DC Air Conditioner (minisplit/rooftop/anything)

[The New JC777]

Deye, a Chinese company is building 48 volt DC Mini Split Air Conditioners. They also build the Sol Ark and Sunsynk inverters and seem to be a reputable company based on all of the positive posts on this site and others. Their You Tube channel is growing.

My intended use is in a well insulated 7' x 14' "V" nose cargo trailer with basic living quarters for two humans and a cat.

I have no affiliation with Deye, but I own 5 of their 8kW inverters rebranded under the name Amensolar. They are not installed yet so I have no real world information.

 

[HaldorEE]

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:

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

The 24V 7K is very interesting. I could run that on battery power alone for 20 hours.

 

[eXodus]

So there are 4. basic mounting options:

1. On the roof - all in one Unit.
2. Split - with vertical Condenser Unit - only possible at the back of the RV
3. Split - with horizontal Condenser - undermount (compartments or free space on the frame)
4. Split - with horizontal Condenser - Roof Mount

I'm torn between 1 and 3 The easy of installation of a Roof Unit - would be nice.
Yet I'd like the noise reduction of a split and potential efficiency gain.

Further I like to get stuff off my roof to fit more solar panels.
I don't like mounting stuff on the back of the RV - there is my bedroom and strapping a compressor to that wall - yeah no deal.

 

[Zwy]

So there are 4. basic mounting options:

1. On the roof - all in one Unit.
2. Split - with vertical Condenser Unit - only possible at the back of the RV

It could be mounted on the front.....

I'm thinking of how I haul the ebikes on back plus add a condensing unit on the back wall. 1/2 of my back wall as taken up by the installation of the compartment housing my Growatt. I want the ability to pull my boat behind with all this back there.

3. Split - with horizontal Condenser - undermount (compartments or free space on the frame)

From past experience with undermount condensers, the road debris and other items take a toll on the units. The fans usually fail from water intrusion. If you were to drive in the winter with an area of salt, it really is hard on the unit.

If one is to only drive highways and not in winter, you would add some life to it.

4. Split - with horizontal Condenser - Roof Mount

Actually starting to look better provided it fits under my tilting panel assembly. If using the ac, the panels would be tilted up anyway.

I'm torn between 1 and 3 The easy of installation of a Roof Unit - would be nice.
Yet I'd like the noise reduction of a split and potential efficiency gain.

Further I like to get stuff off my roof to fit more solar panels.

Build a tilting rack over the top of the unit.

I don't like mounting stuff on the back of the RV - there is my bedroom and strapping a compressor to that wall - yeah no deal.

I sleep opposite end, I just don't have room unless bike rack goes up front in front receiver hitch.

 

[apcorob]

4. Split - with horizontal Condenser - Roof Mount

Actually starting to look better provided it fits under my tilting panel assembly. If using the ac, the panels would be tilted up anyway.

Mr. Zwy or anybody else reading, have you located a split with a horizontal condenser on the roof????

That is what I need and want.

If you know of any options PLEASE share them.

Thank you ALL

 

[eXodus]

From past experience with undermount condensers, the road debris and other items take a toll on the units. The fans usually fail from water intrusion. If you were to drive in the winter with an area of salt, it really is hard on the unit.

If one is to only drive highways and not in winter, you would add some life to it.


Actually starting to look better provided it fits under my tilting panel assembly. If using the ac, the panels would be tilted up anyway.



Build a tilting rack over the top of the unit.

I sleep opposite end, I just don't have room unless bike rack goes up front in front receiver hitch.

The DC units are actually pretty flat compared with regular A/Cs Only like 8 inches tall. Yet they also vent hot air out through the top. not a good idea covering them with solar.
Otherwise - with the efficiency gained - I might not need the additional space.

1. rule about off grid solar - don't use solar - safe energy first.

For undermount - I was thinking inside one of the luggage compartments - Those things width doors and seals.
Replace the door with some water repelling grate. Or automate and use some power louvers.

