In an air conditioning compressor, the most common type of compressor used in residential and commercial cooling systems is the reciprocating compressor. The windings in an air conditioning compressor refer to the coils of wire that are part of the compressor's electric motor, which plays a crucial role in the compression process.
The compressor motor typically consists of two sets of windings:
Start Winding: The start winding is responsible for providing the initial torque needed to start the compressor. It is made of a relatively high resistance wire and is temporarily active during the starting phase of the compressor. Once the compressor reaches its operating speed, the start winding is usually taken out of the circuit using a centrifugal switch.
Run Winding: The run winding, also known as the main winding, remains active throughout the compressor's operation. It is made of a lower resistance wire and is responsible for providing the continuous rotation of the compressor's motor, enabling it to compress the refrigerant.
The windings in the compressor motor create a magnetic field when an electric current passes through them. This magnetic field interacts with the motor's rotor, causing it to spin, which, in turn, drives the compression process. The continuous rotation of the motor ensures that the refrigerant is compressed and circulated through the air conditioning system to transfer heat and cool the indoor environment.
It's important to note that the specific configuration and design of the windings may vary depending on the compressor model and manufacturer. Additionally, there are other types of compressors, such as scroll compressors and rotary compressors, each with its own unique construction and motor design. However, the principle of using windings to create a magnetic field for motor rotation remains consistent across various compressor types.