Understanding Automotive A/C Compressor Pressure Pulsations Generation through Experimental and Analytical Methods

Automotive air conditioning compressors induce pressure pulsations into the refrigerant system during their operation. These pressure pulsations are transmitted through the refrigerant system on both discharge and suction sides of the compressor. As these pulsations travel through the evaporator in the vehicle air handling system, undesired compressor noise can be generated inside the vehicle. It is important to minimize these pulsations at the compressor source in order to improve vehicle refrigerant system sound quality and meet customer requirements.

This paper provides an analysis of measured NVH (pressure pulsation) data and a development of CAE models used to understand the characteristics of pressure pulsations generated by an automotive compressor. It explains factors which influence the magnitude and frequency of the pulsations in order to minimize their effects in the refrigerant system with regard to sound perceived in passenger compartment of the vehicle.