The Heart of the A/C System

Anthony Fontanelle
October 10, 2007

With optimum passenger comfort in mind, carmakers have endeavored to develop nifty interior accessories and invaluable controlling devices. For instance, steering wheels now come equipped with audio controllers, putting volume control or MP3 track changes literally right at the fingertips of a busy driver. Innovative comfort, however, is deemed useless without one of the most basic interior system -- the A/C system. After all, who needs a steering wheel audio controller more than a reliable cooling system especially during summer? For this reason, carmakers, like Volkswagen, make sure that their vehicles’ A/C systems are up to the task.

For VW vehicle models, the Volkswagen A/C Compressor serves as an integral component of the A/C system responsible for pumping the needed fluid all throughout the system. Hence, the name “heart of the A/C system.” Just like the actual human heart, which pumps steady supply of human blood, the Volkswagen A/C compressor provides refrigerant for the entire A/C system to work. It is the distributed refrigerant that absorbs all the heat generated inside a Volkswagen's cabin. Since the compressor fulfills a very important task in the system, it requires utmost care and regular maintenance. Normally, a Volkswagen A/C compressor only needs to be replaced when broken off or damaged.

How does an A/C compressor work? An A/C compressor pumps the refrigerant through a generated power from a belt attached to the engine. Its strategic position in the center of the A/C system allows it to work with the high and low pressure sides of the system, which is very much needed in the compressor's operation. Coming from the low pressure side of the A/C system, the Volkswagen A/C compressor takes in the low pressure refrigerant gas distributed by either the evaporator or the accumulator. Refrigerant gas is then compressed, allowing both pressure and temperature to increase. After this process, the high pressure is dissipated to the A/C condenser, another important component of the A/C system that takes care of its high pressure side. Finally, the refrigerant is distributed to the other parts of the system, making it possible for car occupants to feel cool and comfortable inside their Volkswagen.

Source:  Amazines.com