Theory of Operation

The V5 is a variable displacement compressor. The V5 can match the automotive air conditioning demand under all conditions without cycling. The basic compressor mechanism is a variable angle wobble-plate with five axially-oriented cylinders. The control center of the compressor displacement is a bellows-actuated control valve. The control center is located in the rear head of the compressor that senses the compressor suction pressure. The crankcase-suction pressure differential controls the wobble-plate angle and the compressor displacement. When the A/C capacity demand is high, the suction pressure is above the control point. At this point the control valve maintains a bleed from the crankcase to the suction. With no crankcase-suction pressure differential, the compressor has maximum displacement. When the A/C capacity demand is lower and the suction pressure reaches the control point, the valve bleeds discharge gas into the crankcase. The valve closes off a passage from the crankcase to the suction plenum. A force balance on the five pistons controls the angle of the wobble-plate. A slight elevation of the crankcase-suction pressure differential creates a total force on the pistons. This force causes a movement about the wobble-plate pivot pin that reduces the plate angle.

The compressor has a unique lubrication system. The crankcase-suction bleed is routed through the rotating wobble-plate in order to lubricate the wobble-plate bearing. The rotation acts as an oil separator. The rotation removes some of the oil from the crankcase-suction bleed. The rotation also reroutes the oil to the crankcase in order to lubricate the compressor mechanism.