How an A/C Compressor Works
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 พ.ย. 2024
- Here's what's inside of an automotive air condition compressor and how it works to cool the interior of your car.
The A/C compressor is powered by the crank pulley on a car's engine. The A/C compressor is responsible for compressing gaseous refrigerant that exists the evaporator.
The compressed refrigerant stays in a gaseous state since liquids cannot be compressed. The refrigerant moves through the condenser where its turned into a liquid, run through a drier and then back to the evaporator core. The compressor is the heart of the system that keeps the refrigerant changing its state by adding energy to the system. This energy is then used to cool the cabin.
For more background on a car's HVAC system, see my HVAC system teardown video here:
• How a Car's HVAC Syste...
The inside of an A/C compressor consists of 10 chambers that house 5 pistons (each are horizontally opposed). The pistons move back and forth by means of a slanted plate (called a swash plate) that moves eccentric to the axis of the A/C compressor. The movement of the pistons are what compress the refrigerant and keep the flow moving through the system.
The flow is controlled by reed valves, which are gasket like materials with valves on them that move when pressure is applied. This regulates flow and direction of gaseous refrigerant.
An A/C compressor can use a lot of the engine's energy, hence it does not always activate while the engine is running. To disconnect the A/C, an electromagnetic clutch is used to pull the clutch pulley inward, toward the idler pull that the vehicle's accessory belt has wound around. The free spinning idler now latches onto the armature, which turns the internals inside the A/C compressor.
Typical failure points on an A/C compressor include a worn clutch, too large of an air gap between the friction material on the clutch and idler, a worn idler pulley, leaking gaskets and O-rings, a defective electromagnet or relay, or a seized clutch.
Learn how to recharge your vehicle's A/C system here:
• How to Recharge an A/C...
The A/C Recharge kit is available from Amazon here:
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You sir have a remarkable gift of speech. Few people can speak at that pace and do it flawlessly. Very impressive, and an excellent presentation as well.
Thanks for your kind feedback
9.9.18. It’s quite apparent that you know your subject matter well! ......... Do you have any formal training in The automotive sector❓ if you don’t you sure can’t tell it, a superb tutorial.
Sangwich
Indeed!
I agree. This man is truly gifted
Best ac compressor tutorial I’ve seen on TH-cam. Good job
Thanks !
Most underrated automotive youtuber
Very thorough and indepth.
Thanks very much, please share among your own circles
Underwear
Old underwear 😂 made me crack up!
+Matt 007 - 100%
I've seen so many "professional" videos with animations and graphics that have explained things so much worse. This is probably one of the best A/C Compressor videos I've ever seen, really awesome! Subscribed!
true, i second that...and he only used a toothbrush to explain it!
what he said.
Yup
AGREED
speedkar99 you are one of very few people who understands that "what it does" and "how it works" are two different questions.
That's why it's important to understand for yourself first so you can explain to others
Thanks
good job, I expected a "how to rip this shit apart" style video but damn you left me shook when you actually explained and knew what it all was.
One of the most efficient breakdown videos I’ve seen. No BS filler. Well done! Subscribed.
Thats my style
Already subbed b/c of this video and months later watched again and finally found the answer for my truck this time. Damn stator or coil.
So impressive how complex the engineering in just a everyday thing like a ac compressor can be. Human ingenuity is amazing.
How does this guy only have 83k subscribers? I can't get enough of these videos! Short, concise, no rambling, no useless footage, highly educational. Exemplary!
I know right...I wish I had more followers
Thank you for what you do. Please keep making videos! If you make it, they will come... haha!
yep
👍🏼 I like that. 7:39 video with 7:29 minutes of useful information. No 40 second intro with Hammerhead music and ridiculous graphics. No long winded speaches. No inconsequential blabbering. Subject matter is straight to the point, clear and concise.
Thanks for the compliment. So where's the 10 seconds that wasn't useful information?
@@speedkar99
The 10 seconds you didn't say what make and model the compressor was. Beautifully engineered 😅
@@Iconoclasher Denso 10PA15C 447200-2141
It's always great to see the actual inside of the components to understand the operational process. Thank you for the effort!
The ring on the Pistons trap the lubricating oil forming a "seal". It's not perfect as oil and gas can still leak past the piston but it does the job. Nice video though, definitely one of the best explanations I've seen.
