DC Air Conditioner (minisplit/rooftop/anything)

[richard cabesa]

Do these under mount condensers blow up a dust storm?

 

[richard cabesa]

I guess another question surrounding the instal location, most of us looking for something like this are in vans/small RVs with a small awning. We sit close to the vehicle to grab the shade. Do we get cooked with hot air from the condenser radiating from under?

 

[curiouscarbon]

Interesting and thoughtful questions; I'm curious about those topics.

re: dust storm i would guess this depends on a couple of factors including but not limited to
•fan is intake or exhaust
•angle of condenser to ground
•load and fan speed
•location of condenser on underbody

 

[eXodus]

I've worked on ProAir systems over the years in RV's and buses. I can tell you they do tend to stretch the performance a little, it is a company I'd steer clear of. ProAir is now Undermount AC. While the undermount condensers might seem like a good idea, reality is they aren't that great and I've relayed this to you before.

In my initial posting I mentioned that the website seems rather suspicious. Maybe that confirms my initial feeling.

What are the common issues of undermount condensers?
One of my goals is - to clear the roof of the RV as much as possible to get all the space available for solar. The A/C is one of the major hurdles in this undertaking.

currently I'm going back and forth in installing a minisplit with the condenser at the back of the RV (which I don't really want for weight distribution)

OR cutting a large hole in the wall of the RV and installing a Midea Window unit through the side wall and (intake air either through the roof or the floor)


A undermount unit with air handler for the ducts would solve many of my design constrains- since I can put the Condenser / compressor in the front of the RV somewhere underneath (I could even put it in front of the main radiator under the hood)

 

[Zwy]

Do these under mount condensers blow up a dust storm?

They could if it's dry enough and you're parked on pure dirt.

I guess another question surrounding the instal location, most of us looking for something like this are in vans/small RVs with a small awning. We sit close to the vehicle to grab the shade. Do we get cooked with hot air from the condenser radiating from under?

You could get that from a mini split mounted on the rear of your RV too.

The biggest problems I've found with under mount condensers are the dirt from roads covers the unit faster than a condenser mounted on the front of the vehicle. All condensers over time require cleaning to ensure airflow, do you want to lay under there cleaning it? Second, the electric motors fail often, dirt and water intrusion.

Another common problem is corrosion of components. Those who live in the part of the country where deicing agents are used in the winter find their rear ac equipped vehicles have corrosion of the ac lines under the vehicle in just a few years. I made some good money in the past changing out the aluminum lines for rubber hose. Of course you will have those who say they won't be in such conditions, just remember until the heavy rains come and wash the crap off the road, it is still on the roadway. An added bonus is using the carwash where more than 50% of the water for under body spray is "recycled".

 

[Zwy]

In my initial posting I mentioned that the website seems rather suspicious. Maybe that confirms my initial feeling.

I'm certainly not buying their claims. I've worked on enough of their stuff to tell you that they just buy components and slap the units together, no real engineering exists, their focus is getting units to fit, not work well or efficiently. They are based in Elkhart and we all know what is based in Elkhart, Indiana.

What are the common issues of undermount condensers?
One of my goals is - to clear the roof of the RV as much as possible to get all the space available for solar. The A/C is one of the major hurdles in this undertaking.

currently I'm going back and forth in installing a minisplit with the condenser at the back of the RV (which I don't really want for weight distribution)

Go look the specs up for the weight on a compete unit and some even give the weight of the condenser.

OR cutting a large hole in the wall of the RV and installing a Midea Window unit through the side wall and (intake air either through the roof or the floor)

Make sure you don't exceed 102" as that is over legal width.

A undermount unit with air handler for the ducts would solve many of my design constrains- since I can put the Condenser / compressor in the front of the RV somewhere underneath (I could even put it in front of the main radiator under the hood)

If you have a huge amount of room ahead of the radiator such as some Class A's then it might be a good choice. The unit is thicker than many think with the fans and condenser, nevermind the thickness of the compressor. One might be able to split the compressor off the condenser to fit in some spots and wire fans as pushers.

I personally would want fairly easy access for cleaning purposes, it's one of my pet peeves about roof mounted ac and having to climb up on top for cleaning. Won't be easier as I get older.

Biggest thing for me on my TC will be dirt roads and having a rear mounted mini split condenser. Might have to bag it for travel as the road dust will most likely cover it.

 

[Zwy]

Read this thread, I'm not the only questioning their claims. https://diysolarforum.com/threads/more-efficient-12-volt-dc-air-conditioning-unit.23800/

 

[Short_Shot]

ZERO BREEZE Battery Operated Portable Air Conditioner

ZERO BREEZE Air Conditioner can work with power supplied through a standard adapter. It can be used as a home air conditioner, also it can work as a car air conditioner, a Tent air conditioner through connecting with a power source or portable power source with 24V, 10A power supplied.

www.zerobreeze.com

If they ever come down in price the mk2 pulls 10a of 24vdc and is suitable for something like a teardrop if it's well insulated and/or used at night.

