Air conditioner malfunction , smoke from vents

[efirestorer]

After driving 2 ks in todays heat , wife noticed smoke from vents , switched aircon off. When I looked under bonnet , smelt something had burned and saw unusual wetness on the black cylinderical device in the air con system just forward of the bulkhead - left hand side. What is this black device ? and any tips on a suitable aircon workshop in SE Melbourne area - Oakleigh - Moorabbin OR ? Car is AU 1999 and has done 150000 ks and has had gas replaced about 2 years ago.