That's what I was wondering too
Works the same as a axeual piston hydraulic pump or motor
I think if it had piston rings, it would build up too much pressure and blow a hose or o-ring. Probably it's a way to self regulate internal pressure.
+Special Ed This is a fixed displacement compressor. It can't "self regulate internal pressure" in any way except the clutch being turned off by the low pressure switch when the suction pressure goes down too much and by the high pressure switch when the discharge pressure goes up way too much. The one of this compressor is a tried and tested design, also employed for some huge compressors meant to cool city buses down, so the piston rings surely won't do any harm at all. In fact the Ford FS10 has piston rings. However piston rings aren't strictly necessary as a seal; the piston itself can be covered in Teflon for example.
Known as a Labyrinth seal.
Been a mechanic for over 25 years. I never knew exactly how the AC compressor work internally. Very interesting. Very good explanation. Thanks
I am a mechanic and I think your videos are very informative.
I'm glad you appreciate them. This is a bit more than a typical remove and replace that most mechanics see everyday so it's interesting
that shit is complex
Ingenious design. I would have never thought that's what it looks like inside.
And that's only one example of how they look inside. Others can have a rotating lobe equipped with a set of spring loaded vanes, two spirals rotating inside each other, single sided pistons riding on the edge of a gimballed plate and so on
you're one of the 5 top car content creators on youtube and I seriously mean it because I spend 4hrs per day on youtube watching informative and educational stuff, since I haven't watched TV since 2009(besides sports). keep it up
Thanks for your feedback
Spent my whole life (20) without watching TV
Watching informative videos in place of TV shows adds up and u learn a lot. U can get really educated that way and know about a lot
I'm a building hvac technician and had no idea how the automotive compressors are arranged. Very different and very interesting. Thank you.
I subscribed to your channel a while ago because of the toothbrush and your brothers clothes. Too funny
Thanks I'm glad you enjoyed it
@@speedkar99 give 200% bro u r damn good
Best time to work on Cars waking up with a Tooth Brush and an Underwear ! 😳😳😳😳😳
Not just a toothbrush.... but his brothers toothbrush too lol.
Brother's old underwear works as a good towel
this is the best tutorial channel in TH-cam. Everything is shown and explained so clearly, it's unbelievable. I just wish that there would be IT channel that teaches at least half the quaity.
Thanks
I'm glad you appreciate my work
Any other videos you'd like to see?
Maybe clutch+flywheel?
Amazing, all these years and I've never seen inside one, just replace the whole thing. More to it than I would have thought!
Man I thought I was hot stuff when it come to speaking about automotive operations, but this man will school me any day.. i learned something today
I'm glad you learned something and can share it
Amazing! speedkar does it again!
Sure do thanks
Great breakdown of the AC compressor and its components. In roughly 7 minutes this video saved me from spending the potential hours and creating yet another mess in my garage. Now I have some of the answers I wanted. So thanks.
You are welcome.
Now you try taking yours apart 😏
Nope. Never cared how that part worked. This was amazing. I'm riveted. So informative. The pattern on your brother's toothbrush really helped highlight what you were referring to.
Glad you learned something
Sounds like a true engineer!
I am an engineer
@@speedkar99 you are very well-spoken!
It's great to listen to you ... positive, confident, inspirational, knowledgeable ... all of that stuff!!
Thanks. Im Far from knowledgeable, but I appreciate your kind comments and glad it could inspire you
I love how you get dirty and teardown a compressor to show the process. So many "engineering explained" channels are just a guy sitting in front of a white board drawing shit out, but it really helps visually to be able to explain how it works in the real world. Great job man
here for the underwear jokes!
Best time to work on Cars waking up with a Tooth Brush and an Underwear ! 😳😳😳😳😳
zacharyparis...
smooth wit..
43mackmobile sound advice.
🤣😂
🤣🤣💀
This may have been covered before, but here goes. You mentioned the lack of piston rings, and that is a good observation. In variable displacement hydraulic pumps of a similar but slightly different design, the leakage past the pistons is engineered to provide lubrication and cooling to the internal mechanism. In this case, I could be completely off base, but it seems that in a fixed positive displacement multiple piston pump, this may also be the case. The leakage and subsequent lubrication would likely be balanced with the required output pressure to reach the rated output while still protecting the internal mechanism. Interesting presentation! I didn't realize that there was a fwd and aft bank of pistons in an automotive A/C compressor. 👍
If you look carefully you'll notice the piston has a thin sleeve of something (maybe a polymer) around. This might be the actual seal. The old Delphi CVC (seemingly a Calsonic Kansei design by the way) on my Vauxhall has piston rings and it's a variable displacement compressor (pressure in the crankcase, controlled by a control valve, and in front of the piston is what controls the swash plate angle). However the pistons are only single-acting.