Price is pretty nuts though tbh.

 

[Short_Shot]

I believe the 3000 unit has a max typical continuous draw of 700ish watts when at full power.... Mr. Wu or somebody with experience could confirm or deny.... I think that is what the Nomadic equivalent of the 3000 specs out at.... although I am far from an expert and not even sure I am not talking gibberish.

eXodus I am just reading everything I can get my hands on; but, something in my gut says that 24v dc air drawing between 300 to 700 watts and delivering 15,000 btu just has to be easier on power than a non-inverter 120 volt air conditioner delivering 15,000 btu..

700w full power for 15000 btu sounds remarkably impossible. I've never seen one rated for less than 12A of 120 volt AC. That's twice the wattage claimed here. And that's running current. Starting current is double or more.

Edit: In hindsight I realize this may be possible with a split unit but I've yet to see an all in one type roof unit come anywhere near that efficiency. And I wouldn't mind being proven wrong.

Of course *average* power consumption is a different topic though.

 

[Zwy]

ZERO BREEZE Battery Operated Portable Air Conditioner

ZERO BREEZE Air Conditioner can work with power supplied through a standard adapter. It can be used as a home air conditioner, also it can work as a car air conditioner, a Tent air conditioner through connecting with a power source or portable power source with 24V, 10A power supplied.

www.zerobreeze.com

If they ever come down in price the mk2 pulls 10a of 24vdc and is suitable for something like a teardrop if it's well insulated and/or used at night.

Price is pretty nuts though tbh.

Not very efficient, 240w cooling with 150w draw. I won't even get into the small cooling capacity of this unit nor ducting. You might as well buy a DC powered fridge and put a fan in it blowing the cool air out of the box

 

[Short_Shot]

Not very efficient, 240w cooling with 150w draw. I won't even get into the small cooling capacity of this unit nor ducting. You might as well buy a DC powered fridge and put a fan in it blowing the cool air out of the box

I never said it was efficient. Just that it's light on power consumption. Furthermore the 1100 btu mark 1 is no longer sold, but rather the 2300 version. And let's not exaggerate so much. That's many times more btus than a fridge lmao.

And for the record, running a 5000 btu window unit on low in my uninsulated mypod freezes me out of the thing at night. When setting it on low the compressor still only runs about half the time. So the 2300 btu mark 2 is more than enough for someone with a teardrop or just a sleeping space at night with a curtain up.

I still think the price is outrageous however and you won't catch me buying one, but I have experienced one in person used in exactly that fashion - to only cool the area above the bed and nothing else.

 

[eXodus]

Make sure you don't exceed 102" as that is over legal width.

no worries it would be flush mount with the sidewall and not stick out - like the picture of the truck camper Window A/C install I posted.

Biggest thing for me on my TC will be dirt roads and having a rear mounted mini split condenser. Might have to bag it for travel as the road dust will most likely cover it.

Same here - weight to far back and too many dirt roads to travel I live on a dirt-road - the next paved road is over a mile away.

Go look the specs up for the weight on a compete unit and some even give the weight of the condenser.

most of the 12.000 to 18.000 BTU Mini split condensers have about 70-100lbs - then you need to space them of the wall.
My rear wall is about 6-7ft from the center of the rear axle - so this contraption would add another 100lbs about 7-8 ft away from that pivot point.

The issue with the long Class A/C is primary - the seesaw effect - everything far beyond the rear axle is proportional unload the front axle - in a very dynamic way. So you drive over a bump - first front - then rear - while the front is still in the air partial unloaded - the rear hits the bump and the weight behind the rear is unloading the front even more. So you end up with almost no steering and brake performance.

If you have a huge amount of room ahead of the radiator such as some Class A's then it might be a good choice.

There are currently 3 lead acid batteries mounted in front of my radiator on the bumper level - was thinking about switching them out to lithium so I don't need access anymore. I got roughly 20 inches from the grill to the radiator fan. 5 ft wide and 2ft tall.

 

[hipringles]

I put a nomadic unit on my van. If anyone is curious how it went pm (or give me ~10 days and I will make a new post)

 

[Zwy]

I put a nomadic unit on my van. If anyone is curious how it went pm (or give me ~10 days and I will make a new post)

I'd like to see what you have and how things are going with it.

