1.

0 INTRODUCTION

Compared with other air conditioning (A/C) systems, automotive A/C systems have
some significant characteristics. Automotive A/C systems present challenges not normally
encountered in stationary A/C systems, such as those used in building A/C systems. For
example, the A/C panel outlet airflow direction, volume, velocity and temperature must be
adjustable over a wide range of climatic and driving conditions. The rotating speed of the
compressor is usually directly related to the vehicle speed, which changes dramatically. The
sun load through the windshield and side windows is much greater than that through buildings.
The A/C system must be capable of cooling down a hot vehicle quickly and it must be
reasonably quiet. All these aspects make the analysis of automotive A/C system more
complicated than that of a stationary A/C system

The A/C compressor is the central element of a vehicle air conditioning system and is
driven by the engine. It compresses the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit of the air
conditioner. The compressor draws in the refrigerant gas from the evaporator. This in turn leads
to a drop in pressure in the evaporator. The resultant lower pressure makes the refrigerant
evaporate at low temperatures. The cold vapour is then compressed by the A/C compressor.
The refrigerant gas warmed in the course of compression is conveyed via pipes to the
condenser, where it liquefies again, giving off heat in the process. It is then routed to the area
to be cooled. Here, the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the air flowing into the passenger
compartment and turns back into gas at the evaporator. It is then drawn in again by the
compressor, where it is compressed.

The compressor is attached to the engine block and is driven by a pulley and a V-belt.
When the air conditioning system is switched on, the belt drive is set in motion by a magnetic
clutch. The compressors used in modern vehicle air conditioning systems are of compact,
lightweight design. This was a prerequisite for the series installation of air conditioners in
compact class cars.
2.0 THEORY

One of the critical parameters in compressor design and selection is the compression
ratio, often denoted as r, required for each stage of compression. The compression ratio is
simply the ratio of the absolute stage discharge pressure to the absolute stage suction pressure.
Because most gases increase in temperature when they are compressed, the final compressor
outlet temperature is always a concern. A high discharge temperature can lead to the failure of
internal components due to material degradation or excessive thermal expansion. Compression
ratio is also important in the determination of the required horsepower, i.e. the higher the ratio
the greater the required horsepower for that stage.

𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒

𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 (𝐶𝑅) =
𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒

Compression ratio is used to compare pumping conditions for the compressor. When
compression ratio became too high above approximately 12:1 for a hermetic reciprocating
compressor the refrigerant gas temperature leaving the compressor rises to the point that oil for
lubrication may become overheated. Overheated oil may turn to carbon and create acid in the
system. Compression ratio can be reduced by Keeping set temperatures at or above design
temperatures for the equipment. Don’t be tempted to set that -10°F freezer to -20°F or use that
cooler as a freezer, keep condenser coils clean and unrestricted, maintain proper evaporator
airflow and install condenser in shaded and well-ventilated area.
3.0 DATA

No. Measurement Points 5 Min 10 Min 15 Min Units

1. Suction 2.0 2.1 2.0 Bar
Pressure/PG1
2. Discharge 13.1 12.4 13.5 Bar
Pressure/PG2
3. Suction 11.8 12.3 12.5 °C
Temperature/T1
4. Discharge 87.7 87.7 90.2 °C
Temperature/T2

Fan Speed = Medium

Min Temperature = 18°C

Ambient temperature = 31.2°C

4.0 OBSERVATION

The experiment conducted gives out a significant result. The suction pressure of the
compressor during the first five minutes was 2.0 bar and increase just a bit to 2.1 bar during
the next 10 minutes and turns back to 2.0 bar after 15 minutes of time. It can be observe that
the suction pressure of the compressor, PG1 can be considered constant during the experiment.
On the other hand, the discharge pressure of the compressor,PG2 gives out reading in the first
5 minutes at 13.5 bar and decrease to 12.4 bar during the 10 minutes. However the PG2 increase
back the pressure at 13.5 bar at 15 minutes of time.

The suction temperature of the compressor or T1 have a reading of 11.8°C, 12.3°C and
12.5°C respectively in 5, 10 and 15 minutes of experiment running. It can be clearly seen that
the temperature rise slightly during the time. The discharge temperature, T2 also faced the same
rise in temperature as the suction temperature. During the first 5 minutes, the reading was
shown at 87.7°C and remain constant at the next 10 minutes. However the temperature increase
during the 15 minutes if experiment to 90.2°C. It was also noted that during the experiment,
the fan speed was set at medium and the temperature was set at its lowest (18°C) while the
ambient temperature was 31.2°C.

5.0 DISCUSSION

1. What is the function of compressor?

The compressor is the heart of the cooling cycle. The cycle begins when the compressor
draws in cool, low-pressure refrigerant gas from the indoors. The motor-driven
compressor’s sole function is to "squeeze" the refrigerant, raising its temperature and
pressure so that it exits the compressor as a hot, high-pressure gas.

2. Why the discharge temperature is higher than suction temperature?

It is because high condensing temperature. When the condensing temperature is high,
the compressor must compress the refrigerant from the low-side (evaporating) pressure
to an elevated high-side (condensing) pressure. This added work done by the
compressor would raise the heat of compression. Thus, the compressor's discharge
temperature will be higher.

3. By concerning to its construction, the compressor is open type

4. Compression ratio calculation :
𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒
𝑐𝑟 =
𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒
 5 min
13.1
𝑐𝑟 =
2.0
= 6.55
 10 min
12.4
𝑐𝑟 =
2.1
= 5.90
  15 min
13.5
𝑐𝑟 =
2.0
= 6.75
5. Does the running time of the system influence the compression ratio
Yes

6.0 CONCLUSION

The experiment concluded that the air conditioning compressor is driven by the vehicle
engine via a ribbed or V-ribbed belt. It compresses and transports the refrigerant in the system.
There are different types of compressor design. The refrigerant is sucked in as a gas at low
pressure and low temperature from the evaporator; it is then compressed and sent to the
condenser as a gas at high temperature and high pressure.

The result from the experiment showing that the discharge pressure and temperature
will be higher than suction pressure and temperature. There are many causes that the discharge
pressure and temperature higher such as high condensing temperature, low evaporator pressure,
high compression ratio and high volumetric efficiency.

7.0 REFERENCE
1. www.achrnews.com, What Causes High Discharge Temperature, John Tomczyk,
02/06/2006
2. Kirchhoff, Herb. "What Are the Functions of Compressors on Air Conditioners?"
Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/functions-compressors-air-
conditioners-85051.html. Accessed 22 October 2018.