a DC powered mini split

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

maybe these have been around But this is the first one i seen. with a few members using mini splits I been researching and came across this Dc 48 volt mini split
https://www.hotspotenergy.com/DC-air-conditioner/


looks like you need some battery power

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by NEWYORKHILLBILLY

looks like you need some battery power

That's an understatement!

An air conditioner has a lot of work to do, so it takes a lot of power. In this case, it's up to 20 amps at 48 volts or 980 watts... that would be 80 amps at 12 volts, or enough to run a small microwave oven at full power. That's okay for a few minutes at a time to cook in a microwave, but hours of air conditioning per day isn't a reasonable expectation for a travel trailer with a typical solar system and battery.

[UncleTim]

It also means it is over the 15 amp limit so you need 30 amp shore power to run it when not using battery power. If it ran on 15 amp power it would be more useful, since 15 amp service is more common (at home).

Another consideration is air conditioners work best when they are vented to atmosphere, meaning to the outside. This one seems to recirculate the air inside of the trailer. Meaning it recirculate hot air discharge in the camper too. This contributes to the inefficiency of the design. I am not sure this recirculates but it looks like it.

Brian is right. Air conditioners, by their very nature, consume massive electricity to produce cool air.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by UncleTim

It also means it is over the 15 amp limit so you need 30 amp shore power to run it when not using battery power. If it ran on 15 amp power it would be more useful, since 15 amp service is more common (at home).

Another consideration is air conditioners work best when they are vented to atmosphere, meaning to the outside. This one seems to recirculate the air inside of the trailer. Meaning it recirculate hot air discharge in the camper too. This contributes to the inefficiency of the design. I am not sure this recirculates but it looks like it.

I think you are mistaken. The 20 amps you see on the spec sheet is at 48V DC. The unit would be lower in amperage at 120V AC but this unit does not run on AC power, only DC power. I much prefer my 120V AC mini-split that runs on shore power (grid or generator) and could potentially be run on an inverter tied to an appropriate battery bank. Probably the easiest and most flexible way to do it. I'm willing to deal with the small inefficiency of the inverter power conversion of 12VDC to 120VAC.

Also the indoor unit recirculates the cool indoor air and maintains a neutral pressure which is what you want for efficiency. The heat is rejected via refrigerant that is piped to the outdoor unit. Standalone A/C units with a single duct to the outside like some use in their homes are very inefficient because they will put the trailer under a negative pressure and constantly draw in more unconditioned air. They are also much louder because the compressor and condenser fan is inside versus outside.

[UncleTim]

How often would you need to use your AC? Is this all Summer long or once in a while?


I think your understanding is better than mine.