Air Conditioning for Replika

[CTCH20V]

Hi there!

I have a replika that needs some cool air. I was talking to an auto shop here and they recommended installing a proper system, but I am unsure. Apparently, in a modern automobile, the A/C system will use around 4 horsepower (3.0 kW) of the engine's power, thus increasing fuel consumption of the vehicle. If you consider an electric system that runs on 12V, this would roughly be equal to 250 amps. This unit which is purely electric uses less than 1 horsepower – therefore also only ¼ of the cooling power. Is that correct or am I missing something? I mean surely your system works right?

Attached an image of the engine bay. The red circle indicates the space where I can mount a traditional compressor, or the electric kit that you offer. There is also enough space for a larger electric alternator. That can be accessed really easily.

I really want to understand how this will all work here before continuing. Please let me know!

 

[Jonny Retrofit]

Yes, old school mechanical compressors use around 4HP and are 'cycled' using a clutch.  ON, OFF, ON, etc

Our electric pump uses around 80A @ 12V  ( about 1000W ) input power.   The output power, however, is higher since the COP (Coefficient of Performance) means its cooling capacity is around 3000W.

Now, if the clutch based mechanical compressor is cycling on a 50% on, 50% off basis, it is only actual providing 50% of the stated the cooling power.  The electric compressor runs all the time so it's cooling power is not reduced.

On balance, the electric compressor does have LESS power, but a clutch based mechanical compressor is somewhat misrepresented in its specification.

The electric compressor will never be as powerful as a mechanical one, but we compensate by specifying high grade modern highly efficient components for the other parts of the system.  Our focus is on small cabin sports cars that want a lightweight and discreet system.