How a Hybrid A/C Compressor Works

Here is a comparison between how hybrid car's air conditioning compressors work compared to traditional compressors.
A/C compressors use rotating energy in an orbital motion to move scroll wheels relative to each other. This motion compresses gaseous refrigerant, which is then sent to the condensor, drier and then evaporator to cool the interior. Typical internal combustion engines use the rotational energy of the engine through its accessory drive to rotate the scroll wheel.
A hybrid car's internal combustion engine isn't always operating, especially in low speed conditions. Thus, an electric motor, driven by the same power inverter that drives the hybrid system is employed to rotate the scroll wheels. The orbital motion of the wheels can be precisely controlled according to HVAC demand, eliminating the need for a cycling clutch or a variable type compressor. The compressor opened up in this video is from a 2004 Toyota Prius hybrid.
In this video, the compressor from a Chevrolet Spark and Jeep Wrangler for is torn apart as a comparison. The Chevy spark uses a scroll type internal compressor with an external clutch, while the Jeep Wrangler uses a variable type A/C compressor with seven pistons and an adjustable swash plate.
0:00 Hybrid Compressor
7:35 Scroll Type Compressor
10:20 Variable Type Compressor
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[@Armen_]

I absolutely love this guy: 1- he's knowledgeable 2- he's concise and articulate 3- drum roll please... He uses his brother's old shirt and his wife's toothbrush. This last one is the main reason I watch all his videos and I've learned a lot so far.

[@spelunkerd]

Scroll compressors have taken over the HVAC industry because they require much less starting torque from the motor, even when the starting pressure load is high. There are far fewer moving parts compared to variable displacement compressors so I'll guess they are more durable.

[@speedkar99]

Variable compressors have an adjustable swash plate that can basically start at 0 compression. I agree scroll compressors are more common and simpler.

[@poiiihy]

why werent scroll compressors the norm in the first place?

[@DeepakKumar-lv4te]

@@poiiihy knowledge is a process often impacted by many extraneous factors. We're all born young and noone is born wise!

[@DallasACdotcom]

The residential scrolls can also survive some slugging…..return of liquid to the compressor intake due to poor heat transfer at evap or metering problems.

[@noseefood1943]

Exactly that’s why rotary “Wankel” engine produces low torque vs hp

[@BStreet666]

As a Prius fan, it's always cool to hear how high the mileage is on them when you're tearing apart their components. Awesome video!

[@speedkar99]

They sure are very reliable cars!

[@fastfiddler1625]

It's crazy how many different ways there are to move fluids. This is a fun way to learn how stuff works.

[@beforebefore]

Compress gasses, not move fluid.

[@NalinKhurb]

Very cool to see the comparisons between all of them! Thanks

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome!

[@craigthepony6259]

this man is like the chrisfix but taking things apart and showing you how it works internally

[@speedkar99]

Yep. I like to break stuff not fix stuff 🤣

[@DeepakKumar-lv4te]

Maybe he's a bit suspect at fixing stuff so decided to break stuff instead ;-)

[@gdessario5014]

"I've had enough of snap rings for today!" -that's the statement of the year!

[@speedkar99]

I hate snap rings... especially when taking apart transmissions.

[@aspecreviews]

My 2002 Prius does NOT have electric A/C. It just has a "cold-storage" evaporator core that keeps cold air blowing when the compressor is off. Typically, it stays cold for about 30 to 45 seconds, and in milder weather it can deliver up to a minute or so of cold reserve. If the engine has to run to recharge the evaporator, it will only run as long as it needs to.

[@bytesandbikes]

Yes, the full electric came in the 2nd gen. In really hot weather it could drain the battery in one go!

[@shawnsatterlee6035]

Who cares? It's a Prius! 🤣

[@thetechlibrarian]

The w140 s class has a 20 min reserve of heat /ac I have always wanted to know how that worked.

[@aspecreviews]

@@thetechlibrarian I would seriously doubt that the AC would stay cold for that long. Yes, Mercedes cars have a "rest mode". But, I've tested traditional vehicles that weren't hybrids, the AC would only stay cold for about 15 to 20 seconds after I shut off the engine. The Prius (and a lot of modern cars with idle start-stop) freezes a thermally-massive wax solution within its evaporator to aid in maintaining cold air when the compressor stops.

