A/C Moan - Its Diagnostics and Resolution

Document Number: 2009-01-2054

Date Published: May 2009

Author(s):
Prakash T. Thawani - A1 Noise and Vibration Control, LLC
Zhengyu Liu - Ford Motor Co

Abstract:
Air-conditioning (A/C)-induced moan is a very commonly observed phenomenon in automotive refrigerant systems. Since most of the automotive A/C systems cycle ON/OFF four to six times every minute, the A/C-induced moan is quite readily audible under engine idle and even while driving, especially under lower engine/vehicle speeds. It is not unusual for an A/C compressor to moan or not, on some vehicle/s under certain operating conditions. Most of the OEMs resolve or suppress the A/C moan potential to barely audible levels. However, under some unique and extreme operating conditions, A/C moan is quite readily induced and often results in customer complaints.

This paper discusses A/C-moan-related root-causes, sources and paths of propagation. A systematic diagnostic test-procedure is also described to diagnose and develop the needed most cost-effective design-fixes. Finally, based on this case-study - some objective targets are recommended to suppress the A/C moan to acceptable levels.

File Size: 650K
Product Status: In Stock

See other papers presented at SAE 2009 Noise and Vibration Conference and Exhibition, May 2009, St. Charles, IL, USA, Session: Components / Accessories (Part 2 of 2)

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