HIGH-VOLTAGE COMPRESSORS

 Self-charging hybrid and electric cars possess compressors, driven by the high-voltage system, instead of a combustion engine. Naturally, this offers extra owner convenience by being able to pre-cool the interior before a journey commences, although this also presumes sufficient battery charge levels.

As the system uses the potentially lethal direct current levels of 200 volts and above to power the compressor motor, and considering that your skin protects you up to only 50-60 volts, do not attempt any kind of physical repairs on the system. Even garage technicians require extra training to work on these high-voltage systems.

So, be certain that your garage of choice also possesses the knowledge to work on these types of air-conditioning units. As the compressor motor’s insulated windings are in contact with the oil, the lubricant can't be electrically conductive. Should the incorrect oil be used, the system may detect a current leakage and shut the air-conditioning down. Typically, POE (polyolester) oil tends to be used instead of the more typical PAG type but the overriding message is to be sure that you entrust these systems to garages that won’t cause expensive damage.

Additionally, for certain hybrid and EV models, the air-conditioning manages the temperatures of certain high-voltage components, such as the battery pack, inverters and drive motors. The complexity of these systems depends greatly on the battery output and can incorporate several thermostats, sensors, valves and pumps. In some cases, a water-cooling system can shed heat via a heat exchanger integrated with the air-conditioning system. So, if the air-conditioning system develops a fault, the ramifications will be far more significant than compromised cabin comfort.