The automobile condenser is one of the key components in the automobile air conditioning system, which is responsible for condensing the high temperature and high pressure refrigerant steam discharged from the compressor into a liquid, so as to achieve the refrigeration cycle. This paper will introduce the working principle, structure type, common faults and maintenance methods of automotive condenser in detail.

The working principle of automobile condenser

When the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant steam enters the condenser, the temperature of the refrigerant steam gradually decreases through heat exchange with the outside air, and finally condenses into a liquid. In this process, the latent heat released by the refrigerant steam is absorbed by the outside air, thus achieving the transfer of heat.

• Heat exchange process

The heat exchange process of automotive condenser can be divided into three stages:

1. Superheated steam cooling stage : After high temperature and high pressure refrigerant steam enters the condenser, it is first cooled to saturation temperature.

2. Saturated steam condensation stage : At the saturated temperature, the refrigerant steam begins to condense into a liquid, releasing a large amount of latent heat.

3. Supercooled liquid cooling stage : The condensed liquid continues to be cooled below the saturation temperature to form a supercooled liquid.

• Cooling medium

Automotive condensers usually use air as a cooling medium. Through the natural wind or fan forced convection when the vehicle is driving, the heat in the condenser is dissipated to the outside air.

The structure type of automobile condenser

According to the different structural forms, automotive condensers can be divided into the following main types:

• Tubular and belt condenser

A tubular belt condenser consists of a flat aluminum tube and a wavy heat sink. The refrigerant flows in the aluminum tube, and the heat sink increases the heat exchange area and improves the heat exchange efficiency. The tubular condenser has the advantages of simple structure and low manufacturing cost, and is widely used in economic cars.

• Parallel flow condenser

A parallel flow condenser consists of a plurality of flat microchannel aluminum tubes and parallel heat sinks. The refrigerant flows in the microchannel aluminum tube, and the heat sink increases the heat exchange area. Parallel flow condenser has high heat transfer efficiency and small volume, and is widely used in middle and high-end cars.

• Plate fin condenser

The plate-fin condenser consists of multiple layers of metal plates and fins. The refrigerant flows between the plates, and the fins increase the heat transfer area. The plate-fin condenser has high heat transfer efficiency and good pressure resistance, and is suitable for high performance vehicles.

Summary

The automobile condenser is the key component in the air conditioning system, which directly affects the cooling effect and energy consumption. Understanding its working principle, structure type and common faults helps to ensure the normal operation of the system and extend the service life.