 

[Opusdei]

Jumping on AC discussion late, but I would like to add a mini-split DC AC:

ACDC 12V/24V air conditioners are battery powered, 6000 BTU, 20 SEER, R-134a refrigerant pre-filled mini-split air conditioner. Currently available on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DHP82LG

Amazon.com: ACDC 24V Air Conditioner, Battery Powered, 6000 BTU, 20 SEER, R134A Refrigerant pre-filled, Complete Mini-Split A/C with 10ft Rubber Hose Installation Kit and Mounting Bracket : Home & Kitchen

Amazon.com: ACDC 24V Air Conditioner, Battery Powered, 6000 BTU, 20 SEER, R134A Refrigerant pre-filled, Complete Mini-Split A/C with 10ft Rubber Hose Installation Kit and Mounting Bracket : Home & Kitchen

www.amazon.com

Any questions and comments will be appreciated

 

[Jamasarah]

I'm trying to put together a list of what is a available for DC air conditioners. I think there are a few more options in the trucking industry, that we might be missing. I would love to get feedback on any of these options. I know there was a thread where someone popped in to say they were installing a chinese AC, but i never saw any results. I'm not going to document every model from each manufacturer, and if there is a specific model that stands out above the rest please let us know.

There are couple of well documented expensive options:

Dometic RTX 2000 12volt - https://www.dometic.com/en-us/clima...ruck-air-conditioners/dometic-rtx-2000-262673

CruisenComfort HD-12L 8K BTU/h - https://www.cruisencomfortusa.com/

Here is are some ACs designed for "solar".

HotSpot Energy DC4812VRF -

Solar & DC Air Conditioners | 48v DC Solar & Telecom Air Conditioner Heat Pump | Off-Grid Air Conditioning

YMGI System 9000 BTU 24V Ductless - Ebay and ?

Mystery truck ACs:

Treeligo Universal Electric Air Conditioner - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QF72SSL

Alibaba/aliexpress links:

This product is no longer available.

This product is no longer available.

www.alibaba.com

509.83US $ |Universal Wall-mounted Auto Electric Air Conditioning Compressor Conditioner 12v 24v For Car Van Street Rod Hot Classic A/c - Air-conditioning Installation - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

This product is no longer available.

This product is no longer available.

www.alibaba.com

Anyone have any experience with any of these? Any other serious contenders to add to the list?

No experience, but dully noted, I’m boiling this summer, but I’m making my Santa list for nx summer?...thanks for the tips?

 

[Jamasarah]

I'd like to see what you have and how things are going with it.

Me too, me too?

 

[Batvette]

Jumping on AC discussion late, but I would like to add a mini-split DC AC:

ACDC 12V/24V air conditioners are battery powered, 6000 BTU, 20 SEER, R-134a refrigerant pre-filled mini-split air conditioner. Currently available on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DHP82LG

Amazon.com: ACDC 24V Air Conditioner, Battery Powered, 6000 BTU, 20 SEER, R134A Refrigerant pre-filled, Complete Mini-Split A/C with 10ft Rubber Hose Installation Kit and Mounting Bracket : Home & Kitchen

Amazon.com: ACDC 24V Air Conditioner, Battery Powered, 6000 BTU, 20 SEER, R134A Refrigerant pre-filled, Complete Mini-Split A/C with 10ft Rubber Hose Installation Kit and Mounting Bracket : Home & Kitchen

www.amazon.com

Any questions and comments will be appreciated

Says highly efficient with zero data on continuous running and startup current draw. States battery powered, does that imply it comes with a battery? An AC powered mini split is around half the price without efficiency data its hard to make a comparison.

Oh yeah no reviews.

 

[Short_Shot]

Says highly efficient with zero data on continuous running and startup current draw. States battery powered, does that imply it comes with a battery? An AC powered mini split is around half the price without efficiency data its hard to make a comparison.

Oh yeah no reviews.

I mean.

It does have some of that information available on that page.

And reviews?


That said it's just an import of the Chinese ones they hawk on Ali. I keep looking into them a bit but nobody seems willing to spend the coin on the gamble.

You also need to factor in the losses with a 120v inverter when comparing it.

If it's legit, it would about be a godsend for we insulated teardrops. Toss a couple 280ah packs in and run it just during the hot hours of the day for a 3 day weekend.

 

[Opusdei]

I am not a manufacturer, but just a mediocre scientist with 13 years experience in Solar... please see to the other thread in this forum:

Solar Air Conditioner

Hello, I'm new to the forum. I would like to run my business idea by the solar enthusiastic. Currently I am developing a 12V DC air conditioner for RV and trucks. It has 6000 BTU of cooling power, 300W-795W power consumption, and rated current of 25A-66A. 12V LiFePO4 300Ah battery can sustain...

diysolarforum.com

ACDC 12V/24V air conditioners are battery powered, but LiFePO4 batteries are not included because they are more expensive. When you run AC power by DC electricity, you don't need an inverter, which gives a boondocking and growth potential to your power system.

Regarding Amazon review on the ACDC 12V air conditioner, please check the previous link (since ACDC 24V is new on the market):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DHP82LG