[@jimmyaber5920]

The sunbelt states laugh at your cold storage evaporators!!!

[@zxggwrt]

This was fascinating! Thank you!

[@shazam6274]

FYI: IGBT = Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor. Not "Integrated". It is a compound semiconductor with an FET driving the Base of a BJT. More acronyms! FET = Field Effect Transistor (originally called IGFETS for "Insulated Gate...") BJT = Bipolar Junction Transistor. IGBT combines the characteristics of both.

[@Eva-lz5ig]

Yeah you could say I'm a member of the IGBT

[@arty1799]

Thank you shazam, you are spot on. And thank you speedkar99 for another outstanding presentation. My hat's off to you sir.

[@speedkar99]

Sorry I mispronounced that. You are correct

[@kevinbone5848]

You saved me from making a mess! I wasn't exactly sure how the VFD driven compressors worked but if I ever was to need to know? It would have gotten an autopsy just like the one you performed! Thank You👍

[@speedkar99]

Well I'm glad you learned something

[@davidwest5146]

Such a GREAT video!!! Thank you!

[@speedkar99]

You are so welcome!

[@bmacdoug]

Awesome videos Mr. SpeedKar. Thank-you!

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@ScottSchmiedeknecht-rq1jb]

I enjoy your videos quite a bit they're very thorough keep up the good work

[@auntbarbara5576]

Can we please show some love and recognition to Mrs Speedkar and Mr Speedkar's brother for all the sacrifice and self-less contributions they have made ro this channel? 💆‍♀️ 🤛

[@speedkar99]

Haha

[@DeepakKumar-lv4te]

You're of course talking about the shirts and toothbrushes sacrificed in the name of voyeurism, correct?

[@fogogin]

The pause after the snap ring goes flying and "this one has green sauce" made me LoL!

[@speedkar99]

Yeah it was quite the moment. I was considering editing that out but it was too good to give up

[@fogogin]

@@speedkar99 very happy you kept it in.

[@vanlife4256]

Great video as usual! Thanks for sharing!

[@speedkar99]

You are so welcome

[@DashCamSerbia]

6:18 The IGBT are Insulated Gate Bibolar Transistors, a hybrid between a MOSFET and a Bipolar junction transistors. That A/C inverter is in fact a variable frequency drive, not just an inverter.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks - my electronics knowledge is limited to what my brother brushes off on me

[@NoorquackerInd]

The hype you had when finding out that it's a variable compressor was so real

[@speedkar99]

It sure was cool to see, even though I've already opened one prior

[@DeepakKumar-lv4te]

@@speedkar99 Rainman Ray opened a variable one in an older video, yank-mobiles (light trucks especially) seem to need the AC compressor/condenser replaced as a matter of course (over 100K miles). Those scroll compressors certainly look like they would be much much less susceptible to failure (but I'm no engineer). Pistons going up and down on a wobbly plate does seem to suggest weird pressures and stresses.

[@oscarlmolina]

As always, a great video!

[@seshachary5580]

as always very educative. Thank you regards

[@speedkar99]

My pleasure!

[@LitchKB]

The first motor Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). High efficiency, high torque (compared to AC asynchronous or BLDC types). Overall - Big power, small package; hence the in-line cooling of the refrigerant.

[@speedkar99]

Exactly. I like it, very simple.

[@johnm.peterson1095]

The Prius compressor has 3 reed valves like LG, Samsung refrigerators with variable speed motor compressor. Very efficient.

[@speedkar99]

Cool!

[@bytesandbikes]

I like the Prius' design: no moving seals.

[@speedkar99]

I agree! That's probably why it lasted so long.

[@tanzaniacarschannel6975]

@@speedkar99 the moving seals in other scroll compressors have good for introducing black contamination in the ac system and cause black death...

[@felixcat4346]

Thanks for posting very cool video

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@nowavenyone]

Another great video keep them coming...

