Variable AC

[caprice]

So I live in central Arizona. In the summer it regulary gets to 115 degrees. sure its a dry heat, but its effin hot! Tint helps major. I think the right tint helps make it half as hot. You still really need AC. I have found that if I turn on the AC on for 5 seconds then run just the vent for 5 minunts and be fine. I can deal with it being 90 degrees or less in the car VS 150 degrees.

In the Eclipse I used to have, the AC had 2 modes hi and low. The High just made the compressor cycle more. Is there a way to make the cycle time lower, or even variable? Do you know what I mean?

[JanGeo]

A different size pulley driving the compressor would change the load on the engine but you still have to get up to liquifying pressure to make it cool which requires sufficent speed/volume. New compressors use variable vane technology which do it automatically like in my Scion and have no clutch pulley.

[hotroddr]

First off, welcome to the forum. Where in Az are you? Im near chandler.

ac in AZ....BAHH. I dont have ac in any of the cars I own. No window tint at all for me either. Sure its hot but if you drink a lot of water you wont die. My Daily driver is white so that helps a little. If you spend most of your time out of ac you get used to the heat.
I would suggest first insulating your car so that you keep more heat out/keep more cool in. I put foam/foil sticky backed insulation that is normally used for insulating ducts(about 1/8" thick) directly on the inside metal of the roof, then glued double foil backed jute insulation padding to that. It drastically cuts down on heat and noise. Cant you just manually cycle your ac on when you are slowing down or just cruising and turn it off when you accellerate? This might help efficiency.

[cfg83]

caprice -

I don't have to deal with your situation, but when I am on the freeway in the height of summer with the windows usually closed to reduce smog intake and increase aerodynamics, I run a 12 volt cigarette lighter fan. I mount it on the "passenger grab handle" behind the driver's seat. That way the fan is aimed at the back of my head and offer's some respite. I think it uses 5 Amps max.

When I can't take it, I put on the AC for just a little bit, always at the lowest setting, just like you do.

CarloSW2

[omgwtfbyobbq]

Get or rig an evaporative cooler as long as it's dry enough. They're really effective considering how much electricity they use.

[caprice]

Im in Chandler. Actualy I haven't had working ac for 3 years. I have 2 clip on fans and the vent on full blast. Driving for a few minunts doesn't bother me. I drive hours a day. I always bring a half gallon of ice water every day. I have every window but the driver's down partway. Actually its when your stopped in traffic is what really sucks. Not to sound like a wuss, but I drive a 1000miles a week.

I just thought of an idea. I could get a variable themastat and relay, like the on for my electric radiator fan, use it to regulate the AC clutch.

[cfg83]

caprice -

Originally Posted by caprice

Im in Chandler. Actualy I haven't had working ac for 3 years. I have 2 clip on fans and the vent on full blast. Driving for a few minunts doesn't bother me. I drive hours a day. I always bring a half gallon of ice water every day. I have every window but the driver's down partway. Actually its when your stopped in traffic is what really sucks. Not to sound like a wuss, but I drive a 1000miles a week.

I just thought of an idea. I could get a variable themastat and relay, like the on for my electric radiator fan, use it to regulate the AC clutch.

Terrible. I only drive 300+, and that wears me out.

Here are some ideas. I haven't tried them myself, but this is stuff I have found on the net :

Convert your cooler into an evaporative cooler for $40
http://www.kooleraire.com/ - El cheapo version of next two below


Kar Kool 212 - This is $240 , but might suit your needs best
http://southwest-solar.com/productca...atalog&UID=111


Even more expensive self contained systems (over $300) :
http://www.swampy.net/12vcombo.html

Personal Evaporative Coolers - Probably the best from an environmental standpoint (no 12V plug!), but it is higher maintenance for you.
http://coolerbars.com/


12V DC Personal Evaporative Air Conditioner and Humidifier - Hmmmm, no picture .
http://www.mobile-solar.com/site/708335/product/JYS2810


CarloSW2

[cfg83]

See next post

[cfg83]

Me -

Originally Posted by cfg83

caprice -


Terrible. I only drive 300+, and that wears me out.

Here are some ideas. I haven't tried them myself, but this is stuff I have found on the net :

... blah blah blah ...

Personal Evaporative Coolers - Probably the best from an environmental standpoint (no 12V plug!), but it is higher maintenance for you.
http://coolerbars.com/


... blah blah blah ...

CarloSW2

I just tried the Cooler Bar today. When it fills with water, it looks like a sausage :

Attachment 578

I think it has beads inside that are the same as the humidity absorption beads that you get in packaging.

I haven't hit August, but I did get stuck on the 710 South today (right lane closure that the @#%(*&@#$(*@&#$ radio didn't tell me about), and it definitely helped.

If I dye my hair blonde, then I can be Fred :

Attachment 579

CarloSW2

[minic6]

Insulation would be a great help. One of our gov. agencies did a test and found by insulating roof, doors, and your bulkhead it is a great help. Limo tint would be a plus. I think you can get away with that as I've seen it alot in Phoneix when I'm at DPG. If you've noticed when you cycle your A/C on it puts quite a load on the engine so cycling good be Bad? How about a plexi divider from front to back to minimize your cooling area. Plus all those niffty coolers look promising. I'm going to get one of those neck things when I'm out in Aug. I always melt!!!!!!!!!