There are several reasons why automotive air conditioning systems might not be significantly more powerful in terms of cooling capacity:
Size and Space Constraints: The size and layout of a car's engine bay limit the space available for air conditioning components. Designing a more powerful air conditioning system may require larger components, which could be challenging to fit within the restricted space.
Engine Load and Fuel Efficiency: A more powerful air conditioning system would draw more power from the engine, leading to increased fuel consumption and reduced overall vehicle efficiency. Car manufacturers aim to strike a balance between cooling capacity and fuel efficiency to meet regulatory standards and customer expectations.
Cost: A more powerful air conditioning system with larger components and enhanced cooling capacity would likely result in higher production costs. Automakers need to strike a balance between performance and affordability to make their vehicles competitive in the market.
Environmental Impact: A more powerful air conditioning system would require a higher refrigerant charge and could have a more significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions and the environment. Stricter regulations and environmental considerations can influence the design and performance of automotive air conditioning systems.
Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Range: In battery-electric vehicles, air conditioning can have a considerable impact on driving range. Increasing the cooling capacity significantly could result in reduced range, which is a critical concern for BEV manufacturers and owners.
Human Comfort: While it might be tempting to design a more powerful air conditioning system, there is a point of diminishing returns regarding human comfort. Extremely powerful air conditioning could lead to discomfort and health issues, such as excessive dryness or rapid temperature changes.
Thermal Load: Automotive air conditioning systems must also account for the thermal load of the vehicle, including heat generated by the engine and other internal components. Designing a more powerful system would need to address this increased thermal load to avoid overheating.
Overall, automotive engineers and manufacturers aim to strike a balance between cooling performance, vehicle efficiency, cost, and environmental impact when designing air conditioning systems. While there is room for improvement and ongoing advancements in HVAC technology, the considerations mentioned above are essential factors in shaping the capabilities of automotive air conditioning systems.