Search Results

Environment and A/C loop conditions strongly affect automotive evaporator performance. The aim of the activity is to identify the parameters it depends on and its functional dependence. Several evaporators, differing in size and technology, are tested on a bench, simulating a wide range of working conditions. The evaporator efficiency is introduced in order to correctly evaluate performances. The functional dependences from air velocity and humidity (key parameters) are shown, and a methodology to characterise automotive evaporators is proposed.

A stationary model of a car air conditioning system was developed to evaluate refrigerant, mechanical power and all the fluid properties along the circuit. The model requires only the characteristics of the constituents, which are normally available from suppliers. This approach enables estimation of system performance with satisfactory accuracy, already during the design approach, and allows to determine the most appropriate components in order to meet target requirements with a satisfactory balance of the refrigerant circuit.

The air conditioning system of a car uses the reverse Carnot thermodynamic cycle of a refrigerant gas. The fluids normally used have at least a direct impact on global warming, so their losses have to be avoided. A very simple method to detect refrigerant charge level was developed, using few standard sensors. Results show that it is possible to have an estimation of system charge level with satisfactory accuracy, and seems able to avoid complete loss of refrigerant.