Mazda Training manual — part 257

Air Conditioning Fundamentals

TC070-05-01S

1 – INTRODUCTION

2

Course Content and Objectives

In addition to this Introduction (Section 1), this guide includes 9 major sections and a
glossary. The objectives for each section follow:


Section 2 — What is Air Conditioning?

•

Describe the purpose of automotive air conditioning.

•

Describe how various A/C system components contribute to passenger comfort.

Section 3 — Air Conditioning Terms and Concepts

•

Define basic terms and concepts related to air conditioning systems.

Section 4 — Principles of Refrigeration

•

Describe the following basic principles of refrigeration systems:

- Heat transfer

- Relationship of temperature to mass

- Latent heat of vaporization

- Latent heat of condensation

- Relationship of pressure to boiling point

- Properties of compressed vapor

Section 5 — Manual Air Conditioning Components

•

Identify and describe the function of the following A/C components:

- Compressor

- Condenser

- Receiver/Dryer

- Expansion Valve

- Evaporator

Air Conditioning Fundamentals

TC070-05-01S

1 – INTRODUCTION

3

Section 6 — Refrigeration Cycle

•

Describe the changes that take place in refrigerant as it flows through the A/C system.

•

Explain the role that each major A/C component plays in the refrigeration cycle.

Section 7 — Refrigerants

•

Describe the chemical structure and properties of R-12 refrigerant.

•

Describe the chemical structure and properties of R-134a refrigerant.

•

Describe the differences between R-12 and R-134a.

•

Define recycled, reclaimed, and extracted refrigerant.

•

Follow safe procedures for storing recycled refrigerant.

•

Describe the two approaches for retrofitting older A/C systems.

•

Follow safety procedures and rules when working with A/C systems.

Section 8 — Air Conditioning Lubricants

•

Explain the purpose of refrigeration lubrication.

•

Identify the differences between mineral oil and PAG oil.

•

Describe the characteristics of refrigeration oil.

•

Explain why you must add oil to an A/C system when you replace components.

Section 9 — Air Discharge Management

•

Describe how the following components direct air flow through the heating and A/C
system:

- Fresh/re-circulated air door

- Blower fan

- Temperature blend door

- Defroster door

- Vent/face and heater doors

Air Conditioning Fundamentals

TC070-05-01S

1 – INTRODUCTION

4

Section 10 — Servicing A/C Systems

•

Use a manifold gauge.

• Recover

refrigerant.

•

Evacuate an A/C system.

•

Test for leaks.

•

Charge an A/C system using liquid or vapor refrigerant.

Section 11 — Glossary

•

Define terms used throughout this guide.

Air Conditioning Fundamentals

TC070-05-01S

1 – INTRODUCTION

5

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

To get the most benefit from this guide, complete the sections in order, from 1 through 10.
Allow enough time to complete each section, and don’t try to complete the whole book in
one sitting. You will retain more of what you learn if you split up the reading and review
exercises over several days.

Section Objectives

Each section begins with a list of learning objectives. These objectives tell you exactly what
you will learn in the section. Read these objectives before you begin a section. When you
have completed the section, go back and review the objectives to make sure you have
learned the material.

Text and Illustrations

Each section includes text and illustrations that explain important concepts and terms. Read
the text carefully and study the illustrations. You may also want to take notes as you go
along.

Review Exercises

This guide include 12 Review Exercises, which appear at various points throughout the
guide. These exercises are designed to check your understanding of the material. Make
sure you answer the questions in each Review Exercise. Then check your answers with the
answer key.

If you’re not sure about one or more of your answers, go back and read the material again.
Make sure you understand the previous material before you move on.