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Lighter A/C

 Massive R-134a Car Climate System -- For What?
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All I need is a plug for the cig lighter (my car's retro standard feature) and two modules for the silly useless two-holer cup holder -- one a mini dehumidifier and the other a small thermos for holding the condensate.

Something that size should hold the car's temp down by about ten degrees and dry the interior. Does essentially what the hundred pounds of crap bolted to the engine is doing now.

I'm not complaining.

—reensure, May 13 2002


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Annotation:







       Why are so many A/C systems in (non-American, usually) cars so feeble?  Also, is a 10º differential enough?
—bristolz, May 13 2002
   

       <thinks of his former automotive A/C manufacturing employer going down in flames and smiles broadly.>
—RayfordSteele, May 13 2002
   

       Seriously, though, I think part of the reason is the smaller engines in most non-American cars. Another is an under-appreciation in some cultures for exactly how hot and humid it can get, and how much Westerners (and Aussies) drive.   

       Incidentally, if you _do_ remove your A/C system, be sure and capture all the R134a first. It's a pretty nasty chemical for skin contact, especially when it comes in contact with humidity. Instant hydrochloric aid.   

       Interested to know from UB how well Australian A/C typically works, since Aussie vehicle culture buys into the American oversized engine philosophy, and often takes it a step further.
—RayfordSteele, May 13 2002
   

       I've noticed though, that the big Euro marques (Mercedes, BMW, Volvo) also have rather anemic A/C (usually climate control systems). American cars, especially American luxury cars, usually have monster A/C that blows ice cold.
—bristolz, May 13 2002
   

       I currently have a 1981 Benz wagon with a 5 cylinder diesel. The climate control A/C on that car is the only thing about it that approaches high performance. It does a fine job of dealing with our 115F+ degree days. The A/C in my 1984 BMW on the other hand *would* quite accurately be characterized as anemic.   

       But it's a dry heat.
—half, May 13 2002
   

       [half]: While you're above average in height your standards for A/C are low.
—bristolz, May 13 2002
   

       <still on a tangent> Yeah. I'm not a high maintenance kinda guy. Any system that can actually keep you cool in the summer is a good system. My other vehicle has no A/C at all unless you count the pop-up cowl vent and pop-out side vent. I've driven it that way in the desert heat for over 15 years. A/C-wise, anything is an improvement over that. </tangent>
—half, May 13 2002
   

       My Cast Iron Saab has A/C, though I won't spoil myself with it - it's built in Sweden fer Kris sake. By choice, I've driven for many years without A/C, as the climate in L.A. is reasonable, though today was toasty. Glad I don't live in the Valley.
—thumbwax, May 13 2002
   

       Any truth to the rumor that Dundee character is a real taste of the Outback? Seems he likes the Subaru alot; to his credit, the Fuji folk seem to have done A/C right … I loved my GL for performance and good climate in both hot and cold extremes. Those copper radiators are wonderful in their own right <gotta go -- feel a rant coming on>
—reensure, May 14 2002
   

       I had a Subaru GL - I blacked some letters so it read SUB
—thumbwax, May 14 2002
   

       technically all A/C systems should be banned. they contribute to global warming.
—Gallo Pinto, Mar 14 2007
   

       oh ok, try driving around when it's 42 degrees and 80% humidity.   

       Technically cows should be banned for the same reason.
—Custardguts, Mar 14 2007
   

       I'm curious as to how you plan to remove the water vapor from the air without cooling it to the dew point. If you've ever noticed water dripping from your car while the A/C is running, that's your moisture. It's true that dryer air will lighten the load on the a/c system, but how will you dry the air?   

       [Gallo] Not true. The chemical refrigerants are what purportedly contribute to global warming. Also, lithium bromide a/c plants offer no global warming potential (save energy for operation).
—wittyhoosier, Mar 14 2007
   

       What's the power requirement of a typical car aircon (in kW or whatever)? Presumably it's a good few kW, since I know that using the aircon is meant to have a noticeable effect on performance of smaller cars (?). In which case you're looking at a hundred amps or more at 12V, surely? Or have I screwed up somewhere?   

       (Edit: I know you're not aiming for full- blown heavy-duty aircon, so maybe a manageable power load after all)
—MaxwellBuchanan, Mar 14 2007
   


 

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