ENGLISH II FAL 0024 TECHNOLOGY: THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE: AUTOMOBILE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

Submitted by:

NAME

ID 17352 17290

Muhamad Farhan Bin Ibrahim Muhamad Fadhli Bin Rosli FOUNDATION OF JAN/SEP 2012

Submitted for:

Mr. Abdul Mutalib Embong Eusoff Department of Humanities and Languages Group 24

Submission on:

26/11/2012

Acknowledgement We would like to thank our English II tutor, Pn. Rosidah Ahmad Junid for her support and guidance. She always tries her best to provide ample assistance and advice to us. Her humorous and chatty character always enlightens the classroom. Her cooperation is truly appreciated and again we want to say, thank you so much for being such an awesome tutor. We also want to thank, Mr Abdul Mutalib Embong Eusoff, the one and the only lecturer in English II subject for this semester. It is an honour to receive your guidance and teaching for this whole semester. We would like to thank Mr Mutalib for creating all the coursework activities for English II subject including this term paper. Without this term paper, we will never receive the experience and information like we already did. His interesting character whether in the class or outside the class; always gets our attention. And not least, thank you to all our friends especially those who in Tutorial Group 24. Without you support we might

Table of contents 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Overview 1.2 Objective

1.0 Introduction 1.1 Overview What is technology is past is.. Present .. Future . Generally the purpose of air conditioning system in an automobile is to provide comfort to the passenger. It removes the heat from the passenger compartment and transfers the heat to the outside air-page 99. So no wonder today almost every automobile will be installed with an air conditioning system because people always seek comfort and joy in their journey, especially a long journey. Besides providing comfort to the passengers, the air conditioning system also dehumidifies and filters the air for them. Most car models especially the one that out at year 2000 and above have a different air conditioning system compared to the old models. The new system has an air filter installed in it. The filter will eliminate small debris in the air such as smoke before it enters the passenger compartment. The purpose of the air conditioner is to cool the air in the passenger compartment thus providing comfort to the passengers 1.2 Objective The purpose of this project is to learn and investigate more on the automobile air conditioning system. This is to enhance the understanding about the mechanism of the air conditioning system thus helping us to improve the system in the future. Besides that, this project can also help us to gain more experience on doing and reporting research systematically. In the future, student will need to do a more complicated research and this project will provide enough experience to help student doing it. Thirdly, this project also taught us about the importance of working together as a team. By working together, we could achieve greater success compared to working alone.

Finally, this project could help building self confidence among us. Conducting interview with some respondent is among the requirement needed in order to complete this project paper. So student must be confident to approach the respondents and ask them question related to the research.

2.0 Article Summary 2.1 History of the device The first mechanical refrigerator system was patented in U.S. by Dr John Gorrie (1803-1855) of Abbeville, South Carolina in 1851. Gorrie correctly theorized the concept of modern refrigeration system. Even though Gorries original system has many flaws and was only installed and used in U.S. Marine Hospital in Apalachicola, the same concept is used until today. According to Schnubel (2009), Gorries basic principle, however is the one most often used in todays modern refrigeration (p. 3). Therefore it is the same concept that is used in todays refrigeration system including in automobile. After Gorrie, the innovation of refrigeration system continues; in 1896 the Sears, Roebuck and Company came out with domestic refrigerator, followed by household refrigerator in 1899 by Albert T. Marshall. Manually-operated refrigerator was produced by J. L. Larsen in 1913. In 1918, the first automatic refrigerator was produced by The Kelvinator Company and the refrigerator system gets better and better until today. Automobile initially doesnt have any air conditioning system in the passenger compartment. (check buku tebal). The system has a slow start in automobile. Only in 1927, the first automotive air conditioning unit appeared in the market. Initially the system only available for car with a heater and a ventilation system which is not very common at that time. In 1938, Nash introduced air conditioning heating and ventilation for automobile that uses a heater and a fan controlled air ventilation system. This is the earliest air conditioning system for automobile. At 1940 air conditioning that utilize the refrigeration system were introduced for automobile and todays modern air conditioning system was introduced by Cadillac in 1960 . Since then the air conditioning system for automobile become popular. According to Schnubel (2009),Since that time (1967), most of the governmental and enforcement agencies across the nation (U.S.) have added air conditioning to their vehicles. (p. 5).

