Method for the estimation of the power consumed by the compressor of a refrigerant circuit in a motor vehicle

The invention relates to a refrigerant circuit for a motor vehicle comprising a compressor (6), a condenser (4) and an evaporator (8). A pressure sensor (5) measures the discharge pressure (p d ) at the outlet of the compressor (6), and a temperature sensor (3) measures the ambient temperature (t va ) at the condenser (4). Based on the measured values of pressure (p d ) and temperature (t va ), a data processing unit (1) estimates the power consumption of the compressor (6). Said estimation may then be used to control the power generation of the engine (2) accordingly.