Study of a self-cleaning air conditioning system in a Toyota Vios 1.5E (2010)

• Main Authors: Tinsuwan, Wutthipath, Boonset, Thanakrit, Pannucharoenwong, Nattadon, Echaroj, Snunkhaem, Vongpradubchai, Somsak, Hemathulin, Suwipong, Boontatao, Phanuwat
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air conditioners; Air conditioning; Cleaning; Cooling; Cooling systems; Data analysis; Dust; Efficiency; Evaporative cooling; Evaporators; Temperature
• ISSN: 0094-243X; 1551-7616
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0236715

Internal car air conditioning systems have been available for over 80 years. The use of self-cleaning technology to help reduce issues with dirt and frequent air conditioner cleaning has been applied to aid in maintaining the conditioning systems. However, in an automobile, implementation of this technology has not yet been done. Considering the current environmental conditions, with elevated levels of PM2.5 dust and air pollutants, car air conditioning systems need to expel heat to the condenser at the front of the car, which constantly encounters external air while the vehicle is in motion. This leads to the accumulation of dust particles, negatively impacting the efficiency of the cooling system. As a result, the air conditioning systems may take longer to cool or not cool effectively. Cleaning this system manually can be challenging and may cause damage to nearby components. To address this issue, the current research investigated an automatic car air conditioning cleaning system based on refrigeration principles. This cleaning system can extend the air conditioning system’s lifespan by keeping it clean. Experiments were conducted by adding equipment to facilitate self-cleaning for both the evaporator and condenser. After installation, the temperatures were measured at various points. Results demonstrated that the evaporator’s cooling efficiency improved by 59.08%, resulting in a cooling temperature decrease of 23.1 oC. Moreover, the maximum working temperature of the condenser, where it can expel heat effectively, improved by 16.13%, resulting in a temperature decrease of 10.9 oC. Data analysis from this experiment provided a proper method of maintenance for car cooling systems that produces energy savings and efficiency enhancement. This contributes to longer-lasting and more effective air conditioning systems for cars.