Thanks for your feedback
Exceptionally well done! Super detailed explanation and no delays. Wish all videos were as well done as this one!
I’ve been designing AC compressors for over 45 years. You do a great job pal explaining the basic information.
Thanks for your kind feedback, I appreciate it
Thumbs up in praise of the toothbrush of wisdom.
Ultimate teacher
Dont forget his brothers panties
@@speedkar99 you should rename your channel to toothbrush of wisdom
You are by far one of the most articulate and concise video people I have seen here on TH-cam when it comes to breaking down topics to a level that allows them to be understood by anyone and novice technicians. Consider me Subbed. Seriously, Well done.
Thanks I'm glad you appreciate my teardowns. Thanks for subscribing
These people do youtubing with Love.
Thanks for the nice unforgettable compressor introduction
Glad you enjoyed it. I love what I do!
You are very efficient with words. Just the necessary information in perfect sequential order. Very lean and easy to digest. Thank you sir.
Thanks. Short and sweet is how it's gotta be!
Clear, humor and intuitive.
With rudimentary tool's and even with out a garage facility. This level of achievement rare on today's market. Congratulations.
Thanks for the compliment 😏
You should have your own mechanic school, your are great at explaining
I should be a teacher
But teachers are everything but real teachers these days ... qualified to do nothing
I actually have an uncle who came up with this design in the teens or 20s for an aircraft engine. He sold the patent and now these compressors use this design. Pretty cool.
Awesome! I think you messaged or posted about this before somewhere?
speedkar99 yeah I just saw that and deleted the old post.
Ohh, that's how the AC Compressor operates... Thank you for another educational video ! And.... LOL, sacrificed another of you brother's underwear and toothbrush.
Well too bad !
Omll 🗣🗣 but lol😭
😂
Who the fuck would give this a thumbs down?
This guy knows exactly how to speak quickly and clearly and address every thing that you wonder all along the way! Awesome video!
Thanks! Glad you appreciate my video style
Wow, didn't realize AC was such a good example of engineering.
that old compressor teardown looked like it was part of a UFO spaceship propulsion system!
Go without it in ur home or office and you can appreciate it even more wen it get repaired or vehicle
this is the best video about ac compressor. simple clear and with a bit of humor.
Thanks. How many other activities compressor videos are there out there ?
Hey, you explained technical AC compressor to the fullest. You are made for academics.
With a little practicality taking things apart too 😉
Man you must be a genius, you make those complex stuff look simple and easy with your explanation. Thanks
Who knew. Really interesting video. Thanks man.
And that's how you make a good, to the point, video. Well done.
Thanks for your kind feedback
Very knowledgeable. GREAT VIDEO
EXCELLENT video man. All these years I've known the detailed workings of almost every component of an engine and automobile but had no idea about the inards of a ac pump or how the electromagnet worked. Thank You!
Very good video no gibberish and fancy introductions ..cool
You are welcome! Glad you appreciate my work
Omll bro‼️‼️
Shows everything, talks without stuttering, no f...in mechanical robo voice and knows what he is talking about...best on youtube.
Thanks for the compliment
this guy should be a car designer!!!
Eh I'm not good at artsy
That was an excellent video. No fluff, just details. Thanks.
You have a pleasant speaking style
Thanks
Mad props to engineers who come up with these complex machines
Props!
great explanation!
My respect and admiration for whoever designed the AC compressor.
There was quite some thought
That's a damn good video!
Thanks!
I cant believe it has taken 50+ years of adult life to discover that amazingly clever design inside an AC compressor, thanks so much, amazing presentation. Who designed it anyway?
You are welcome! It amazed me too
Aircraft hydraulic pumps work the same way, but the swash plate angle can vary from flat (no pumping) to a max angle for full flow as needed.
Good call, thanks
Back in the 1990;s I worked in an A/C shop...some of the higher end cars had a more complicated Compressor with a constant running pump, but variable swash plate...
