One of the most essential components of automotive HVAC system is compressor. In a vehicle it is directly mounted on the engine. It derives power from the engine feed system to keep refrigerant moving in the HVAC system of the vehicle. It is also essential to complete the vapor compression cycle. During the operation, it causes considerable load on the engine and thus results in lower fuel efficiency and higher pollution.
There are several types of compressors available globally. According to construction it can be classified as reciprocating piston type, scroll type and rotary vane type. The reciprocating piston types of compressors are further classified as fixed displacement and variable displacement. Normally the fixed displacement compressors have good idling cooling performance, but it increases the load on the engine. To reduce the load on the engine and to have good idling cooling performance, generally a variable displacement compressor is used. The use of variable compressors has become impractical most of the time due to complex technology and high cost.
A simple AC compressor mechanism is developed to counter all the issues with improvement in idling performance and reduced load on the engine. The mechanism can be integrated with any construction type of compressor. A special shape belt is also designed for this mechanism which can be easily implemented. Improvement of up to 3°C is observed in cabin temperature during idling and at low speed conditions.
The model is verified using commercially available 1D software and prototype part is under development.