Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

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ACS1 is a computer-based instructional module that has been designed to teach the basics of heating and air conditioning systems used in modern motor vehicles.

The module incorporates both hardware and curriculum materials. The hardware is provided in the form of a simulator panel trainer that can be connected to a computer for automatic fault insertion.

The curriculum materials provided in the module are divided into a series of on-screen interactive assignments. These assignments incorporate assessment through questions embedded within the learning materials. When used in conjunction with a ClassAct networked management system, this provides instant feedback of student performance.

On-screen assignments may be theory-based or practical-based. Theory-based assignments provide essential knowledge of heating and air conditioning systems. They are supported by standard automotive textbooks.

Some practical-based assignments direct students to carry out tasks in the laboratory using the supplied hardware. Others require students to perform tasks in a workshop on real vehicle systems.

Students are guided through their laboratory and workshop tasks by printable job sheets. These job sheets are similar in format to those used in commercial workshops but allow students to create a record of their work.

Simulator panel trainer

The panel trainer provides a complete simulation of the following elements of a fixed orifice tube cycling clutch climate control system: 

• Condenser 
• Fixed orifice tube 
• Compressor 
• Suction Accumulator 
• Evaporator Core 
• HP-Service Valve 
• LP-Service Valve 
• Clutch cycling pressure switch 
• AC pressure cut-off switch 
• Air distribution system controls - dashboard
• Blower motor control 
• Manifold gauge simulation 
• Leak detector simulator

Curriculum material topics include: 

• Principles of heating and air conditioning.
• Refrigeration cycle and fixed orifice tube cycling clutch system.
• Climate control systems service.
• Air distribution control.
• Cooling system airflow components.
• Electrical controls.
• Failures in electrical controls.
• Vehicle ventilation, ducting and filtration.
• Coolant recovery systems.
• Coolant leakage checks.

Typical practical tasks include:

• Identify the principles of air conditioning.
• Investigate FOTCC system operation.
• Service climate control systems.
• Troubleshoot an air distribution system.
• Test air flow components.
• Investigate A/C electrical systems.
• Faultfinding heater electrical controls.
• Service cabin air filtration components.
• Test cooling system pressure caps.
• Pressure test cooling systems.
• Inspect cooling system hoses and belts.
• Inspect, test, and replace thermostat and housing.
• Inspect and test A/C – heater control panel assembly, cables and linkages.
• Determine coolant condition, drain and recover coolant, flush system, and refill with recommended coolant.
• Inspect & test A/C heater control panel.

Competence-based reporting

Each on-screen assignment is designed around a list of performance objectives. These include academic, technical, and occupational objectives.

The assignments are written in such a way as to enable a student to attain the performance objectives, with the assessment questions linked to these in order to provide a measure of true competency.

The performance objectives are used by the ClassAct management system to generate a comprehensive portfolio of student competency reports.

The module includes default competence reports that address the requirements of US Automotive Awarding Bodies.

Instructor Materials

A range of instructor materials is provided, including: 

• An Instructor Guide, containing full installation instructions, health & safety guidance, typically completed work, and correct answers to all questions. 
• A Task Summary / Cross Reference List Guide that contains a cross reference of assessable practical tasks that students may perform by following instructions on student assessment sheets. 
• Student assessment sheets (allowing student tasks to be assessed against specific practical statements), plus assessor marking sheets. 
• Student response sheets (allowing students to record their question responses if the ClassAct management system is not available). 
• Health and safety sheets.
• US Automotive Qualifications - Course Mapping Guide.

The items supplied with this instructional module include: 

• ACS1 Instructor’s Guide
• ACS1 On-Screen Multimedia Manual CD-ROM
• Autolab Instructor’s Resources CD-ROM
• Book – Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning by Tom Birch
• Book – Automotive Technology-A Systems Approach by Jack Erjavec
• Health and Safety Sheet
• D3000 PT7.5 Panel Trainer 
• D3000 Accessory Kit
• Digital Multimeter