2.1.1 The refrigerant Refrigerant is the chemical that is used in the modern refrigeration system. It is usually has a very low boiling point that make it easily vaporize and it is used to absorbs heats from the surrounding air. Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) was introduced in 1928. It became popular between 1960s and 1970s as a refrigerant. CFCs are very stable chemical with a very low boiling point. During the 1970s, about 700,000 tons of CFCs produced each year (Schnubel, 2009, p. 10). But it is later discovered that CFCs contain chlorine (Cl) which is harmful to the ozone layer. One molecule of chlorine can start a chain reaction and destroy 10,000 molecule of ozone (Schnubel 2009, p. 9). People begin worry about this issue and R-134a was introduced as an alternative to CFCs. Therefore by 1996 automotive manufacturers were ordered to switch from R-12 (CFC) to a safer R134a. 2.2 The current technology of the device The automobile air conditioning system had improved throughout the century. But there is no significant change in the components and its function, only the system become well and efficient. Some component such as heat expansion tube and a more efficient evaporator had been added to the system for added reliability and comfort. 2.2.1 Working principle The basic work principle for automobile air conditioner is to control the temperature of the passenger compartment at a desirable temperature mainly to provide comfort to the passenger. The earliest air conditioning system for the automobile only consists of a heater and a fan controlled air ventilation. This system takes outside air, heated, filtered it out and then circulated it inside the car compartment by fan. Then the automobile air conditioning system utilizes the refrigeration system which uses a substance that is called refrigerant. This system compresses the refrigerant that has a very low boiling point (usually around -27 degree Celsius) into liquid and then this liquid is pumped into an evaporator to
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absorb the heat from the air in the passenger compartment thus providing a much lower temperature in the air. 2.2.1 Components

2.3 The advantages and disadvantages of air conditioning 2.3.1 The advantages One of the advantages of the automobile air conditioning system is that it provides comfort to the passenger compartment. The system transfers the heat from the air inside the passenger compartment and cools it down to a desirable temperature. It really affects the degree of comfort to the passenger and greatly helps the passengers for a long driving or during a hot weather. Besides that, the automobile air conditioning system also provides a filtered air into the passenger compartment. Most modern air conditioning systems have an air filter installed in the system. It filters the outside air before entering the passenger compartment and provides a cleaner for them. It also lowers the possibility for dust and other contaminations to enter the car. Apart from that, the air conditioning system also controls the degree of air humidity in the passenger compartment. If the degree of humidity is too high, water vapour will evaporate inside the passenger compartment and reduce comfort to the passenger. High humidity also will reduce the efficiency of the air conditioning system thus decrease the life span of the system. 2.3.2 The disadvantages Automobile air conditioning also has negative effects on the fuel efficiency for the automobile. Air conditioning system requires a lot of energy to run the compressor and for an automobile; the energy is mainly obtained from the engine. Most cars will run the compressor even when the engine is off by using the power from the battery thus draining the power from the battery quickly. Apart from that, the system also requires a constant maintenance and inspection to make sure it runs smoothly. The piping system of the refrigerant is
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always under constant pressure and change of temperature making it wears easily and causes pinhole leaks. Leaks will cause loss of refrigerant from the system thus making the air conditioning less efficient and stop functioning properly if the entire refrigerant is lost. Other than that, the cost for the maintenance for the system is also high (). The standard R-134a refrigerant in a XX can usually cost RMxx. If there is any leak on the evaporator or condenser coil, the entire unit will need to be replaced because it is hard to detect and even harder to mend leaks along the fins.

Keep it for a while please: , we usually have two types of air conditioning system: clutch cycling orifice tube (CCOT) and the thermostatic expansion valve (TXV). The CCOT system cycles the compressor on and off based on a desired temperature. The TXV system varies the refrigerant flow to the evaporator while the compressor runs continuously Most of the car uses CCOT thats includes compressor, air conditioning hoses, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, accumulator, thermostat or pressure switch. refrigerant, oil, cycling

3.0 Case Studies A series of interviews were conducted in 7 November 2012 to three respondents from different background. The interview were held at Azam Auto Garage, a workshop that is located at No. 42, Jalan Keluli AK7/AK, Pusat Perniagaan Bukit Raja, Seksyen 7, 40000, Shah Alam, Selangor. The workshop was opened in 2009, and provides most car repairs and minor services including for automobile air conditioning system.

3.1 Respondent 1

Picture 1: Portrait of Hafizudin Bin Osman.

Name Age Place of birth Occupation Contact Number

: Hafizudin Bin Osman : 32 : Pahang : Manager of Azam Auto Garage : 017-307 2118

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Picture 2: Mr Hafizudin can both manage the workshop and do repair work on customer car

Picture 3: Mr Hafizudin taking a group photograph with us.

