Walter-

You: "Sort of like the cold equivalent of trying to weld with a match?"

Exactly. You will note that CA refrigeration is always used for very-well
insulated spaces, which don't get opened and closed much. The cooling
ability of this type of system is limited, but useful for refrigerators.

Your van, on the other hand, is a big greenhouse, with little insulation,
and a hot radiator and motor in close proximity to the relatively
un-insulated metal of the vehicle. You would need the CA system off an old
battleship to cool your van.

G. Matthew Bulley
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree

-----Original Message-----
From:   Walter Gomes [SMTP:wgomes@EARTHLINK.NET]
Sent:   Friday, July 02, 1999 1:34 AM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Continuous absorption air conditioning

Has anyone seen or used an Continuous absorption AC system
(compressorless like the fridge)?  Think of it, you could have ac while
parked, no compressor to steal power from the engine, no ozone depleting
chemicals. The cabinet in the back where the curtains are stowed  could
accomodate it.  Propane fired (second vent at the back of the van) and
use small blowers over the evaporator without too huge a draw on the
battery. After poking about on the web I've found lots of info on how
the system works in refrigerators and freezers, but have not found any
mobile AC units. Am I missing something? Sort of like the cold
equivalent of trying to weld with a match? Anybody BTDT? Any rocket
scientists out there with some spit and chewing gum?
Walter