IUH | TERM PAPER Introduction to the Major | Automobile Air Conditioning System

IUH | TERM PAPER Introduction to the Major | Automobile Air Conditioning System IUH | TERM PAPER Introduction to the Major | Automobile Air Conditioning System IUH | TERM PAPER Introduction to the Major | Automobile Air Conditioning System IUH | TERM PAPER Introduction to the Major | Automobile Air Conditioning System

Ministry of Industry and Trade Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City Faculty:Department of Mechanical Dynamics and Energy Systems

TERM PAPER COURSE: Introduction to the Major Topic: Automobile Air Conditioning System

PHUONG

Hồ Chí Minh, September 18,2025

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The automobile industry is rapidly developing and plays a vital role in modern society As an interdisciplinary field, automotive engineering requires both solid theoretical knowledge and practical application The course “Introduction to Automotive Engineering” provides students with a general understanding of the industry, vehicle systems, and current technological trends Within this framework, this essay focuses on the automotive air conditioning system, aiming to reinforce knowledge and highlight its importance in ensuring comfort and safety for drivers and passengers

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION 3

1 Introduction 5

2 Body 6

2.1 Basic components of the automotive A/C system The A/C system in cars is composed of several main components, each of which has a specific function: 6

2.2 Operating principle The operation of the automotive A/C system follows a continuous cycle: 11

2.3 Functions and importance of the automotive A/C system 12

• Passenger comfort: Ensures a pleasant cabin environment in all weather conditions 12

2.4 Common problems and troubleshooting Despite its importance, the A/C system may face some issues: 13

2.5 Maintenance of the A/C system To ensure efficient and long-lasting operation of the automotive A/C system, the following maintenance practices are recommended: 14

3 Conclusion The automotive air conditioning system is an indispensable part of modern vehicles 15

Reference: 16

Chat GPT 16

https://oto.edu.vn/he-thong-dieu-hoa-o-to/ 16

Question 17

The Air Conditioning System in Automobiles

1 Introduction With the rapid development of the automobile industry, modern vehicles are no longer just a means of transportation but also a space that ensures comfort, safety, and convenience for passengers Among the various systems integrated into cars, the air conditioning (A/C) system plays a particularly important role The automotive A/C system is designed not only to cool down the passenger cabin in hot weather and provide heat during cold conditions, but also to maintain clean air quality, remove excess humidity, and improve driving safety Therefore, understanding its structure, operating principles, and maintenance is essential both for automotive engineering students and car owners

2 Body

2.1 Basic components of the automotive A/C system The A/C system in cars is composed of several main components, each of which has a specific function:

 Fig.1: Air Conditioning System

• Compressor: Considered the “heart” of the system, the compressor pumps and compresses the

refrigerant, circulating it throughout the system It transforms low-pressure gas into high-pressure gas

 Fig.2: Compressor

• Condenser: Located at the front of the vehicle, usually near the radiator, the condenser dissipates

heat and converts the high-pressure refrigerant gas into a high-pressure liquid • Receiver/Drier (Filter): Removes moisture and contaminants from the refrigerant, preventing system blockage and corrosion

Fig.3: Condenser

• Expansion valve (or Orifice tube): Reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant before

it enters the evaporator, ensuring effective cooling • Evaporator: Located inside the cabin, it absorbs heat from the cabin air As the refrigerant evaporates inside the coil, cool air is produced and delivered

to the passengers

Fig.4: Expansion valve (or Orifice tube)

• Blower fan and air ducts: Responsible for distributing cooled or heated air evenly throughout

the vehicle cabin

Fig.4: Blower fan and air ducts

2.2 Operating principle The operation of the automotive A/C system follows a continuous cycle:

1 The compressor compresses the refrigerant gas into a high-pressure, high-temperature state

2 The refrigerant flows through the condenser, where heat is released to the outside air, and the refrigerant condenses into a liquid

