Does your AC work harder when you drive faster?

[mareakin]

Since the AC Compressor is driven by the engine via the serpentine belt--does it follow that it works HARDER (however that's defined) when the engine flywheel spins faster?

I suspect the answer is NO because it probably has some kind of self-regulating mechanism or whatever.

Just curious.

 

[mstrjon32]

Modern A/C compressors are variable-displacement, compensating for load and engine speed.

 

[Eddie]

I think the faster the compressor run the more work is being performed up to the maximum compressor capacity. . Variable displacement AC compressor? The compressor speed is tied directly to engine speed. On some types of units ther is a variable valve that contolls the amount of freon circulating if that is what you mean by variable displacement.

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
Variable displacement AC compressor? The compressor speed is tied directly to engine speed.


They exist, they vary the swash plate angle to vary the piston stroke. I think they are long ways from universal on the market but I haven't been paying much attention to AC the past few years.

I remember thinking over 30 years ago that they should use variable angle swash plates, but fuel economy wasn't as important then.

 

[Virtuoso]

My lowly ol' Saturn SL used a VDC. Really hogged ower down low but not bad up top.

 

[mechtech2]

AC compresssors work better at mid speeds than idle.
They like to be turning at a decent rate.
This is how you check and fill them.
The AC on most cars cycles, nowadays. This cycling should offset any high speed losses, to some extent.