The paper addresses compressor body temperature (crankcase)
importance to the vehicle AC system long-term durability. Majority
of OEM vehicle test evaluation is to see if AC system can pass
compressor discharge temperature and discharge pressure targets.
Most OEMs adopt 130°C max compressor discharge temperature and 2350
kpag head pressure as the target. From the field, although some of
the compressor failure results from a high compression ratio, and
compressor discharge temperature that are caused by the poor front
end airflow, etc., high percentage compressor failed systems
exhibit not too high compression ratio and compressor discharge
temperature, but having the trace of high temperature in the shaft
area, gasket area, etc. With introducing more and more variable
swash plate compressor applications, OEMs start to see more and
more compressor failures that are not related to a high compressor
discharge temperature but the trace of high compressor body
temperature. Higher compressor body temperature than a compressor
discharge temperature exists in the normal vehicle operation in
addition to traditional compressor VDA (Verband der
Automobilindustrie) test (high compressor ambient temperature
conditions).
The compressor healthy lubrication concept is proposed to
evaluate the compressor long-term sustainability in the paper.