3 The liquid refrigerant passes through the receiver/drier, where moisture and impurities are removed

4 It then goes through the expansion valve, where the pressure and temperature drop significantly 5 The low-pressure refrigerant enters the evaporator, absorbing heat from the cabin air The blower fan then circulates the cooled air into the passenger compartment

6 The refrigerant, now a low-pressure gas again, returns to the compressor, repeating the cycle In addition to cooling, modern systems also incorporate a heater core connected to the engine cooling system, which provides warm air in cold weather

2.3 Functions and importance of the automotive A/C system

• Passenger comfort: Ensures a pleasant cabin environment in all weather conditions

• Safety: Prevents windshield fogging by removing humidity, ensuring clear visibility

• Health benefits: Filters dust, pollen, and harmful particles from the air, creating a healthier atmosphere

• Market value: A modern, efficient A/C system enhances the competitiveness and overall value of a car

2.4 Common problems and troubleshooting Despite its importance, the A/C system may face some issues:

• Poor cooling: Often caused by low refrigerant levels, leakage, or dirty evaporator/condenser

• Unpleasant odors: Typically due to clogged cabin air filters or bacterial growth inside the evaporator

• Unusual noise: Can result from a worn compressor bearing or faulty blower motor To fix these problems, regular inspections, proper refrigerant recharging, cleaning the filters and coils, and timely replacement of damaged parts are necessary

2.5 Maintenance of the A/C system To ensure efficient and long-lasting operation of the automotive A/C system, the following maintenance practices are recommended:

• Replace the cabin air filter every 10,000–15,000 km

• Clean the evaporator and condenser regularly to improve heat exchange efficiency

• Check refrigerant levels and refill when necessary

• Operate the A/C periodically, even in winter, to prevent compressor lubrication issues

3 Conclusion The automotive air conditioning system is an indispensable part of modern vehicles.

It not only provides passenger comfort but also enhances safety and driving performance Understanding its structure and operation helps drivers and technicians maintain the system effectively, thereby prolonging its lifespan As technology advances, automotive A/C systems are being developed with a focus on energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, and smart control This trend will not only improve passenger comfort but also contribute to sustainable transportation in the future

Chat GPT

https://oto.edu.vn/he-thong-dieu-hoa-o-to/

Question 1 Which component compresses and circulates the refrigerant in the

automotive air conditioning system?

a Condenser

b Compressor

c Evaporator

d Expansion valve

Question 2 What is the main function of the condenser in the air conditioning system?

a Cool the air inside the cabin

b Condense the refrigerant from vapor to liquid

c Compress the refrigerant

d Control airflow

Question 3 The function of the expansion valve in the air conditioning system is:

a Compress the refrigerant

b Condense the refrigerant vapor

c Regulate and reduce refrigerant pressure before entering the evaporator

d Cool the lubricating oil

Question 4 Where is the evaporator usually located in a car?

a In front of the engine radiator

b Inside the passenger compartment, behind the dashboard

c Next to the compressor

d Near the exhaust pipe

Question 5 If the air conditioning is on but the airflow is weak, the possible cause is:

a Faulty compressor

b Weak blower fan or clogged cabin air filter

c Leaking condenser

d Stuck expansion valve

Question 6 Which component removes moisture and filters impurities from the refrigerant?

a Condenser

b Evaporator

c Receiver-drier (filter/drier)

d Blower motor

Question 7 When the evaporator freezes up with ice, the possible cause is:

a Compressor not working

b Expansion valve stuck open or dirty cabin filter

c Condenser overheating

d Low refrigerant charge

Question 8 What is the function of the high-pressure switch in the A/C system?

a Shut off the compressor when refrigerant pressure is too high to protect the system

b Adjust blower speed

c Adjust cabin temperature

d Switch between fresh air and recirculation mode

Question 9 Which symptom indicates that the A/C system is low on refrigerant?

a Air is very cold but has a bad odor

b Airflow is weak but very cold

c Airflow is weak, not cold, and compressor makes noise

d Strong airflow but whistling sound