I live in Florida and deal with a lot of water all the time - but no salt.

 

[Zwy]

The DC units are actually pretty flat compared with regular A/Cs Only like 8 inches tall. Yet they also vent hot air out through the top. not a good idea covering them with solar.

Tilting panels, ac running, panels are tilted. Or panels on drawer slides, use an electric actuator to push the panels outwards. There are ways, just be creative. I have 2 panels mounted to tilt on each side of my roof air, if the DC unit fits under, I'm golden.

Otherwise - with the efficiency gained - I might not need the additional space.

1. rule about off grid solar - don't use solar - safe energy first.

For undermount - I was thinking inside one of the luggage compartments - Those things width doors and seals.
Replace the door with some water repelling grate. Or automate and use some power louvers.

I live in Florida and deal with a lot of water all the time - but no salt.

I think you would be better served on the back wall or roof.

 

[Zwy]

Actually starting to look better provided it fits under my tilting panel assembly. If using the ac, the panels would be tilted up anyway.

Mr. Zwy or anybody else reading, have you located a split with a horizontal condenser on the roof????

That is what I need and want.

If you know of any options PLEASE share them.

Thank you ALL

I've been following this thread with interest for several reasons. One, I'm interested in installing one on my RV. Two, I currently work in the mobile HVAC field as a specialist and this might be a business opportunity for me. By purchasing a unit and installing it, I can then determine what I would want to provide to customers.

I have some other things to work on right now but could see some testing taking place in the future.

 

[guidecca]

I've got a 24v system which I step down to 12v for the 12v appliances. Who knows of some 24v appliances that they can recommend? I most need an AC unit; drove 4200 miles so far and the sun is intense. Nights are hot regardless of shade. Looking for a portable unit for inside my camper van. Thanks in advance.

 

[K8MEJ]

I've got a 24v system which I step down to 12v for the 12v appliances. Who knows of some 24v appliances that they can recommend? I most need an AC unit; drove 4200 miles so far and the sun is intense. Nights are hot regardless of shade. Looking for a portable unit for inside my camper van. Thanks in advance.

I'm installing an LG Mega 115v series 12K BTU mini split in my travel trailer this weekend. It will run off my Victron inverter. You can buy cheaper mini splits on Amazon. I didn't find any DC (12, 24, or 48 volt) air conditioners that were cost effective. I can add two more batteries and more solar to my roof PLUS the 115v mini-split for the same or less than trying to use one of the DC air conditioners.

If my rooftop A/C hadn't died two weeks ago I might be inclined to roll the dice and try one of the cheapie units from Alibaba but I just couldn't work up the nerve to risk it, let alone the time it would take to get here.

Do you have an inverter in your set up? If so, maybe you could consider traditional residential mini-splits that run of alternating current.

 

[richard cabesa]

Please report back when you are up and running

Would like to hear electrical consumption reports and specs on the rest of your system

 

[apcorob]

One, I'm interested in installing one on my RV. Two, I currently work in the mobile HVAC field as a specialist and this might be a business opportunity for me. By purchasing a unit and installing it, I can then determine what I would want to provide to customers.

maybe this qualifies as a horizontal mini-split.... I am also thinking of this: E-Clima6000 Sleeper Cab AC

 

[aangel]

I've been watching videos of what Tesla might do if it enters the HVAC market. It seems like it might be increased efficiency plus integration, which is what they did with their cars (the octovalve). One opportunity for integration in my RV might be using the expelled heat from the AC to heat water for the hot water tap. It's a shame to throw all that heat away and then use propane to get hot water. And couldn't that same heat cool my refrigerator? I'm using ammonia heated by electricity or propane currently. It seems to me there is a lot of opportunity to make the whole setup more efficient.

And their heat pump in the Model Y works in low temps, too (apparently -4 F).

 

[eXodus]

I didn't find any DC (12, 24, or 48 volt) air conditioners that were cost effective. I can add two more batteries and more solar to my roof PLUS the 115v mini-split for the same or less than trying to use one of the DC air conditioners.

