Monday 23 April 2018

TIPS TO REMEMBER THERMODYNAMIC PROCESSES EXPLAINED !!

In thermodynamics you might get confused with various thermodynamic processes like isobaric, isochoric, isothermal, isetropic. This video explains various tricks to remember the meaning of various thermodynamic processes.

Sunday 22 April 2018

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VS ALL WHEEL DRIVE EXPLAINED !!

The 4WD and AWD are pretty much same, but have some variations each works best under certain conditions.

Four Wheel Drive:

  • It’s the oldest one, which has two options in terms of how and when torque is supplied to each wheel called Full time 4WD and Half time 4WD. Power from the engine goes to transfer case, which splits the power between the front and rear axles so that torque is evenly applied to each wheel
  • Its axles doesn’t rotate at the same speed, the option is available to choose what we need whether the torque needed for 2 wheels or 4 wheels.
  • It’s good for Off road vehicles, Pickup trucks, terrain running vehicles where torque plays major role.
  • It has locking differential option which gives more traction power to the wheels in off roads.
  • This rugged technology has an option to turn off the drive to improve fuel economy.
  • It might be dangerous once back on Tarmac from off road.
  • Used in Jeeps, Landrovers, Pickup trucks.

All wheel drive:

  • AWD is a car system while 4WD is a truck system, the recent innovation which is AWD drive system is on all the time used in all the cars like Audi, Nissan GTR, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG .These are all good examples for AWD.
  • ECU(Electronic control Unit) Plays a major role in the AWD system sensors on each wheel monitor traction, wheel speed, and several other data points and decide to send the power to which wheel depends to maximise the grip and driveability.
  • This best AWD sends the power to each wheel using a front rear torque - split system cutting the power from the wheel to the least traction. Most of the time rear wheels have the power to move the vehicle forward and from front wheels moves freely to improve fuel economy.
  • The latest technology in AWD use variable torque distribution system.
  • Provides increased grip and control under all road condition, gives sportier handling and traction to a broader range of cars. Good in snowy roads, performance oriented cars.
  • Not good for off road and fuel economy is less.

Click HERE to download this article in PDF form.

6 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT YOUR CAR'S AIR CONDITIONER !!

1) Important Air Conditioner Terms

SEER: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Just remember this, higher the SEER, more will be the efficiency of unit, resulting in a lower operating cost.
Blower (Blower Motor): The motor and fan assembly mounted near the evaporator that draws air over the evaporator. In automotive applications, the blower motor may draw outside or inside air, depending on control settings.
Charging: Adding refrigerant to a system.
Flushing: A process of cleaning the internal components of an A/C system. This process requires the removal of refrigerant. This process is used to remove contamination and corrosion from the system.
Compressor: The pump that moves the refrigerant from the indoor evaporator to the outdoor condenser and back to the evaporator again.
Refrigerant Oil: Highly refined oil that is free of contaminants. Used in the A/C system for the sole purpose of maintaining compressor lubrication.
Ductwork: A pipe or conduit through which air is supplied.
Evaporator coil: It is the network of tubes that are filled with refrigerant. It is located inside the home within the indoor unit and takes heat and moisture out of the indoor air when liquid refrigerant evaporates.

2) How Air Conditioner Works?

Air conditioners use the basic refrigeration process to cool indoor air. However, conditioning is different from refrigeration as it also regulates air humidity, quality, and speed besides the temperature. When a liquid (refrigerant) converts into gas, it absorbs heat, and this is called evaporation or phase conversion. This occurs in the evaporator part of the system. Whereas, when the refrigerant is condensed, it turns back into liquid, and this happens in the condenser. Other key components include expansion valve, compressor, and the collector. Air conditioners use phase conversion by forcing refrigerants to evaporate and condense in a closed system of coils repeatedly.

3) Purpose Of Air Conditioner Filters

Filters remove particles from the air to keep the dust out of your car AC’s air ducts. Make sure you change your ‘dirt air filter’ every 1-3 months depending on your surroundings and usage. Not changing your air filters can bring problems like dirty air, reduced airflow, increased fuel consumption, low quality of cooling, and frozen coils.

4) Maintenance Of Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner becomes less efficient, weak, and unreliable when it is not taken care of. This will cause headaches for you and probably increase repair bills in case you ignore it up to the point of busting it.
Just like the rest of your car, your air conditioner needs regular service. If the air conditioner is not running properly, it may be working too hard. This could result in inconsistent air temperatures, heating of the car, and reduced comfort.
If you need more convincing, most manufacturers require routine maintenance for their warranty on the air conditioners to remain valid. So go get your car AC checked up in case you feel it is not working up to the mark.

5) Importance Of Air Ducts

It is important to have your car’s air ducts cleaned and checked for leaks. Sometimes dust or leaves get stuck up in the air ducts, wrecking havoc with your cooling system and the blower. A clean air duct system will help your car AC last longer by removing contaminants that decrease your system’s efficiency and consume more fuel.

6) Increasing Air Conditioner Efficiency

Keeping your air conditioner maintained and tip top is the best thing you can do for its performance and your wallet as well. Sealing leaky ducts, keeping the right refrigerant charge, increasing your thermostat by a few degrees, replacing filters, cleaning coils, using car window tinting, parking in the shadow, insulating the air ducts are all great ways that help to increase the energy efficiency of air conditioner.