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3.1.1 Findings from the respondent Mr Hafizudin is the manager of Azam Auto Garage and he had been the manager there since it was opened in 2009. During the interview we asked him about the workshop. He said the workshop able to provide most minor service and repair for car and small lorry. According to Mr Hafizudin, as a manager of the workshop, he must always make sure that all the customers are happy with the service there. Besides managing the workshop, he can also do repairs and services for car. Then we asked Mr Hafizudin questions related to automobile air conditioning system. We asked him that do spare parts for the air conditioning system are easily available. He said that it is easy to obtain spare parts because many suppliers can provide it. Usually the supplier will take two to three days before the ordered part reaches the workshop. Next we asked him about the number of car that will come to the workshop daily for air conditioning repairing and service. According to him, there will be approximately two to three cars will be send to workshop to be repair.

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3.2 Respondent 2

Picture 4: The portrait of Mr Al-Firdaus Bin Mahmud

Name Age Place of birth Occupation Contact Number

: Al-Firdaus Bin Mahmud : 29 : Melaka : Air Conditioner Mechanic of Azam Auto Garage : 010-8322400

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Picture 5: Mr Firdaus replacing a temperature sensor for a customers car

Picture 6: Mr Firdaus servicing an evaporator coil.

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3.2.1 Findings from the respondent Mr Firdaus is the mechanic for car air conditioner for Azam Auto Garage. He is 29 years old and had been repairing and servicing air conditioner for 14 years. He started to work in Azam Auto Garage workshop since 2009. According to Mr Firdaus, leakage is the most common type failure for the air conditioning system. The leakage often happens in the evaporator coil because of the constant change of temperature and also exposure to condensed water making the evaporator coil always wet. This extreme condition shortens the life span of the coil. Then we asked Mr Firdaus about the type of refrigerant that is used for the air conditioner. He said that in Malaysia, the only approved refrigerant by the authority is R-134a and the the R-12 refrigerant has been banned since it cause a very negative effect to the ozone layer. When we asked Mr Firdaus about the function of refrigerant recovery machine, he said that the refrigerant recovery machine is a very useful machine because it can do many tasks automatically. Mainly it can fetch the refrigerant into its system and recycle it so it can be used again. Without this machine, we will lose the refrigerant during a repair work for the system. It also can vacuum and clean the piping system of the air conditioner and eliminate any oil that may contaminate the system. But Mr Firdaus said that Azam Auto Garage dont use the machine because the workshop mostly do car repair, not service. Most customers that came to the workshop with air conditioning problem had lost the refrigerant because of leakage. Then we ask Mr Firdaus about the repair cost for air conditioning. He said there is a difference in repair cost between old car models and new car models. Older models have cheaper spare parts for the air conditioning system compared to newer models. Besides being more efficient, the new system is more complicated as well as delicate. This make most parts for the new system such as evaporator coil and condenser need to be change as a whole unit because it is hard to mend them. The most expensive component is the evaporator coil because it is impossible to detect and mend any leakage on the coil thus we must replace the whole coil.

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He also said that old system dont have any air filter for the evaporator. This mean the evaporator is easily contaminated by dust and outside particle and must be serviced accordingly. When we asked his opinion about servicing the air conditioner, he said it is very important to service the system. This action can extend the life span of the system. Moreover, it can ensure our health because air filter must be changed constantly and not changing the air filter means that our air will be contaminated with the all the dust trapped in the filter.

3.3 Respondent 3

Picture 7: The portrait of Farhan Bin Zul Bahri

Name Age Place of birth Occupation Contact Number

: Farhan Bin Zul Bahri : 19 : Pulau Pinang : Student in Universiti Malaya : 014-2552 635
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Picture 8: Mr Farhan always sends his car to be inspected regularly

Picture 9: Mr Farhan is waiting for his car to be repaired

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3.3.1 Findings from the respondent Mr Farhan is a student in Universiti Malaya and currently in year 1 doing degree in geology field. He is 19 years old and was born in Pulau Pinang. He owns a 20 years old Proton Iswara and had been driving the car for a year. We asked him does he have any problem with the air conditioning system in the past. He said that he did have a problem once; the piping in the system leaked and it caused the air from the air conditioner didnt cool down. Also c urrently his air conditioner is not working properly because of the compressor is broken. He said that the cost of repairing the leaks and replacing the refrigerant is about RM200 and the cost of replacing the compressor is about RM400. Because of the high cost for replacing the compressor, he still doesnt replace it and it causes the air conditioner doesnt run smoothly. When we asked his opinion about the maintenance cost for the air conditioning system, he said that the cost is quite high especially for a student like him. He also thinks that we should service and inspect the air conditioning system accordingly because in this way we can prevent major damage thus save cost for replacing damaged parts.