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@mahdavimail]

8:32 snappering removal tool 😆 tnx for video

[@speedkar99]

Haha I love my angle grinder

[@postitandwatchit1434]

Great video brother

[@efeball970]

You could probably turn the compressor with an ESC for brushless DC motors.

[@ssrattus]

Another great video!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@pliedtka]

Thank you, thank you 👍

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@JBernhard72]

My old 2016 Audi A3 Etron (PEHV) had a bad Hybrid A/C Compressor... I wonder how many different sockets the tech needed to replace it...

[@speedkar99]

Lol! Very true.

[@DeepakKumar-lv4te]

Have you seen the vag technic videos on Audi engine repairs ? you'd run a mile from audi after watching those.

[@Cusers]

insane thanks !

[@TimSharett]

Man, you are really really really really awesome

[@speedkar99]

Thank you so much 😀

[@greathey1234]

500k! Wow Toyota are really reliable. My Ecoboost Mustang only had 60K before it started to play foul games with me.

[@speedkar99]

I made an engine teardown on the engine for this car a year ago, check it out!

[@DeepakKumar-lv4te]

Those Toyota hybrids can go 15 years. Amazing given the scepticism about batteries. Have to ensure the filter cooling the battery is regularly changed to ensure battery cooling. But easy to do.

[@viniciusnoyoutube]

Very cool.

[@speedkar99]

It sure is cool especially that variable compressor

[@wgm-en2gx]

That was great.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@gdessario5014]

Thanks speedkar, I wondered how that compressor ran on our new Explorer Hybrid, when I have the AC on idling in the engine is off and it's in hybrid mode, you can hear the scroll compressor changing speed. The battery must have a lot of capacity because it will run a while with the engine off.

[@speedkar99]

The battery on hybrids are quite sizable, enough to power the vehicle at low speed.

[@gdessario5014]

@@speedkar99 hello, yes, it will go about 13k m on hybrid mode at 60kph providing there is no headwind LOL, then the gas engine will cut in. Ford's done a good job, the motor kicks in flawlessly as the DC motor is the starter in this case. I think it kicks in by clutch but you don't notice it.

[@Mid2stars]

Hybrid air conditioning systems are my favorite. They have consistency and the compressor doesn't blow up as easy belt-driven one when your flooring it. Newer cars turn off the compressor while accelerating or in the red light which is b******* to save little to no gas

[@aspecreviews]

My Prius has a "cold storage" evaporator. When the engine (and the engine-driven compressor) shuts off at a light, cold air keeps blowing.

[@shawnsatterlee6035]

They don't blow up when running at high rpm! There is things called pressure switches. There is a low and high side switches. If low on refrigerant the compressor won't start, when gets over a set pressure the high side will kick the compressor out and the high side also is what starts the cooling fan to cool the condenser so the pressure doesn't run away also.

[@servicioelectromecanicocue7025]

Even a 1990 Ford Ranger haves a WOT (wide open trhottle) relay thats disengage the AC compresor when you go to floor on the gas

[@Mid2stars]

Had a couple Chryslers blow up on me while revving the engine. Not sure if they just suck. I had a Ford explorer 1998, it did cut off at wot

[@speedkar99]

That's cool, I didn't know that.

[@enquire422]

My Prius NW20 2004 240 k mile model condenser split , good to know the compressor is tooth brush proof!

[@bikingmoments]

Scroll pumps actually can run dry, so it’s not surprising that the new model doesn’t have lubricants. I’d say the oily stuff you got from the old Prius scroll compressor might be decomposed chemicals from refrigerant?

[@speedkar99]

All compressors have oil in them.

[@bikingmoments]

@@speedkar99 scroll type compressor/pump can run dry. If you take a closer look, there’s no relative motion between 2 scrolls - it’s their mating position keeps moving, but not rubbing against, thus no need for lub.

[@beforebefore]

​@@bikingmomentsThe seals require lubricant, as well as the bearings. Some scroll compressors CAN be designed for dry work, but that by no means says ALL scroll compressors CAN be used dry.

