Electrical airconditioner compresser

[mudnut]

G'day, all. The Old Trol's aircon compressor is shot, so I have been toying with the idea of installing an electric airconditoner compressor from a Prius or some other more modern vehicle.

This would be advantageous in that there would be no need to run a belt, tensioner and clutch, and the unit would also be more resistant to mud, dust and water.

The control circuitry is the complicated thing, as it uses a high voltage three phase system. Although I would run it as basically, low medium and high.

I have had a bit of a search if anyone has done the conversion but have not been successful. Ideas anyone?

[Mike02Ti]

That is a cool idea (pun intended)


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[Turtle_au]

Have you ever run a 12volt compressor driven fridge off your vehicle?

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[mudnut]

No, actually. I run a three-way absorbtion method fridge. What are you saying? That they are pathetic? The Higher voltage runs a lot differently than a 12 volt motor. Minus the amperage used to run the clutch, I am hoping a 70 amp alternator will handle it.

[Turtle_au]

Just had quick look online. You would be better off with a complete system like they fit to hotrods and retro vehicles. They draw about 25 to 35 amps.

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[mudnut]

Just had quick look online. You would be better off with a complete system like they fit to hotrods and retro vehicles. They draw about 25 to 35 amps.

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Probably. I was thinking of just running an AC inverter, and fitting a capacitor to one set of windings, and an inductor to another. With the third set running as per normal it creates a rotating magnetic field that acts like the three phase power supply.

http://www.rencool.com.au/product/md-18-series/ Something like this could be a goer too, especially that it runs soft start technology.

Or these, https://www.seanhylandmotorsport.com...right-for-you/

[Turtle_au]

AC inverter, lead, lag windings, etc. I think a pulley,belt and tensioner are easier.
And I'm an electrician/fridgie.

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[mudnut]

AC inverter, lead, lag windings, etc. I think a pulley,belt and tensioner are easier.
And I'm an electrician/fridgie.

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Simpler yes, but bloody expensive to repair after a dunking. I have always used the aircon every week to keep the oil up to the seal. The unit was serviced a couple of years ago too. I have been quoted up to a grand to get it fixed, so I do not want to invest in a system that is prone to failure.

[dom14]

I don't think you're likely to get away with less than a grand with an electric AC compressor setup, 'cos everything you're looking at will be a custom job, be it you do the work or you get somebody else to do the work.
Your mechanical belt driven stock compressor failure is most likely due to old age of wear & tear.
You can source a used AC compressor or buy a new one, but either way you should be able to getaway with fair bit less than a grand.
You only need to take the vehicle to an AC mechanic to get it dehumidified & re-gassed.
Electric compressor idea is a good thing as a project, but I have my doubts about it being any cheaper.

[GeeYou8]

Altronics have a kit for a 3 phase converter, you would still need to get 240v to it, your efficiency would be pretty poor. When my alternator died I measured the current draw from the battery with the aircon fans running, 27 amps, we drove 200km home in 40C without aircon. With the full 70 amps & 12 volts minus 1/3 for fans, if you had 80% efficiency in your inverter & converter you would be down to around 400w available at the compressor at full alternator load. That wont cool much, and you would have to turn everything else electrical off. Or you could run a cooling suit and a thermo electric fridge.
Graham