brushless air conditioners

GeorgeC

GeorgeC

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GeorgeC
I was thinking about those micro forced air RV heaters that run on diesel, and got wondering to myself, self, do you reckon they make air conditioners that small? It seems that they do:

https://rigidchill.com/micro-dc-aircon/

14x10x7 ish. I am skeptical of the claim of 12V at 8A, but even if it draws twice that at ~200W, you could still do ok with a portable power pack.
 
Eh - lots of questions. Are you on your own to design the outside air intake/hot air discharge? Interior air intake/interior air venting? What about the condensate?
 
Assuming you are considering modifying your airplane to accommodate it, I presume it is an experimental, in which case I would suggest a simple ice box in the vent supply with an overboard drain. Fill it with ice when leaving the hanger, by the time it has melted (and lost it’s added weight) you should have been able to climb to cooler altitudes. Zero mechanical worries or complications.
 
I have a snappy ice chest AC, and yeah it works for 1 - 2 hours. But getting and schlepping the ice is a pain. If I could get an airplane powered AC I would.
 
Going to have to build an insulated plenum to capture the expelled heat and vent it overboard, as well as the condensate drain. I'd be hardwiring it, or making sure a 12V receptacle was robust-enough to run it under continuous 10-15A loads.
 
Anyone have the courage to ask for a price on the Rigid?
 
I found this one while looking for something to put in an old truck. Haven’t gotten one yet, so can’t verify its effectiveness.
Underdash A/C
 
I’m looking at this. Portable so no STC needed, no fabrication needed, can attach vent ducts for heat exchanger output and input, drain tube for condensate, etc. Runs for a few hours on its battery, so I don’t need a second alternator, etc. 5200 BTU should be enough for a cockpit.

www.zerobreeze.com

ZERO BREEZE Mark 3 AC

Meet ZERO BREEZE Mark 3, the most powerful portable AC yet. With 5,280 BTU cooling power and weighing under 22 pounds, it’s perfect for spaces up to 150 square feet. Set your ideal temperature between 61°F and 88°F and enjoy unmatched climate control wherever you go.
www.zerobreeze.com www.zerobreeze.com
 
Flatiowa said:
Assuming you are considering modifying your airplane to accommodate it, I presume it is an experimental, in which case I would suggest a simple ice box in the vent supply with an overboard drain. Fill it with ice when leaving the hanger, by the time it has melted (and lost it’s added weight) you should have been able to climb to cooler altitudes. Zero mechanical worries or complications.
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assuming FBOs/ private strips have ice machines is a big ask. also giving up space a load for something that lasts 60 minutes?
 
pfarber said:
assuming FBOs/ private strips have ice machines is a big ask. also giving up space a load for something that lasts 60 minutes?
Click to expand...
Good points. Even if the FBO had an ice machine, I’m not going to be that guy who empties their ice machine into my 5 gallon bucket to pack my ice chest cooler. You’d get the courtesy car and go the nearest gas station that sells bags of ice.

So while I’m using my ice chest AC cooler now, again, I really want a better option. Yep - true first world problem here :) .
 
if its your AC you can get a lot out to passive heat mitigation. tinted windows with UV block are a good option. they are peel on/off to they ar not considered permanent installation. Improved vents but that requires modifications but there are a lot of window scoops out there. Also getting air OUT of the cabin is just as important. Do you have and aft vent? cool air in and hot air out.
 
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