[@tarkov666]

Yay, no more relying on a Vietnamese video. FYI the prius doesn't use PAG oil, it's ND11.

[@speedkar99]

Good to know!

[@operator8014]

OOOooo! Nailed it!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@JasonLuther1]

Have you done any teardowns on the early 2000 ford/mazda 2.3? If ever convenient id like youre thoughts on them.

[@speedkar99]

Yes I have a video on the 2010 Mazda 3 engine

[@allencrider]

That was very cool! I wonder what the most preferred type of compressor is used on heat pump systems like the late model Teslas?

[@skodovkar]

Home heat pumps go with scroll compressors.

[@speedkar99]

Most likely scroll type similar to what you've seen here. I'd be interested to open one myself

[@tanzaniacarschannel6975]

@@speedkar99 it seems scroll compressors last long time

[@driftingmaster2248]

Hello, I know it will be stupid question but I will ask it anyway 😅 is there any opportunity to swap my 1992 toyota pickup ac compressor from the belt driven into an electrical one? Because once I turn on the AC the power loss is noticed immediately in addition to the insane fuel consumption 😢

[@blitz_zen]

You’re amazing! Question: When replacing a compressor in a Prius, the system is emptied of refrigerant. Do you have to jump the compressor to get it to suck in the new refrigerant or does it take in the new refrigerant another way?

[@beforebefore]

It's no different than any other aircon compressor... the system must be evacuated completely to remove all remaining gas, air and moisture. This is done by pulling a vacuum using a vacuum pump, and pulling it down to about 99.95% of absolute vacuum!). The pump should stay running for 20-30 minutes to be certain all moisture has been boiled out of the system. At this point the pump can be turned off, but monitor the vacuum gauge to be sure there's no leak that allows the vacuum to decrease for at least 10 minutes. Then the new refrigerant can be introduced to the system as liquid (tank valve down). The vacuum in the system will suck the liquid refrigerant into the system. This is where you have to know how much refrigerant the system requires, so you don't over-charge it and cause slugging... which can destroy a compressor. This is obviously a job for someone trained in HVAC.

[@_monti142]

8:31 Snap ring removal tool XD

[@speedkar99]

Love my grinder

[@hashim0076]

Which oil is used in hybrid vehicles ac compereser PAG Or POE oil?

[@TolgaDag-nk5wg]

I have a Corolla hybrid. My engine turns on more often on a rainy day even with my ac off. Is that typical of hybrids to do on a rainy day? Thank you.

[@MegaSomveer]

So coool 🆒

[@timh2870]

That first compressor is for a second gen (2004-2009) prius only. third gen and up has an integrated inverter.

[@speedkar99]

Oh wow. They moved the inverter offline. Imagine how expensive that must be to replace

[@Aleks_Mechanics]

Notification Squad!🔥🔥🔥

[@speedkar99]

Thanks for being so dedicated

[@galaxygs96]

First two are rotary compressors in toyota its very semellar to home AC but more complex due DC corrent

[@speedkar99]

Good to know. These run off of 3-phase AC

[@faridezikar889]

Hi, what’s the maintenance needed for aircond system? I owned honda i-mmd hybrid car. It’s used electric compressor as well.

[@speedkar99]

As long as it's a closed system there's not much maintenance other than the air filter

[@faridezikar889]

@@speedkar99 thanks man for your reply. No wonder, no specific mandatory maintenance for aircond system inside the manual. Just air cleaner element and dust & pollen filter.

[@Redkit34]

Hey buddy have you ever inspect any rear caliper. I couldnt understand it because there is no english video any clear explanation on the internet and it has a rotating mechanism inside run by hand brake wire. This rotating thrust screw is the problem to understand. What is this rotating mechanism what is the ambition here? Also there is a gap between outer piston and inner piston. Outer piston has a small bore opening out. Could you enlighten us please.

[@speedkar99]

Check my parking brakes video

[@Redkit34]

@@speedkar99 I already did it and first looked into your videos. I am looking for parking brake caliper not drum brake.

[@alexlimon6565]

I’m not sure if this question has been asked but what parts would I need to put an electric a/c in an old classic car?

