turns into a liquid state.
Climate control: 1,2,5 — air conditioning system pipelines; 3 — air conditioning compressor drive belt; 4.15 — engine cooling system hoses; 6 — engine; 7 — air conditioning filter; 8 — air conditioning electric fan; 9 - air conditioning system evaporator; 10 — air conditioning unit housing, 11 — heating system radiator; 12, 13 — heating system hoses; 14 — air conditioning compressor; 16 — electric fan of the cooling system; 17 — cooling system radiator; 18 — air conditioning system condenser
From the condenser, the refrigerant enters the receiver-dryer 6, and then through the insufficient/excessive pressure valve 7 into the expansion valve 1.
The low/high pressure valve is used to shut off the air conditioning compressor if insufficient pressure is formed in the high pressure zone (in case of refrigerant leakage) or excessive (in case of contamination of the condenser) pressure. The expansion valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant in the system, thereby cooling it significantly. The cooled refrigerant enters the evaporator, where, taking heat from the air pumped into the passenger compartment by the air conditioning system electric fan, it again turns into a gaseous state.
Warning. When the mixture of refrigerant and air interacts with an open flame, extremely toxic substances are formed! Therefore, when working with the air conditioner, it is strictly forbidden to smoke or light a fire! If the refrigerant leaks, ventilate the room immediately!
Service valves 8 high pressure zone and 3 low pressure zone are used to check the pressure in the system during vehicle maintenance, as well as to fill the air conditioning system or, conversely, remove the refrigerant from it before repairs.
The air conditioning system uses R134a refrigerant. To remove air conditioning system components (for example, to replace a condenser, it is necessary to first remove the refrigerant from the system). The system must be filled and the refrigerant must be removed from it using a special charging station with a pump to remove air and moisture from the system, so this should be entrusted to a specialized service.
Warning. The air conditioning system should be refilled with refrigerant at an automotive technical center. In organizations servicing domestic air conditioning systems and refrigeration units, refrigerants R12 or R22 are used. Mixing refrigerants of different types is not allowed!
As the vehicle is used, the efficiency of the air conditioning decreases. Due to the high penetrating ability of the refrigerant, its amount, even in a sealed system, can decrease by 15% per year. Therefore, the air conditioning system requires regular preventive maintenance.
Warning. Do not turn on the air conditioner if it has little refrigerant - this will cause the pump to fail!
For normal operation of the air conditioning system, it is recommended to periodically replace the air conditioning filter, clean the condenser from dirt, small debris and insects once a season, and also clean the air conditioning evaporator at least once a year.
Recommendations. To extend the life of your air conditioning system, periodically turn on the air conditioner for a few minutes, even in low temperatures. This procedure will help preserve the lubricant on the compressor parts and system seals, avoid damage to the hoses and refrigerant leaks.