Power Saving with the Use of Variable Displacement Compressors

Due to a surge of public interest in environmental conservation in recent years, the automobile industry now faces technological innovations to provide environmentally friendly engines. Among these engines, direct injection engines have become the primary candidates for use in the near future due to their lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emission in comparison with conventional uniform charge combustion engines. Innovative technologies of these engines demand that the air conditioning system be of “a power saving design” and “compatible with the engine.” In these new requirements, the variable displacement compressor is more advantageous than other types, which will be shown in this paper. The paper will also explain the mechanism that can bring a larger fuel saving effect through “optimal control” of a variable displacement compressor by its external control.