How Does An AC Compressor Work?
A compressor is that part of an air conditioning unit that squeezes or pressurizes the refrigerant. By performing its function, the compressor forms part of a bigger process to provide cool or warm air via the entire unit. The simple design and intricate function of the compressor all tie into its purpose of heating and pressurizing air and also contributes to the ultimate output of the AC unit.

Design of An AC Compressor
The AC compressor, just like all other compressors, is a pump. In the case of the AC unit it is a pump in a closed system. The purpose of the pump it to pressurize the refrigerant in the unit. The pump connects to a motor which drives its function of pressurization. This pressurization turns the refrigerant into a high temperature gas that then passes on to the condenser to cool and form a liquid.

How the AC Compressor Functions
The AC compressor functions via a direct collaboration with the motor that drives its function and the condenser that receives the pressurized refrigerant it gives off. The basic processes below will give more insight into how this device functions in an air conditioning unit.
1. The compressor places the refrigerant gas enclosed in the unit under pressure.
2. The pressurization of the gas increases its temperature so that the reading is much higher than the temperature of air outside of the system.
3. When the compressor pressurizes the gas and increases its temperature, it has achieved its purpose. The compressor then passes on the hot and pressurized air to the condenser which then cools the air.
4. Air eventually returns to the compressor for a repeat of the cycle, since the system is a closed one. Thus the compressor along with other elements of the air conditioning unit recycles the refrigerant in the closed system to produce conditioned air.

AC units are interesting yet simple machines. They work in a closed system to recycle and condition the air. These units have few mechanical components yet they work in unison to provide its overall purpose. The compressor is one of those mechanical components that work specifically to pressurize the refrigerant. This part of the unit works via a pumping mechanism to increase the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. After doing this, the air then passes to the condenser which produces the desired type of air (hot or cold) as indicated via the thermostat reading.