All new vehicles and models offered at the damaged car auction are equipped with air conditioning. This device maintains optimal temperature conditions in the cabin and creates high comfort during trips.
This article will examine car air conditioners in more detail, covering their history, operating principles, and other interesting aspects. It will also dispel several popular myths.
History of the car air conditioner
1930-1953
The history of car air conditioners began in the 1930s when many American companies began experimenting with interior air cooling devices. The first patent application was filed in 1935 but approved only two years later. Houde Engineering engineer Ralph Peo wrote the new invention.
Introducing air conditioners in cars dragged on until the end of the decade. 1939, the well-known manufacturer Packard became a real leader in this area. It was the first to offer its customers an air conditioner that served as a heater.
This universal device was large and heavy, taking up much space in the trunk, so most buyers abandoned the installation.
In 1953, Chrysler decided to resurrect the idea of using car air conditioners. Its engineers significantly improved previously available devices, making them smaller and easier to use. Other American automakers supported Chrysler’s actions.
Thus, different Buick and Oldsmobile models also acquired an interesting novelty. It consisted of several separate design elements installed and connected to various vehicle parts.
Despite the complexity and high cost of such work, drivers were ready to go for additional expenses to get the opportunity to drive with comfort.
1954-1979
A new stage in the history of automobile air conditioners began in 1954. At that time, the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation supplemented its Ambassador model with an integrated air conditioning system.
Its design elements were located in the front of the car and the fairing area, so they were not noticeable to people in the cabin. This revolutionary solution marked the beginning of several important events.
Thus, at the end of 1954, the Nash-Kelvinator development was partially reproduced in Pontiac cars. This manufacturer’s version became even more advanced but, at the same time, the most expensive.
Similar inventions appeared in the models of almost all well-known automakers in the USA. Thanks to this, in the early 60s, about a fifth of all cars on American roads were equipped with an air conditioning system. At the same time, in regions with a hot climate, only 1 in 5 vehicles was deprived of this device.
In 1964, Cadillac presented its version of an automobile air conditioner. It was fully automated, so its control was reduced to only setting the desired temperature on the thermostat.
Four years later, Cadillac implemented this development in all luxury models. Their colleagues from Rolls-Royce did the same. In parallel, other manufacturers continued to use simpler air conditioning devices.
They were not ideal, but still enjoyed great popularity. Thanks to this, by the end of the 60s, more than half of all cars in the United States were equipped with air conditioning.
1980-present
In the early 1980s, car air conditioners became a standard feature in almost all manufactured vehicles. They were gradually modernized, and their operation became more efficient. In the 1990s, most manufacturers switched to new, safer refrigerants.
These refrigerants were less harmful to the environment than their predecessors, making it possible to make manufactured cars more environmentally friendly.
The first smart air conditioners appeared at the beginning of the 21st century. Their design included special sensors that measured temperature, humidity and other air parameters.
Based on this information and the user’s settings, the system automatically determines when to turn the air conditioner on and off. This reduced unnecessary energy losses and negative environmental impacts.
Car air conditioners are currently a mandatory attribute of modern cars. They continue to develop and improve, becoming more efficient, environmentally friendly and easy to use each year.
The latest developments are gradually being introduced into the operation of these devices. Their presence makes it possible to look to the future with confidence and write a new page in the history of car air conditioners.
How does the car air conditioner work?
Many people pay attention to the air conditioning system when buying new or damaged cars from online auctions, where flood vehicles are for sale. Each air conditioning system has specific operating nuances, but its mode of action is generally the same.
It is based on the principle of heat exchange and is also used in refrigerators and air conditioners installed in residential premises.
The entire process of air cooling begins with the start of the compressor. Immediately after this, the pressure on the refrigerant used builds up, and it enters the condenser. The latter converts the cooling substance from a gaseous to a liquid state.
At the next stage, the liquid refrigerant passes through the receiver-dryer filters. There, it is cleaned of all unnecessary waste (water, small particles, etc.), after which it enters the evaporator.
In this element of the design of the car air conditioner, the coolant expands and is converted into a low-pressure gas. This process helps cool the evaporator and the airflow that passes through it.
Next, the refrigerant enters the expansion valve, from which it is directed to the condenser. The completed cycle is repeated infinitely. A fan system is also used throughout the car air conditioner’s operation. Their action cools the compressor, forming a flow of cool air that passes through the evaporator and enters the vehicle interior.
Myths associated with the car air conditioner
For many, car air conditioners are mysterious devices. When a person does not understand their operating principle or the features of their operation, he begins to believe in various myths.
There are many, almost all of them have nothing to do with reality. In this regard, it is worth considering the most popular statements about car air conditioners, which are simple misconceptions.
The most common myth is that providing an optimal temperature in the cabin by opening the windows rather than using the car air conditioner is more profitable. In reality, the opposite is true.
Opening the windows creates an additional airflow, which increases resistance and forces the car to spend more fuel to maintain a given speed. The losses from this will be much more significant than when the air conditioner runs throughout the trip.
The next popular myth concerns environmental protection. According to the article, the refrigerant used in the car air conditioning system does not harm our planet’s ozone layer, although it evaporates.
This statement is not valid. In reality, the cooling agents used in modern air conditioners contain chemicals that can negatively impact the ozone layer, harming the climate.
Another common myth indicates that the refrigerant used to operate car air conditioners harms the health of the driver and passengers daily. This substance does not leave the air conditioning system.
While inside it, the refrigerant does not harm health or affect the well-being of people in the cabin, even with long-term continuous operation of the device. It only does the same job as the coolant in the refrigerator, with which each person “communicates” much more often than with a car air conditioner.
At the same time, it should be remembered that refrigerant leaks (due to breakdowns or various defects that occurred due to the fault of the manufacturer) can be dangerous for humans, so we need to check the serviceability of the air conditioning system regularly.
Recently, the myth has become popular that car air conditioners work equally effectively in any weather conditions. In reality, the opposite situation is observed. Suppose minor weather changes do not significantly affect the functioning of the air conditioning system.
In that case, sharp ones will become noticeable even to people without any idea how car air conditioners work. The fact is that when the air temperature increases, all elements of the structure heat up.
In this regard, the system has to constantly cool these components to their operating temperature, which requires energy and leads to additional losses.
Efficient and easy-to-use car air conditioners are an essential invention. Their presence in the vehicle significantly increases comfort and makes travel enjoyable. With proper operation, these devices will work reliably and safely and, despite many existing myths, will remain helpful to the car owner for a long time.