Recent Developments in Automotive Condensers and Receiver-Dryer Technology

Due to competition within the OEMs, the implied cost and space constraints on auto part manufacturers have led to innovative designs of components and process technology. The concept of an integral receiver-dryer condenser (IRDC) is a recent development that reduces the packaging space, and facilitates an increase in the A/C system performance compared to the conventional system with those two components separate. In this paper, we provide an overview of recent developments in condensers with an integral receiver-dryer used in auto air-conditioning systems. The focused areas considered for the new developments are space constraints in the engine compartment and lightweight parts for performance enhancement and/or cost reduction. Development of lightweight high-performance condensers has also reduced the power consumption of the automotive A/C system thereby reducing vehicle emissions and slightly increasing the fuel economy. Integral receiver-dryer condenser developments are summarized in the paper based on patent literature. It is hoped that this in-depth review will generate new ideas for further improvements in the IRDC design.