The refrigerant circuit
The individual components
in the refrigerant circuit are connected with
one another by hoses forming a closed system.
The refrigerant circulates in the system driven
by the compressor. The circuit is divided up into
two sections: The section between the compressor
and expansion valve is called the high-pressure
side (yellow/red). Between the expansion valve
and compressor we speak of the low-pressure side
(blue).
In the compressor the gaseous refrigerant is compressed
and thereby heated highly. Under high pressure
it is pressed through the condenser. Here heat
is removed from the highly heated refrigerant
causing to condense and thereby changing its state
from gaseous to liquid.
The drier, the next station, separates impurities
and air inclusions from the now liquid refrigerant.
This ensures the effectivity of the system and
protects the components from damage resulting
from contamination. Then it passes from the drier
to the expansion valve. This valve is similar
to a dam. In front of the dam it maintains a uniform
pressure, and in back of the dam this pressure
is relieved due to the increase in volume. Since
the expansion valve is located directly in front
of the evaporator, the refrigerant expands into
the evaporator. During evaporation, a change in
the state from liquid to gaseous, heat is absorbed
from the surroundings.
The evaporator is a heat exchanger similar to the condenser. It has an enormously
large surface, over which it can absorb heat from the surroundings for
evaporation. This cold air is then blown into the vehicle passenger
compartment by the ventilation system where it ensures the comfort of the
passengers. On the low pressure side the refrigerant is again gaseous flows
to the compressor where the circuit starts over again.
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