The Delphi CVC compressor on my car does exactly the same thing. A valve senses the suction pressure and sets the plate angle to nearly flat when it reaches a control value (nearly flat angle is set by routing the crankcase pressure to the suction so that the pistons are pushed forwards and the plate angle increases, depressed angle is instead set by routing some of the discharge pressure into the crankcase so that the discharge pressure pushes the pistons backwards). The suction pressure control value is also influenced by discharge pressure, i.e. you get ice cold air in the summer when discharge pressures are high because it takes a low suction pressure for the compressor to destroke, and fresh dry air in the winter when the discharge pressures are low because the required suction pressure value increases. Very efficient. It makes different noises whether it's in maximum stroke or minimum stroke and it tends to be much quieter in the former case, and i can tell if a regas is needed by listening to the noise the compressor alone makes. Also the plate always starts rotating at nearly flat angle so that you never get the "bang" noise of liquid slugs. However the pistons aren't double acting.
Beautiful explanation of every piece and possible reasons for failure, while showing those points of failure. Very nice
Thank you speed car 🎥keep em coming
Your welcome
Now there is a no-bullshit video. No music, no robot voice, no 5 minute introduction.
That's how all videos should be
Your condenser flow was explained backwards, nice video.
James Spader I was confused lol, like what
Awesome video. I am here cause my BMW ran into some strange noises when the AC clutch engaged. I had no idea what a AC clutch is. You sir have an excellent way of explaining things.
Now put it back together.
No thanks
Blimey this is the best automotive explanation I've ever watched. It's like you rehearsed it a 1000 times before you made the video. I'm impressed and simply educated! Subscribed and looking for more!!
Thanks for the kind compliments! I got alot more to come!
@@speedkar99 that's awesome! Keep I'm binge your old videos now! I consider myself a gear head and there's so many things I had no idea about! Thanks a lot for your videos! And the running jokes are the just the cherry on top!
Could you try and do a video on a manual transmission or a transfer case? Especially the vacuum operated ones like on a Cherokee XJ.
Also, what's your background? Are you an automotive engineer?? It's amazing how much you know on every component or system!
Thanks for responding! :-)
@@speedkar99 Waiting to see that variable stroke compressor, really curious about it.
I'd love to get my hands on a manual transmission or CVT one day!
I am a mechanical engineer.
I do most of my learning by opening things up and seeing how they work, and reading up online. Repair manuals are an awesome resource.
Im very curious to see myself too! I've read the principle in the repair manual and it looks exciting...
I've been waiting for this so long :p
Yea it was almost a year ago I pulled this off the car
Wow, that was a very simple and informative way to explain it.
Even the non mechanically inclined could probably understand this.
You should rename it "How an a/c compressor works for dummies".
Nice thanks
And now who's gonna put it back together, and what's the secret behind the toothbrush ??
Who needs to put together? This will be a wall ornament
@@speedkar99 Meanwhile, your brother is wondering where his toothbrush and underwear went and why his a.c. is no longer working.
Excellent explanation! The pacing was perfect, skipping all the stuff I didn't need to see (like removing bolts), and focusing on the fundamentals of operation of the pump. Subscribed.
Hello sir ..
Again i knew u from the bruch 😃
Nice explanation
You r really a teacher
Should I open a school? Or run for president 🤓
151 dislikes from people that have no AC in their car
Or don't have brothers to take undergarments from
...you sure it was your brother's? C'mon now.
I suppose that was his toothbrush also.
@@danstrayer111 - If they are indeed his brother's, I'm sure he's thoughtful enough to return them when he's done with them.
Very efficient design, kudos to the engineers who designed this
I've heard you have to turn on the Ac every month for 5 minutes to lubricated it.
Yep that helps to keep things spinning and from seizing up
Even more than 5 minutes. 15 minutes a month is the best. Ensure the compressor clutch hub is spinning. In the coldest months, just turn defrost on from time to time, even if you don't really need it. If you live in countries with very cold winter climate, such as Canada or Russia for example, try doing this during every warm spell.
Whenever defrost is used, the ac compressor is engaged also. So you are essentially using the ac all year round :)
This is the best automotive breakdown channel in the world.
Thanks. I got a new compressor video coming out soon: the Prius Hybrid.
Nice vid keep it up👌👍👍
Thanks Ziyad
Dude this was one of the most easy to understand semi-complex videos I’ve ever seen, thanks allot, keep them coming!
