So, do you and your workers know the difference between an internal combustion engine aircon system and a hybrid and EV system?
Air con is important for keeping us cool in the summer, but in an electric or hybrid vehicle it is also essential for cooling electric motors, axels and battery systems, as they can overheat and fail without an efficient system.
There are some risks to hybrid electric air con systems, the greatest of which is if the incorrect type of PAG oil is used. This is because the wrong type of oil may conduct high voltage to the compressor case or connected components and cause an electric shock if they are touched. The wrong oil can also lead to component and vehicle damage.
Sensors in the air conditioning compressor case can detect small voltage leaks, and if this happens the control system will shut down the compressor. In some hybrids and EVs the compressors are operated by an electric motor instead of a drive belt, oils used in these compressors are specially formulated to have high dielectric properties to make them non-conductive. However, as little as 1% contamination by improper oil can reduce these dielectric properties.
As well as being aware of the risks that come with using the wrong oil in hybrid and EV systems, it is also important to consider whether your air con machine is ‘Hybrid ready/compatible’. These machines have a function to self-clear there hoses so that no cross-contamination occurs.
Which machines and products are suitable for hybrid and EV?
The ECK Next Pro and ECK Flag are both suitable machines, and can be used alongside products such as the Ecotechnics hybrid upgrade kit, oil injection refillable gun, the ECK POE 68 hybrid oil cartridges, and POE68 hybrid oil.