Test Bench for Measuring the Energy Consumption of an Automotive Air Conditioning System

Air conditioning system (ACS) is one of the most important equipment to provide passengers climatic comfort. Energy consumed by the ACS is due to the compressor mechanical power and heat exchanger air fans electric power. A test bench for measuring these two series of power for a wide range operating conditions has been developed. The tests, made under various climatic conditions and vehicle speed profiles, measure power value and also highlight parameters which those power levels.