He definitely went the opposite way when describing the flow of refrigerant through the system. Evaporator is the first stage after expansion valve.
Yes and it is a low pressure gas at that point.
I really enjoyed the video.
I'm amazed that rusty compressor came apart so easily.
Also, that sensor is to detect if the compressor is turning. The pressure sensor is on the high side, normally after the condenser.
Thanks
The sensor could also be a thermal switch that opens as soon as the compressor gets too hot (for example: low lubricant return, very high head pressure, low refrigerant).
Not on that car.
The thermal switches you're talking about are normally external.
I see them on all the Hondas I work on.
The reasonI know that speed sensor is i worked for a Toyota dealership and did the training on them.
@@robertrocheville7769 Well, thanks for clarifying. I know that a lot of scroll and vane compressors usually employed on Japanese cars have a thermal switch placed in series with the clutch coil, and this switch is located opposite to the clutch assembly (looks a lot like the solenoid valve of a clutchless swashplate compressor). Supposed to keep the compressor from overheating due to a low refrigerant charge, because there usually isn't a pressure switch on the low side (there's only a binary/trinary switch or a pressure transducer located on the high side; cycling is via an evaporator temperature sensor)
Isnt there an internal combustion engine that uses a set up similar to how this ac compressor works?
Are you thinking of the radial engine?
speedkar99 No, its an internal combustion engine with this same exact configuration.
Just looked it up, Its call the Duke Axial engine.
J G Well apparently it does work, its call the Duke axial engine.
You are like a Gatling gun of clear and concise information. Good stuff, I’m subscribing.
You are welcome!
3:26
Your brother is gonna be very offended if he sees that oily undrwear again
Edit# love your vids btw
@speedkar99's brother
Lol
You're not really speedkar 's bro right...........?
He doesn't know don't worry
Wow, I just learned more in 8 minutes about an ac compressor than I've known all my life. Excellent video.
well thats similar to duke engine !!
Great presentation! The timing and progression through the components was engaging rather than tedious. All the time spent in the video was value add.
Glad you enjoyed my video format and content
S A N G W I C H
mmm sangwiches
The engineering is so clever on these compressors, love it.
Agreed. I can't wait to see inside a variable compressor.
Brother underware, sisters toothbrush :D
Perfect Speaking Speed, Contents in Orders Loud & Clear!~
You should be the "STANDARD" for all TUTORIALS. OMG~!!! You are talented~!
I didn't realize until I started feeling satisifed about how your words started to
flow in to my brain like stacking up like Solid Bricks. Thank you so much! ~
Why the vapours must pass through the compressor, why not directly from the evaporator to condenser? Is it for efficiency or something
The refridgerant evaporates at low temp and condenses at a higher temp. The compressor raises the pressure of the refrigerant vapour such that it will cool and condense back to liquid at the abient temperatures the condenser is exposed to.
hmm. thanks buddy
I thought the refrigerant evaporates at low pressure, not low temp.
They are both low. It drops in pressure, and therefore temperature due to expansion at the expansion valve and is in a saturated state. The remaining liquid refrigerant evaporates at that low temp. Check a saturation chart - I think it is typically down around -10 C (30 psi, 200 kpa) for R134a at the low side pressure in a car AC system. It emerges from the evaporator as a super heated gas at the same low pressure. Then the compressor boosts the pressure, it goes to the condenser, releases the heat, turns back to liquid. And the process repeats.
Check out my video on how HVAC systems work
I have never taken one apart and it is very amazing. One note. Make sure you do not say that is cools the air. A/C systems move heat and do not move cold air. It removes heat from the cabin and moves it outside. We just perceive this as cold air.
Yes that's the correct thermodynamic term....hear movement not cold air movement
Looks like it might be what that "duke" engine was based on...
Best ac compressor tutorial: helped me to understand the function of ac an compressor.
Cuando mire los calzones immediata mente me bine a los comentarios 🤣😂
You know what was cool was that old toothbrush in his hands and that worn out underwear that he used to wipe his hands. Huge respect for this guy this is how they work in developing countries. They are very hard working people God bless him.
My bothers underwear???
WHAT!?
YES!! if your mechanic doesn't use one maybe he is not real.. :D
That swash plate action is incredibly intriguing. Awesome video, man.
Oh, cool, it is full of Merc V8 lifters.
So much information in so short a video. Brilliant editor.
Thanks
It takes some time to edit and thought when shooting but Ill get there