Contents: General description 🠛 Precautions 🠛
General description
1. Some models are equipped with an air conditioning system. The system allows for rapid reduction of temperature and humidity of incoming air (see illustration).
15.1. Air conditioning system: A - Car interior; B - Engine compartment; C - Outside air; D - To the air distribution unit; E - Partition; F - Supply air (external or recirculating); 1 - Compressor; 2 - Capacitor; 3 - Tank; 4 - Pressure sensor; 5 - Pressure part of the system nipple; 6 - Gas reducer; 7 - Thermostat; 8 - Evaporator; 9 - Low pressure system part fitting; 10 - Supercharger; 11 - Fans; 12 - Cooling system radiator; 13 - High pressure liquid; 14 - Low pressure gas; 15 - High pressure gas.
2. The cooling part of the system works in the same way as a household refrigerator. Refrigerant vapor enters the belt-driven compressor and is forced into the condenser mounted on the front of the radiator, where it cools and turns into a liquid. The liquid passes through the gas reducer to the evaporator, where it is converted from a high-pressure liquid to a low-pressure gas. This change of state is accompanied by the absorption of energy, leading to a decrease in temperature in the evaporator. The refrigerant returns to the compressor and the cycle begins again.
3. The air passed through the evaporator passes into the air distribution unit, where it mixes with the hot air coming out of the heater matrix, thus achieving the desired temperature in the car's interior.
4. The heating part of the system works in the same way as on models without air conditioning.
Precautions
Warning: The cooling portion of the system contains liquid refrigerant (Freon), and therefore it is dangerous to disconnect any part of the system without specialized equipment. The refrigerant is potentially dangerous and can cause severe frostbite if it comes into contact with your skin. The refrigerant itself is not poisonous, but when it comes into contact with an open flame (or when bringing a lit cigarette closer) a highly toxic gas is formed.
5. If for any reason the system needs to be depressurised, have this task carried out by a Renault dealer.
6. Do not operate the air conditioning system if it is known to be low on refrigerant as this will damage the compressor.