Air Conditioning System

[swokrams]

While we are at it, has anyone installed an auto air conditioning system on their A4? The May 2005 pin-up picture shows a compressor (I think).

Steve

[tenders]

Is that possibly the compressor for a coldplate refrigeration system? I haven't heard a story of one of those being installed on an A4 either, though it seems like a great idea. I'm a weekend sailor on a mooring, and all I end up using is ICE. My 12V Adler-Barbour system really isn't that practical. It lacks the oomph to really cool anything down quickly. Running it full time with a giant solar panel is impractical and unnecessary. Running it for a day of sailing challenges the batteries. If I need to run the engine to charge the batteries anyway, why not have it really whomp the fridge while it's on?

[msmith10]

Tenders,
I, too, am mostly a weekend sailor, but I love my 12v Adler/Barbour system. I do not leave it on when I'm away from the boat as I've seen some do, both to save the energy and prolong the longevity of the system. It's quite old. I do precool beverages before I load them in, and rarely will put a bag of ice in to help out initially, but the fridge keeps everything good and cold for as long as I need to. Only in the hottest (95+) temperature with high humidity does it struggle. Have you checked the refrigerant charge? I have 3 batteries on board , with 2 batteries as my engine and house batteries, the 3rd just on the charger but not connected to the rest of the system, for engine starting if all else fails, and I've never had to use it. Also, the insulation is paramount. My icebox has only about 1" of insulation. It is not very accessible so I can't really add insulation without adding it to the inside. I did add 2" on the top, but didn't want to lose too much space so I didn't put it all around). I'd love to find some way to just "foam" in more insulation around the sides and bottom without tearing the whole thing out.

[tenders]

It is possible that my charge is a little low nowadays but I had it recharged back before Freon was illegal and the result wasn't much different. It's fine for maintaining stuff that's already cold. It's just that I'm not in "maintenance" mode very often and a coldplate system would get more use.

(Is it even possible for a hack like me to convert an Adler/Barbour system to new refrigerant?)

Anyway, the upshot is that I'm not entirely sure the photo is for an air conditioner.

[msmith10]

I also noticed that compressor a few months ago, or whenever that engine was featured. I wondered what it was for and assumed it was for an air conditioner, but I don't know. It would be nice if the owner would comment. As for a non-freon conversion, I don't know what would be necessary- probably at least new seals. You're right- if the stuff isn't already cold the fridge takes a long time to cool it down, and with non-freon refrigerant I suspect it would take even longer.

[Chip Hindes]

Probably a cold plate system. An auto-type A/C doesn't make sense on a sailboat. It only works when the motor is running and even then you have to be sealed up in the cabin to take advantage of it. As soon as the motor is off, no A/C. When you need A/C is at night for sleeping or entertaining in the cabin, when at the dock or on the hook, and you'd be foolish if not crazy to run the motor at the dock or on the hook just for A/C. At those times, what makes more sense is conventional A/C run from shore power or a small auxiliary generator.

[swokrams]

Chip,

Actually I was thinking about my wife who can get overheaded easily. She loves to sail and I am trying to do everything to keep her on the boat with me.

I was thinking about running a duct to the V berth which can be closed off from the salon where the engine is located.

Shore power is the way to go when in a slip. But I want something when we are at sea.

Steve

[Chip Hindes]

Understand.

In that case an automotive (or powerboat) type engine driven A/C might be the way to go.

The evaporator (fan and cooling part) of the A/C can be mounted anywhere you want it, including in the forward cabin. You just connect it to compressor with longer hoses which could be routed through the bilges. Many years ago I had a long WB van with the evaporator mounted to the ceiling just forward of the rear doors, and that worked great. The hoses ran underneath the van secured to the frame rails.

The condenser could be a problem. You'll have to hang it out in the breeze somewhere or possibly mount a water cooled model. Hoses, hull penetrations, etc.

Another problem could be heeling. Air conditioners generally like to be level. A few degrees won't matter but running a a constant, high angle of heel might cause poor performance if not damage.

Good luck.

[swokrams]

Chip,

I was actually thinking of using a heat exchanger for the evaporator. My neighbor used to service HVAC systems, so maybe he could recommend an expansion valve? This pretty much blue sky right now.

One could always throw a mongo generator on the A-4, wire up and big DC to AC convertor, and stick a cheap window AC unit over the Vee berth hatch. That would be the path of least engineering. As long as my mate is happy.

Steve

[tenders]

Mongo generator?

This one'll save you having to do the DC-to-AC conversion step yourself.

10,000 watts, $279.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45416

Might need some tweaking to the accessory shaft.

[swokrams]

Tenders,

WHOA! Not sure where I would put that. I'm trying to figure out where to put a water pump. I was thinking about 12oo Watts. That's 1.6 HP, so maybe 2.0 HP loaded onto my lovely A-4, accounting for losses.

Would be kind of exciting (dangerous maybe?) to have that much power aboard. I could light up the Bay.

Steve

[MikeB.330]

Man, that thing wouldn't leave any power left to turn the prop. :D

Mike