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Old 07-21-2008, 09:46 PM   #11 (permalink)
lovemysan
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: kansas city, mo
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gutless wonder - '02 Saturn sl sohc
90 day: 40.17 mpg (US)

econoburban - '05 chevy surburban 2wd LT
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Quote:
Originally Posted by metromizer View Post
I think you will be disappointed with driving the compressor with an electric motor, that is driven off the alternator. Reason? every time you convert one form of energy to another, you loose efficiency. I have wondered about efficiency ratings for compressors for years, but it seems to me that unless your car is an EV, the most direct drive approach will be the most efficient.

Running that a/c compressor and coupled electric motor off a bank of 'on board batteries' however, that you charge up from a solar photovoltaic system, might have running your car's a/c system for nothing.




I owened couple of 'hardbody' Nissans in the 90's and really liked that a/c feature. I would turn off the a/c buttom while getting on a freeway or climbing a grade. Too bad the 2.4 liter wasn't a little more frugal with the fuel



It just doesn't seem right, almost ridiculous, doesn't it? Yet most automobile a/c systems are set up that way.
I think your right. There would be a serious eff loss using the electric motor drive method. Unfortunately for me I have limited resources and limited amount of time. This project will probly never get off the ground.

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