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Und das sowohl für Nachrüst-Klimaanlagen als auch für Original-Klimaanlagen. Egal, ob Kondensatoren, Kompressoren, Trockner oder andere Komponenten – alles kommt bei WAECO für den Kunden aus einer Hand. Und das prompt. Denn bei WAECO liegen permanent rund 20.000 Teile am Lager, die mittels ausgefeilter Logistik im Handumdrehen vor Ort eintreffen können.
 Compressors: The heart of the air conditioner
A compressor's task in an automotive A/C system is to compress the refrigerant and pump it through the circuit. It consists of various components (ports, evaporator unit, magnetic clutch assembly, etc.), which are at times exposed to substantial mechanical loads. Piston compressors are the most common type used today, available with or without power regulation.
 Compressor service prevents breakdowns and downtimes
A/C compressors are fitted directly to the engine blocks or by means of mounting brackets. They are driven by the engine, power transmission is by V-belts or Poly-V-belts. Damages on the evaporator or the magnetic clutches are the most frequent causes for compressor failure. The reason most often is thermal overload caused by insufficient refrigerant flow. Careful maintenance service helps prevent many problems before they arise!
Condensers: Turning gas into liquid
Condensers prefer a cool place, which is why they are usually fitted on the front end of the vehicle, in most cases in front of the radiator. Their job is to cool the refrigerant coming in compressed, gaseous state from the compressor and turn it back into liquid state. This is quite often done with support from an additional blower, which ensures sufficient engine cooling at the same time. Unfortunately, the ideal place from a technical point of view is a risky one, too: fitted at the front, the condenser is exposed to rockfall, contamination, crashes ...
 Condenser fans: Boosting the Breeze
The condenser, as its name reveals, condenses the refrigerant coming from the heat exchanger by turning from gaseous into liquid state. It will only work to its full efficiency, though, if it can dissipate a sufficient amount of heat energy to the ambient air. This may be a problem when there is inadequate ventilation (e.g. in a traffic jam). The problem is easily solved with a condenser fan. This performance booster keeps the air flow at the required level to ensure impeccable refrigerant condensation and a pleasant breeze in the vehicle at all times.
 Evaporators: Cool down!
The evaporator's function is to extract heat from the vehicle interior and dehumidify the air. To this end, the warm air inside the vehicle is guided over the large evaporator surface where it passes its heat energy to the refrigerant. For improved heat transmission, new-generation evaporators feature smaller material thicknesses. This makes them more efficient but also more sensitive and more prone to soiling. Regular maintenance is the best prevention!
 Driers/accumulators: Filters for pure performance
Drier and accumulator are terms to describe an air conditioner's filter elements. In systems with expansion valve the drier has its place on the high pressure side. Its job is to dehumidify, clean and store refrigerant, thus maintaining a constant flow of liquid refrigerant to the expansion valve. In orifice tube systems the accumulator is fitted behind the evaporator where it performs the same functions as the drier. Additionally, it prevents liquid refrigerant flowing to the compressor, which would cause damage. Driers are wear parts, they should be replaced every two years. A replacement is also advisable whenever the A/C circuit has been opened for service.
 Expansion parts: Controlled admission
What we are talking about here is thermostatic expansion valves and orifice tubes. These components are located at the evaporator entrance to ensure adequate expansion of the refrigerant. Expansion valves regulate the refrigerant flow to match the evaporator capacity. Orifice tubes are set to a certain capacity level, they have a calibrated drill hole. System contamination and moisture are the most evil enemies of these components. They can cause clogging and damage the compressor as a result!
 Pressure controllers and switches: Keep the pressure right!
Pressure controllers help avoid inadequate operating conditions. They cut the A/C system off if the pressure is too low (< 2 bar) or too high (> 25 to 35 bar) and switch the condenser fan to a higher level at about 15 bar. These functions are performed by either a combo-switch, a trinary switch or a combination of binary switches. Also included in the range are: A/C switches, circulating air switches and blower level switches.
 Blower fans: Here's where the wind blows from!
The blower fan ensures air circulation in the passenger compartment and prevents steaming up of the windows. In vehicles with air conditioning the fan has the additional task to prevent icing up of the evaporator surface by maintaining a constant flow of fresh air. This also helps create a pleasant climate in the vehicle.
Drive belts: Full power ahead!
We distinct between two different types of drive belts here – open-flank and ribbed V-belts. Open-flank belts transmit the power from the engine to the individual components, which gives a multi-belt drive. It is more common today to use a single, ribbed V-belt that combines all components by means of tension and guide pulleys. Ribbed V-belts are exposed to wear and tear, so they need to be checked in every A/C inspection.
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