AN INTRODUCTION TO

AUTOMOBILE AIRCONDITIONING

(PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION AND CONTROL SYSTEMS)

Team : Ride and handling

MAJOR FUNCTION OF
AUTOMOBILE AIR CONDITIONER

Human comfort:
Temperature 220C to 260C
Humidity 40 to 60 %

NOT
TEMPERATURE
ALONE.

HOW DOES HEAT GET INSIDE

VEHICLE ?

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

REFRIGERANT R-134A
R134a - Tetrafluroethane
R134a was selected as a replacement refrigerant for R12
(Dichlorodifluoromethane) because R12 containing chlorine
has a major effect to ozone layer depletion.

Before 1996:
R-12
CFC-12
After 1996:
R-134a
HFC-134a

COMPRESSOR

Clutch assembly

AC WIRING
Control Wiring Layout

COMPRESSOR CYCLING CONTROL & PROTECTION

DEVICES
Protection Devices
Clutch Diode

Refrigerant
Pressure Switches:
Low pressure
High pressure

Pressure cycling switch - Electrical

SENSORS
Sun load sensor

The sunload sensor is a photochemical diode

(PCD) located on top of the dashboard.
This sensor sends a signal to the electrical
climate control module (ECCM) indicating
the strength of the sunlight (sunload) which
influences the vehicle interior temperature.

Ambient temperature sensor

The ambient temperature sensor is a

negative coefficient resistor (NTC) with low
High sunload
voltage input.
High blower speed
The sensor alters resistance depending on
Maximum cooling
the ambient air temperature surrounding it.
The sensor is located in the ambient air
Low sunload
stream normally behind the bumper bar or
Low blower speed
front grille area.
Moderate cooling
This sensor is used to monitor the outside
temperature and is interconnected to a
visual display in the instrument panel.

OTHER COMPONENTS

Flow Control valve

Condenser

Fan

Evaporator
Hose

COMPRESSOR CYCLING CONTROL &

PROTECTION DEVICES
Engine Control Module (ECM)
Body Control Module (BCM)
Power Train Module (PCM)
These modules are used to engage and disengage the
compressor.
Deactivate the A/C compressor at high/low system
pressures;
Deactivate the A/C compressor at kickdown;
Active and deactivate the condenser fan;
Increase engine idle speed when A/C system is activated;
Deactivate the A/C compressor at high engine RPM;
Delay A/C compressor engagement at engine cranking;
Activate electrical engine fan at predetermined coolant
temperature;
Deactivate the A/C compressor when coolant temperature
excessive;
Deactivate the A/C compressor at wide open throttle
(WOT)

HVAC
HVAC is provided to heat or cool the environment in the vehicle and to ensure
a good through-flow of fresh, clean air for passenger comfort and driver
alertness

Air heating process

Air cooling process

ELECTRONIC TEMPERATURE
CONTROL

SENSOR LOCATIONS

SYSTEM OVER VIEW OF ELECTRONICALLY

CONTROLLED AIR CONDITIONER

SYSTEM OPERATING PRINCIPLE

LEAK DETECTION
Method of leak detection
1. Visual leak detection
2. Soap solution
3. Electronic leak detector
4. Ultraviolet fluorescent system

THANK YOU