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4.0 Findings 4.1 Report summary from respondents Based on the case studies by all the three respondents, we can say that all of the respondents agreed that we must always inspect and service the automobile air conditioning system regularly. This step will ensure the air conditioner are working properly and extend the life span of it. Besides it also will reduce the cost of maintenance. We also agreed that the auto mobile air conditioning system is very important to the users because it increase the level of comfort for them. But most of the users dont take a good care to the system. Many of them only send the air conditioner for repair after it had leaked or some serious breakdown happened that causes the air conditioner not working properly. The conscious level for the user about banning CFC as a refrigerant is quite high. They seem to know the negative effect of CFC towards the ozone layer and support the use of R-134a as a refrigerant. This shows us that the campaign to ban CFC had fulfilled its objective. Moreover, the air conditioning system can affect the health of the passengers. Old models of air conditioning system dont come with air filter. This makes the passengers exposed to the debris, smoke and other contamination from air outside. Air filter will filter the outside air before it enters the passenger compartment thus providing a cleaner air for them. But the filter needs to be inspected and changed regularly because the trapped contamination there will eventually be harmful to the passenger. Other than that, the cost of maintenance for automobile air conditioning system is quite high. The system consists of many delicate parts that must be always air tight so the refrigerant wont leaks. And also it is hard to tell when we need to service the air conditioner before it starting to malfunction. Most of the time, the users will only send the air conditioner for repair after they realised that the air is not cool anymore. At this point, most probably leakage had occurred and the need of replacing the refrigerant will only add up the cost of maintenance.
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We can also say that the automobile air conditioning system is quite easily fails especially if the system doesnt go through regular maintenance. Most air conditioner damages are caused by the leakage of piping system in the system. Most users also dont realised there is something wrong with the system until the unit fails to perform as usual. 4.2 Suggestion One of the suggestions of improving the automobile air conditioning system is to solve the refrigerant leakage problem. The cost of replacing the R-134a refrigerant is quite high and it doesnt include repair cost for other parts such as the condenser coil or pipe system. My suggestion is to develop a cheaper refrigerant that have the same properties like R-134a so that the maintenance cost can be cut. Next, we should develop a system that could detect malfunction such as leakage and warn the user to repair the unit. A pressure sensor can be installed in the unit to measure the pressure of the refrigerant and notify the user if the pressure decreases. This can save maintenance cost because the repair work can be done soon before the damage become worst. Another suggestion is to use a thermoelectric cooling system instead of compressor refrigeration system in automobile. Thermoelectric cooler is a cooling system that doesnt require the uses of refrigerant and any movin g parts such as compressor. It serves the same purpose as the ordinary compressor refrigeration system. This eliminates the worry to maintain the refrigerant as well mechanical failure that may occur.

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References Bellis, M. (n.d.) History of the refrigerator and freezers. Retrieved from http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blrefrigerator.htm Brain, M. and Elliott, S. (2006). Introduction on how refrigerators work. How refrigerators work. Retrieved from http://home.howstuffworks.com/refrigerator.htm Gilles, T. (1999). Automotive service: Inspection, maintenance, and repair. New York: Delmar Thomson Learning. Haefner, R. (2004). The car care book. New York: Delmar Thomson Learning. Hall-Geisler, K. (2012). How Automotive Air Conditioning Works. Retrieved from http://auto.howstuffworks.com/automotive-air-conditioning.htm Henry, W. A. (2005, April 1). The case of the no-flow airflow. Machine Design, 7, 32. Institution of Mechanical Engineers (2004). Thermally activated mobile ejector refrigeration system analysis. Journal of Automobile Engineering, 218, 10551060. Knowles, D. (2005). Techone:Basic automotive service and maintenance. New York: Delmar Thomson Learning. Schnubel, M. (2009).Todays technicial: Automotive heating & air conditioning. New York: Delmar Cengage Learning.

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TE Technology, inc. (2010). What are the advantages of a thermoelectric unit over a compressor. Frequently asked question. Retrieved from http://www.tetech.com/FAQ-Technical-Information.html#3

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