Air Conditioning Info.

[Lil4X]

^^ I think those are valid points. Turning the compressor at engine speed introduces a lot of mechanical losses when the job of maintaining cabin temperature is solely handled by a variable expansion valve. Most of the time a fixed displacement compressor, if it is calibrated to cool the cabin at speeds just off idle, is going to by hammering away against the expansion valve at 2000 rpm and up. That's a waste of energy - and makes life miserable for the rotating components in the compressor, essentially recycling the same liquids at high speed.

Now an electric compressor can produce the same pumping efficiency as a variable-displacement compressor, but can also be throttled up and down to meet the demand of the system - that is controlled by pressure without the swash plate and pilot valve that has to select its angle to the shaft, thus altering the stroke of the compressor's pistons.

No, there aren't any free lunches here - that electrical energy to drive the compressor has to come from the alternator - but the battery can act as a buffer here to mitigate the electrical load as the compressor is cycled on and off. At the same time the mechanical shock as the magnetic clutch is engaged at speed on a conventional engine-driven compressor - often starting the compressor suddenly against high head pressure - can be eased by an electric motor slowly ramping up the torque on the compressor.

I'm no expert, but that just seems like a much better solution. Electric motors are far cheaper than they used to be and can be integrated into the compressor itself to reduce the number of parts - and potential points of failure. Now, the cost advantage of such a system needs to be reviewed, but I see it as a matter similar to the selection of a cam-drive chain over a belt. OK, the belt is a lot cheaper, but in the long run, it's going so save the owner a lot of maintenance costs.

 

[skygazer6033]

Viable arguments all. Electric compressors may have some advantages but it seems to me an engine driven variable displacement compressor like a Harrison V5 would have the same advantages as electric but more efficient and is proven technology. Crimson says you can put an electric unit anywhere there's room. Where might that be in an Elio.

 

[pistonboy]

While talking to Jerome in Jacksonville, he explained that the A/C for the car was to be an electric motor A/C like in the rear of a Chrysler minivan. This is a great idea so it won't steal HP from the engine by using a compressor.

Also the question came up, would the Elio have A/C and heat vents routed to the rear passenger area? Being I'm in South Florida, it would be very important.

Has this subject been beat to death on another thread? Sorry if it has.

I noticed the word "was" is used which is past tense. Is electric AC still planned today?

True, there is nothing free. The energy does ultimately come from the engine and energy conversions between electrical and mechanical do have losses. However there is no rotating shaft to seal and these sometimes have loss of refrigerant.

The nice thing about electric AC is the generator can be deactivated at times of acceleration and no loss of power is felt. The AC and remainder of car run off of the battery for that brief period. After acceleration, the generator can be gracefully reactivated (feeling no sudden reduction of power). There is no loss of power for acceleration and no loss of cooling as in systems where the mechanical compressor is disconnected during acceleration.

I use the term generator instead of alternator because any device changing mechanical power to electrical power is a generator whether the power is AC or DC. An alternator is an AC generator with a 6 diode full wave rectifier to change it to DC. Alternator is a term coined by the advertising departments of automobile companies to convince people they hade something new and improved. It is advertising hype that has stuck.

 

[Gas-Powered Awesome]

Alternator is a term coined by the advertising departments of automobile companies to convince people they hade something new and improved. It is advertising hype that has stuck.

Except, that word has been around since before cars. 1883 according to Miriam Webster. Though I have no doubt the auto advertising departments started using it strictly for marketing.

 

[Truett Collins]

My only concern is WILL IT COOL? And not break down.

 

[pistonboy]

Except, that word has been around since before cars. 1883 according to Miriam Webster. Though I have no doubt the auto advertising departments started using it strictly for marketing.

True, it has been around a long time, but it has not been used much until the automotive "alternator" came into existence. The companies creating the 60 Hz power for our homes refer to their machines as generators. However the marketing companies have brought it back into vogue.

 

[Ekh]

No power steering on the Elio. Doesn't need it. One less draw on engine HP.

 

[atomic13]

My apologies for beginning this thread. I only wanted to make sure my passengers are comfortable. Yes I will have passengers on many occasions. If the powers to be would like to delete this post, feel free.

Once again, my deepest apologies to all.

 

[JEBar]

My apologies for beginning this thread. I only wanted to make sure my passengers are comfortable. Yes I will have passengers on many occasions. If the powers to be would like to delete this post, feel free.

Once again, my deepest apologies to all.

don't see as how you have any reason to apologize .... its a good topic, one that is relevant to most folks who live in the lower half of the country .... with the small passenger compartment and no rear window, I really don't think it will take a large AC unit to cool and Elio

Jim

 

[ross]

My apologies for beginning this thread. I only wanted to make sure my passengers are comfortable. Yes I will have passengers on many occasions. If the powers to be would like to delete this post, feel free.

Once again, my deepest apologies to all.

I will be commuting on a daily basis with my wife in the rear seat, so yes it is a concern that she is comfortable in all weather conditions, from -10 to +110, but as has been stated, a small passenger compartment, shouldn't be a problem with climate control, heated seats for both of us and I like the A/C cooler than she does (I work outside she has an office job). I'm more concerned with rear seat heat for her in winter than cool in summer so heated seats for us both, never had before. Can anyone find me a heated steering wheel? I'm sure I'm not the only one that would love one, will pay $$. Someone has to have developed one. They put all kinds of other controls in the steering wheel or center hub, come on, how 'bout a little heat.