How climate control works in the car in winter?
Today it is impossible to imagine a modern car without a climate control system. This comfortable device perfectly performs its functions as a hot summer, and in the cold winter. The driver does not need to be distracted by temperature control inside the cabin, the programmed mechanism will do everything for him. Simply select the temperature, which is best for you. To evaluate, how climate control works in the car in winter, it is enough to pass several times in such vehicle. Driving pleasure is guaranteed.
Climate control in the car
How it works
Modern automotive air conditioning system includes the following main components and mechanisms:
- air conditioner - helps to cope with excessive heat and humidity;
- car stove - heat is extracted from the heated coolant of the engine;
- fan - provides mixing of air inside the cabin;
- air duct system and intake - gives the chance to distribute air streams and to direct them to the necessary point of salon;
- curtains of air intakes - actuated by electric servos;
- electric ovens valves - cut off the heat exchanger, when there is no need for heat;
- temperature sensors - measure the air temperature at different points of the cabin;
- humidity sensor - not used in older models;
- software controller - analyzes sensor data and gives commands to turn on actuators.
Scheme of air conditioning system
The principle of climate control in the car in winter is as follows:
- the driver sets the required temperature in the cabin, example, 23 degrees;
- the installation is transferred to the "auto" mode;
- the controller analyzes the data from the temperature sensors and compares it with the task;
- if the temperature in the cabin is above the set, then the air conditioner is turned on (in winter it is almost impossible);
- if the temperature is below the set, then the electric valves of the oven open, antifreeze is supplied to the radiator from the engine cooling system;
- based on the difference between the actual temperature and the set, the controller commands to turn on the required fan speed, this takes into account the degree of heating of the coolant in the oven;
- if necessary, the "Recirculation" mode is automatically activated;
- when the set temperature is reached, the controller reduces the blowing speed and switches the system to maintenance mode.
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Four-zone climate control
Features of operation in the winter
The algorithm of climate control described above is quite general. Each manufacturer develops a climate system for a specific model or series. The controller software may also be slightly different. The latest versions of electronic climate control allow the machine owner to independently program some installation functions. Working climate control in the car in winter sometimes requires intervention and the transition to manual control:
- The car was in an open parking lot and its windows were covered with ice. To start the movement, you need to quickly free the viewing space from the ice. Not all firmware of air conditioning systems provide automatic preheating of windows. There may be such a situation, when the program provides such a function, but the set heating time was not enough. In this case, you have to exit the automatic mode and manually activate the glass blowing. You also have to choose the fan speed. Once the icing is eliminated, you can return to automatic settings.
Climate control unit
- Often unlucky drivers expect this, that the car interior is warm, and neglect reliable winter shoes. Improperly fallen snow makes you stomp around the car for a while. After releasing the car from the snowdrift, the driver receives wet feet as a bonus. In this situation, the best solution is to switch to manual control and direct the flow of hot air in the legs.
- In prolonged winter traffic jams, due to ice and snow, you can spend a lot of time. In order to avoid getting exhaust fumes from accumulated around the vehicle in the car, use the "Recirculation" mode. Only very advanced climate systems are equipped with an automatic CO level analyzer in the outdoor air intake.
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Humidity reduction function
About that, that air conditioner, working on cooling, simultaneously dries the air, almost everyone knows. And how climate control in the car in the winter copes with this task, not everyone heard. To ensure this function, the installation is provided with a special humidity meter. Data from this sensor is fed to the controller. At low negative temperatures, dehumidification is usually not required, the oven also copes with moisture vapors. The situation changes at temperatures, close to zero, in wet snow, when thawing. The car glass begins to sweat profusely. In this situation, your air conditioning system will work this way:
- the humidity sensor will inform the controller of the need to remove excess moisture;
- the controller will give the command on simultaneous inclusion of the conditioner and an oven;
- humid air, passing through the evaporator of the air conditioner, will leave particles of moisture in the form of condensate or frost on the cells of the heat exchanger;
- after the evaporator air enters the oven radiator, where it is also additionally dried.
So, the use of climate control prevents fogging of the glass and provides comfortable driving conditions in winter.
Interior filter
Filter
Before using climate control in the car in winter, carefully read the operating instructions of the car. In it you will probably find recommendations for replacing the cabin filter. This element of air purification plays a very important role in the operation of the air conditioning system. If the filter is clogged with dust, then heating and drying will be ineffective - the glass will sweat, the cabin will heat up more slowly. Manufacturers offer three options for filter elements:
- paper - the easiest and cheapest way to clean;
- coal - act much more effectively;
- antibacterial - prevent the reproduction of pathogens in the air ducts of the car's air conditioning system.
It is recommended to replace the cabin filter twice a year. In some cases, the procedure will have to be performed more often - for example, when driving on dirt roads.