50 feet of high pressure hoses is indeed a lot of weight. One option, if you want to keep A/C, and use compressed refrigerant for it, is to ditch all the lines running to the rear, and the stock compressor, and install a compressor for an electric/hybrid car up front that is powered by an internal electric motor. They're still heavy, but some are fairly compact, and the Fiero doesn't need a huge one, given the cabin space is so small.
Likewise, the lines for the heater core, the core itself, and the coolant that fills them, is a fair bit of weight. A ceramic or similar electric unit will save some weight and keep some heat for the cabin.
The site is a bit slow, but it seems they have many 12-24V compressors. It also has pretty bad English, and they're made in China. Not sure what the quality of them is, but they look interesting (some of them are quite small).
Masterflux might make some other 12-24V models, but that's the only one that ReVolt has, I think. Better quality for sure, but a bit pricey compared to just keeping stock.
I haven't done any research on OEM units in the Prius or other hybrid (or all electric) cars, so not sure if any of them are 12-24V as well.
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Originally posted by ericjon262: I feel like you've been spying on one of my threads dobey...
I've been meaning to contact people in the marine a/c business, as many are 12v standalone
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Originally posted by ericjon262:
these two are about half the capacity to the one linked to earlier, I don't really like the "made in china" aspect of them though...
the "Sierra" doesn't list their country of origin, so I think it's fair to assume it's not made in USA, and probably china. there's more specs on their website:
They have plenty of US production facilities, having been around for 80 years. They have much better quality assurance than many of the unknown origin Chinese parts too. Even if some of the components or compressors do get made in China, I think it's safe to assume the higher quality standards will stay in place, as they do for brands like AC Delco, Timken, etc…
The Rigid Auto compressors though, I have no idea what level of standards they might adhere to (or claim to adhere to but not actually do so).
we may need to keep looking though, looks like the 12V systems might not have enough ass to do the job...
The last time this came up I looked up Prius A/C compressors. There seem to be two, an electric one and a mechanical one. That may be how it's done. The electric compressor only provides part of the cooling, probably just enough so the engine can shut off part of the time.
Electric AC often waste power for a gas engine. You just switch load from engine to a big alternator. (Big trucks often use a rack of batteries to use EAC to satisfy No Idle rules. See www.arcticbreeze-truckac.com/content/no-idle.html )
V5 compressor is ~same weight vs DA6/HR6 but uses less power overall. V5 doesn't use the clutch to regulate AC pressure. Switching to V5 might be hard to find right pulley and/or bracket(s). I know GM use then on later V6 engines but w/ serpent belt pulleys.
Note that Most ECM/PCM cuts off AC when TB/TBI is at/near WOT.
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Originally posted by dobey: I wonder what tons of cooling actually means, in that post.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
Originally posted by theogre: Many EAC doesn't save much, if any, weight vs belt drive units. Fiero compressor weight ~15#. http://www.masterflux.com/products/sierra/ most are 10-15#.
The goal isn't necessarily about saving weight, but moving to equalize weight distribution. So instead of that 15 lbs being in the rear passenger side, it gets moved to the front center, for example (such as the battery relocation kit). The long A/C lines can also be removed by moving the compressor up front, which simplifies the system, makes repairs in case of leaks easier, and loses a little more weight than just any difference in compressor weight.
A solid state system without any liquid/gas refrigerant would also mean losing a lot more weight, as there would be no compressor, lines, condensor, or accumulator. A solid state system could also replace the heater core at the same time, completely removing the extra weight of those lines and the coolant in them, as well as allowing a simpler HVAC control setup, removing the blend door and associated equipment.