

| Subject: | Re: Aftermarket Rooftop Cooling Experiences? |
| From: | Edward Maglott |
| Date: | Sat, 14 May 2011 11:07:23 -0400 |
I had an idea similar to this that I don't think anyone has tried yet. Here's my previous old post on the subject: Edward > I'd also like to have AC when I visit a campground in the > summer. I've seen the rigs to mount the window AC unit in the > passenger window or in the luggage rack. They seem to require more > setup/take down time than I'd ideally like. I do like the fact that > you just leave the whole thing at home in the cooler months. > > So here's my idea. Use one of those freestanding rolling AC units > that has air exchange hoses to connect to a window. Strap it in > place somewhere like behind the passenger seat. hook hoses to handy > window with DIY adapter plate. While camping it uses shore power-- > easy. For driving it runs off an inverter connected to aux > battery. Here's my concept breakthrough: replace the AC compressor > on the engine with another alternator. They're cheap, even for an 80 > or 100 amp model. 100 amps = 1200 watts. Should be pretty easy to > fabricate a bracket to mount the additional alternator. It will not > put much load on the engine when there is no load on it, or it's belt > could be removed in the off season. > > Questions/Ideas: Is 1200 watts enough to power an AC unit big enough > to cool a vanagon going down the road on a hot day? Or one parked in > the sun with the top up? I'm thinking some adjustable air deflectors > inside the van to direct the cool air toward the drivers when driving > or elsewhere when not. Maybe big flexible hose for that? Perhaps > the outside air heat exchanger could take advantage of ram air when > moving to improve efficiency? >
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