Air Conditioning Fundamentals
TC070-05-01S
5 – AIR CONDITIONING
COMPONENTS
26
COMPRESSOR
The compressor (Figure 10) is the refrigerant pump for the A/C system.
A drive belt and pulley connect the compressor to the engine
crankshaft, which provides the power to operate the compressor. It
draws in warm, low-pressure vapor from the evaporator, drastically
raises the pressure (and temperature) of the vapor, and then passes it
on to the condenser.
The compressor operates only with refrigerant in its gaseous state.
Liquid refrigerant in the compressor will lock it up, damaging the
compressor and other A/C components.
There are two types of compressors commonly used today.
1. Axial (Piston-Type)
2. Vane (Non-piston-Type)
FIGURE 10. The
compressor draws in
warm, low-pressure
vapor from the
evaporator and
compresses it into a
hot, high- pressure
vapor, which moves
on to the condenser.