[@speedkar99]

These use a 200V source.. start with that.

[@operator8014]

That pump for the Spark had a leak in the low pressure circuit. Damn shame.

[@speedkar99]

How do you know it was leaking? Just because there was no oil?

[@dgurevich1]

Does it not have a 0 connection? or is it connected elsewhere, and not a part of high voltage connection?

[@mydickissmallbut9716]

It doesn't need a 0 It is in delta configuration The case is still basically grounded (for safety and noise)

[@hojnikb]

Async motors don't need a neutral connection. Only 3 wires for each of the phase.

[@speedkar99]

No, just 3 phases

[@AlexR_44]

cool

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@postitandwatchit1434]

You love ❤ your brother T shirt

[@robertbox5399]

Isn't that a sensorless 'DC' brushless motor?

[@joradcliffe565]

Snap ring plliers ?

[@speedkar99]

Grinder

[@nickayivor8432]

Tutorial brilliant, thank you, Speedkar99 👍 SHARP Speedkar99 From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧 ⏰️ 22:16pm

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@alexasiamah2976]

I am AC mechanic I have Hyundai hybrid so if you start the is the engine go off I have to teach me to do it

[@Shiznit304]

Winter? We're in May

[@speedkar99]

I shot a few videos a while back in winter. You'll see them trickle in this spring lol

[@DailyLifeSolution]

Your cloth joked always makes me laugh.

[@alexasiamah2976]

I have problem with my essay so how to teach me to do

[@glock18supercharger]

🙂✌️woppp

[@speedkar99]

Yeh

[@EGK20]

dude hate snap rings

[@Juan-oy3fo]

Want see rotary

[@speedkar99]

Me too

[@Juan-oy3fo]

@@speedkar99 I have looked.

[@Juan-oy3fo]

@@speedkar99 Maybe quit making. sanden Used to have. I want a tm65 Valeo

[@popo-yq5je]

Hybrid , inverter..wow...the technology for ac car are advancing...

[@speedkar99]

Check my hybrid car video out I made

[@davemarks7322]

You could also use your wife's new shirt...for your last video.

[@speedkar99]

Last ? 😢

[@Iowa599]

It's like VW's supercharger!

[@r0ck3tdr1v3r]

G-Lader

[@petrsimik2580]

Volkswagen used scroll compressors as superchargers for polo, corrado and golf models, for a short period of time. They called them G-lader. G40 mounted on 1.6l and G60 for 1.8l engines. They were very unreliable, unfortunately.

[@Kollege_Turnschuh]

Yeah the spirals inside of this compressor kinda look like it right?

[@petrsimik2580]

​​@@Kollege_Turnschuh they are the same in working principle, just designed for slightly different application and working conditions.

[@DeepakKumar-lv4te]

I'm tempted to say that's a VW thing rather than a scroll thing though (I own a vw). The DSG gearbox was a brilliant idea that should have rendered automatic transmissions redundant the world over. However the clutch packs wear out, and the lower gears aren't up to scratch and so also give problems and they're a nightmare. Initially the oil in the control units dissolved the pcb tracks and shorted them out - regular oil is high sulphur and corrodes soft metals. It's common knowledge but VW made that basic error (now replaced with low sulphur oil). I mean, it took until the nineties for them to get heat into the Beetle ;-)

[@speedkar99]

That's interesting. Wonder how it pumped air compared to a turbine style

[@dakkidin982]

you seem to have unlimited used clothes

[@DeepakKumar-lv4te]

If you're hoping your bro's clothing tastes have improved in the meantime, prepare to be disappointed. Anyhow, once you get to 40, someone creeps into your bedroom at night and steals your sense of dress. No avoiding it. The only symptom is you suddenly notice you're buying clothes at the same place you get your groceries.....

[@speedkar99]

Haha I'm getting there ☹️

[@Juan-oy3fo]

Like or no scroll

[@victorwilks88]

No comment

[@speedkar99]

Me neither

[@victorwilks88]

@@speedkar99 glad to see you reply to all comments even the ones that don't make sense lol