I think this is the main issue: Cost.

Those 24V truck A/Cs you can get in China / Asia / Australia for like 300-400. While on the US side they run you $900. (probably shipping and tariffs)
A DC Split system shouldn't be costing more then a Window A/C, they are small, compact, cheaply build. No patents, nothing..

One opportunity for integration in my RV might be using the expelled heat from the AC to heat water for the hot water tap. It's a shame to throw all that heat away and then use propane to get hot water. And couldn't that same heat cool my refrigerator? I'm using ammonia heated by electricity or propane currently. It seems to me there is a lot of opportunity to make the whole setup more efficient.

There is soooo much untapped integration potential in an RV.
The warm exhaust of your fridge could be used for the Waterheater Excess solar energy could be used in the Heater
The coolant of your engine could be used for waterheater. The waterheater could be used for radiant floor heating etc.

When you got a self driving RV - you already got a large A/C in your dashboard - why not use all those parts? Just switch the compressor to electric. why have another one on the roof?
I think Tesla is going the right direction. But as long as RVs are not built on a electric platform we will not see a lot of this. Would love to have electric Sprinter or GM Brightdrop based RV.

 

[kramertech]

I finally looked over all of the offerings from KingClima, and the CoolPro 3000 looks prefect for my needs. Just waiting to hear back from Danny Wu with the cost and more info. Pretty decent specs it looks like though.

CoolPro3000 Truck Cab Air Conditioner - KingClima

CoolPro3000 truck cab air conditioner is battery power ac that independent the truck engine to working for cooling solutions with 3000W cooling capacity and 12V or 24V voltage.

www.climaac.com

 

[eXodus]

I finally looked over all of the offerings from KingClima, and the CoolPro 3000 looks prefect for my needs. Just waiting to hear back from Danny Wu with the cost and more info. Pretty decent specs it looks like though.

CoolPro3000 Truck Cab Air Conditioner - KingClima

CoolPro3000 truck cab air conditioner is battery power ac that independent the truck engine to working for cooling solutions with 3000W cooling capacity and 12V or 24V voltage.

www.climaac.com

Danny Wu was very helpful until I wanted pricing and shipping cost.

Never got an answer to my inquiries. When I ask for a manual or additional information on the products it's send within hours. Is this a bot which answers ?

 

[Samsonite801]

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?

Did you already get the Dometic Harrier rooftop AC unit on your list?

RV Air Conditioners | Powerful, Quiet, Polished

Upgrade your RV comfort with smart design and powerful performance. Dometic Air Conditioners offer innovation, comfort, & sustainability wherever you roam.

www.dometic.com

 

[Partimewages]

Did you already get the Dometic Harrier rooftop AC unit on your list?

RV Air Conditioners | Powerful, Quiet, Polished

Upgrade your RV comfort with smart design and powerful performance. Dometic Air Conditioners offer innovation, comfort, & sustainability wherever you roam.

www.dometic.com

This is a EU unit. 50hz and 220 volts. Not a good option in the US.

 

[eXodus]

This is a EU unit. 50hz and 220 volts. Not a good option in the US.

not necessary a bad option either it's a full inverter Drop in RV unit. Easy to mount and compatible with the existing duct system of many modern RVs.
My only three appliances which are 115V are the A/C Microwave and Coffemaker. Everything else I got in 12V. Could just get a EU 220V Inverter and Microwave and a step down transformer (220V - 110V) for everything else. Most switching power supplies these days don't care if you are running 50 or 60HZ. Only motor driven appliances.

but this Thread is about DC Air - so this is off topic - nice unit but not for this.

 

[apcorob]

Danny Wu was very helpful until I wanted pricing and shipping cost.

Never got an answer to my inquiries. When I ask for a manual or additional information on the products it's send within hours. Is this a bot which answers ?

He got right back with me on shipping. I was in no hurry so I sat back so you could lead the way. Write him again as he responded...