I am always fantasizing about having a energy efficient air conditioner for van life, anyone seen any concepts in tech news or anything?
- Thread starter oldspice
- Start date
Don't make me break out my hvac license on this thread!
Heh...
One pipe units, be it a server rack unit, or a portable unit are garbage for space cooling.
Trying to run one off batteries and solar is a fools waste of wattage.
If the server unit can draw the condenser air from outside, it would be better, but it is still a pittance of cooling for a vehicle like a van.
Ev compressors with compatible oil to the refrigerant chosen are the best, minisplits are next if condenser space exists...
I'm thinking about building a rail mount ac system for my van
Use a large refrigerator setup...
Heh...
One pipe units, be it a server rack unit, or a portable unit are garbage for space cooling.
Trying to run one off batteries and solar is a fools waste of wattage.
If the server unit can draw the condenser air from outside, it would be better, but it is still a pittance of cooling for a vehicle like a van.
Ev compressors with compatible oil to the refrigerant chosen are the best, minisplits are next if condenser space exists...
I'm thinking about building a rail mount ac system for my van
Use a large refrigerator setup...
Maast
Compulsive Tinkerer
Surprised nobody has mentioned the 'Zero Breeze' portable AC unit yet, its a dual hose input/exhaust and provides 650 watts of cooling @ 240 watts of power used (whatever that works out to in BTU) and runs directly off 24V DC power. Spendy though, about $900
https://www.zerobreeze.com/pages/mark2
Edit: 650 watts converts to 2217 BTU.
https://www.zerobreeze.com/pages/mark2
Edit: 650 watts converts to 2217 BTU.
Last edited:
Yeah... that is about 2,218.43BTUH OR JUST over 1/5 of a ton...
Kinda spendy for a novelty cooler.
Maast
Compulsive Tinkerer
Niche market, if I had a van in hot country I'd probably go for it if I couldnt find a RV rooftop AC unit that'd work.
I sell a lot of ac equipment. I have commercial coolers, I have a sub-zero cooler set.
I think combined with an inverter ecm driven compressor i can custom build a system that will sip power, and be very efficient...
I think combined with an inverter ecm driven compressor i can custom build a system that will sip power, and be very efficient...
eXodus
Solar Addict
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What is your professional opinion about those:
346.68US $ 32% OFF|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
seems somewhat simple DIY R134A - not super efficiently - but looks like easy to mount to either a roof rack or underneath the vehicle
That’s essentially what a dehumidifier is...smaller than a AC, bigger than a mini fridge. It just heats the air after it has cooled it off: interrupt that and you have a weak AC or powerful fridge ? I used one in exactly that manner to control fermentation temps back in my home brewing days.
A small mini split would be MUCH more efficient...
Sounds like there is a need for it!
This guy was working on a new AC. I don't know how far he's gotten since posting about his project
diysolarforum.com
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
Looks like a simple solution. Also looks like it is variable speed... I wish it had specifications.What is your professional opinion about those:
346.68US $ 32% OFF|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
seems somewhat simple DIY R134A - not super efficiently - but looks like easy to mount to either a roof rack or underneath the vehicle
What is your professional opinion about those:
346.68US $ 32% OFF|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
The shipping cost is almost as much as the unit unfortunately.
eXodus
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There are some specs when you scroll down the Ali Article
Voltage: DC 12V / 24V Current: 50A+-2 / 30A+-2 Rated speed: 2000 / 2600rpm Speed range: 1800rpm - 3000rpm Rated power: 600W / 800w
eXodus
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even with shipping - it's $800 for the whole system.
You are saving a huge inverter - because it's direct DC. So might make sense in some cases.
And this is only the beginning - when more people ask and order the price will come down.
I ordered this unit. It took about 3 weeks to get here. I should have it installed on my van this weekend. The compressor is actually 12v so I am happy with that. I know of read about some people that got "12v" units that just had a boost converter for a 24v compressor. I am still trying to figure out what modes and such it has. I think it is variable speed.
Factory Cheap Portable Truck Radiator 24v Dc Electric Car Air Conditioner 12v Excavator Construction Vehicle Ac Conditioner - Buy 24v Dc Electric Car Air Conditioner Universally 12v Car Vehicle Air Conditioner,Truck Air Conditioner Parking Air Condit
Factory Cheap Portable Truck Radiator 24v Dc Electric Car Air Conditioner 12v Excavator Construction Vehicle Ac Conditioner - Buy 24v Dc Electric Car Air Conditioner Universally 12v Car Vehicle Air Conditioner,Truck Air Conditioner Parking Air Conditioner Vehicle Electric Air Conditioner...
www.alibaba.com
OnTheRoadAgain
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OnTheRoadAgain
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eXodus
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that's cooling power for people in the metric system which don't work with weird imperial units
2300watt cooling power = roughly 8000 BTU
The electrical power it draws will be somewhere around 600-800 watt
This is about what I was told. I'm going going to order a power supply for some testing. I'm trying to decide is I can get away with 800w or if I need 1000w. I'm worried about the start.
Zwy
Emperor Of Solar
That is a nice unit. I wonder if it could be mounted vertically along a wall. Only 6.5 inches tall above a roof. Keeps us posted on the results.