How an A/C Compressor Works
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- čas přidán 31. 08. 2018
- 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
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%
Best ac compressor tutorial I’ve seen on CZcams. Good job
Thanks !
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
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.
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
👍🏼 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!
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.
🤣😂
🤣🤣💀
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 blown away by your technical knowledge, fluid vocabulary, and your straight-to-the-point presentation. You’re incredibly informative, and most importantly, concise! Subscribed!
Been a mechanic for over 25 years. I never knew exactly how the AC compressor work internally. Very interesting. Very good explanation. Thanks
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
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
Now there is a no-bullshit video. No music, no robot voice, no 5 minute introduction.
That's how all videos should be
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
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
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
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
Amazing, all these years and I've never seen inside one, just replace the whole thing. More to it than I would have thought!
Exceptionally well done! Super detailed explanation and no delays. Wish all videos were as well done as this one!
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'm a building hvac technician and had no idea how the automotive compressors are arranged. Very different and very interesting. Thank you.
You are by far one of the most articulate and concise video people I have seen here on CZcams 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
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😭
😂
Amazing! speedkar does it again!
Sure do thanks
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
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!
These people do youtubing with Love.
Thanks for the nice unforgettable compressor introduction
Glad you enjoyed it. I love what I do!
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
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 😏
I have been following your channel for quite a while and have to extend a hearty WELL DONE to you!
For 44 years I have been working on mechanical and electrical technology with a very good understanding of most systems and components.
However, I have never destructively inspected many components as I knew that the component or system failed or not without such deconstruction. I thoroughly enjoy your videos as they make concepts even clearer than they had been previously in my mind. Looks like a lot of fun too! The rack and pinion, electronic fuel injector and the A/C compressor tear down I enjoyed immensely. Keep up the great work and fun. You have inspired me to rip something apart...hmmm
Clear, humor and intuitive.
Hey, you explained technical AC compressor to the fullest. You are made for academics.
With a little practicality taking things apart too 😉
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.
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
Who knew. Really interesting video. Thanks man.
Very knowledgeable. GREAT VIDEO
Wow, I just learned more in 8 minutes about an ac compressor than I've known all my life. Excellent video.
Dude this was one of the most easy to understand semi-complex videos I’ve ever seen, thanks allot, keep them coming!
this guy should be a car designer!!!
Eh I'm not good at artsy
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.
this is the best tutorial channel in CZcams. 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?
Bro the way you just slid your brother's underwear in there all nonchalant killed me
Very good video no gibberish and fancy introductions ..cool
You are welcome! Glad you appreciate my work
Omll bro‼️‼️
It's very interesting and informative.... Waiting for your another video thanks
Thanks
I don't have much car parts left on this car though
That was an excellent video. No fluff, just details. Thanks.
Man you must be a genius, you make those complex stuff look simple and easy with your explanation. Thanks
great explanation!
That's a damn good video!
Thanks!
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 😏
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.
You have a pleasant speaking style
Thanks
I've been waiting for this so long :p
Yea it was almost a year ago I pulled this off the car
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.
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
Your condenser flow was explained backwards, nice video.
James Spader I was confused lol, like what
Thank you speed car 🎥keep em coming
Your welcome
Beautiful explanation of every piece and possible reasons for failure, while showing those points of failure. Very nice
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!
Now put it back together.
No thanks
Hello sir ..
Again i knew u from the bruch 😃
Mad props to engineers who come up with these complex machines
Props!
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
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.
Nice vid keep it up👌👍👍
Thanks Ziyad
Very good, the best I've seen, fast moving, to the point and informative. I can now see the compressor is far more complicated than I imagined, so paying a lot for a new one seems justified. Also seeing that oil, some A/C refillers threaten it needs new oil, my local A/C said that's BS and explained the refridgerant is a mixture of substances and does a number of other jobs other than cooling. I now see what they mean. So by taking the time to dismantle a compressor and expain it, thanks, I appreciate that. I'm not just saying that to be cool but because your info and presentation was really good.
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
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.
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.
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
Wow, I never knew what this looked like inside. Fascinating.
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 wonder how many brothers you have! That's too many under wares got ruin through out your channel :-)
2 brothers
Nicely done. Clear and concise. Possibly the best explanation I’ve seen, and I already know how they work.
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 ?
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
Looks like it might be what that "duke" engine was based on...
I honestly didn’t have high hopes for this video when I saw the dirty corroded compressor and the toothbrush. Man was I wrong. Great video. I also think it was good to tell people to test it in the winter. I’ve seen failures on the front seal from lack of lubrication from the system not being used. Anyways you gained another thumbs up and a new subscriber. Can’t wait to see more.
Came here from random reddit sub. I don't even have a car and completely not into all the car engineering stuff, but I really loved to watch this video! You have a very unique and inviting way of explaining things, good luck with your channel!
I'm glad you enjoyed and learned from my video. Good to know people are Sharing on Reddit too!
well thats similar to duke engine !!
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 :)
Quick, comprehensive and easy to understand. I was a mechanic mostly in overhaul engine, automatic transmission and also electrical troubleshooting. AC is never my thing. But quite easy to grasp the explanation video. Very well done. Like and Subscribed.
Dang, you break it down so perfectly that was super awesome.
Great. But why the pistons are in both sides? For double the compression??
Midhun #007 inlet and outlet. Hence high and low pressure lines
4:20
Double sided pistons have a smoother movement and therefore generate less vibrations than single sided ones. Also, it allows for a smaller compressor with the same displacement. Keep in mind that when a piston moves, one side of it is always compressing the fluid while the other one is always drawing it.
Thanks guys for the info! 😊
@@tripplefives1402 Curiously enough, i've never seen a fixed displacement swashplate AC pump with single sided pistons. Only ones with variable displacement like the one on my car. Single sided piston fixed displacement axial AC pumps are only available in the wobble plate design (i.e. the internals of a Sanden SD7H15 pump for example), where the angled plate actually carrying the pistons doesn't rotate (the wobbling motion of that plate is induced by a rotating backplate; in the swashplate design the plate actually rotates and the pistons ride it on shoes like in the video).
Brother underware, sisters toothbrush :D
You dude are better than a automotive instructor in a lot of cases
Thank you so much for your videos. I just subscribed to your channel and I am so looking forward to everything you’ve produced. I agree with the previous comment that you really do have a gift for presenting information in a very comprehensible way. I hope you do so well with your videos because you absolutely deserve it! Please keep them coming and I’ll keep watching.
S A N G W I C H
mmm sangwiches
Cuando mire los calzones immediata mente me bine a los comentarios 🤣😂
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! ~
The most cogent and clear explanation I've heard. Excellent job. Subscribing now.
Oh, cool, it is full of Merc V8 lifters.
Damn that underwear is gold
It sure is useful
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...
That swash plate action is incredibly intriguing. Awesome video, man.