How to Charge your Battery-Powered Air Conditioner

[@SV-Flying-Tigress]

Congratulations on your first install. I love seeing new businesses start, especially ones that are well conceived and well executed!

[@therokenman2594]

Great job! Can't wait to get one! For the record, you scare my wife to death...you make everything look so easy that I think I can do it on my own...we'll see!

[@nonyayet1379]

that made me smile!! get her a glass of wine!! (whiskey, liquid courage, for yourself!!

[@stephengreen2898]

I really do LOVE how you creatively PASS ON this DIY info AND PROVIDE YOUR products for sale if anyone wants to buy them…. I will become a PATRON by Nov. 2022…. I get an annuity check @ that time and only live on Social Insecurity (I meant SECURITY) NOW…. I thank you for not CHARGING for your channel so old retired VETS like me can learn from your Engineering Mind that made you smart enough to marry EMILY….

[@kranzonguam]

Wonderful video! So many possibilities for a small system that realistically can be run from a moderate solar installation! Boats, of course, but also possibilities for tiny houses, van life types and more! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@EmilyAndClark]

Yep we I might develope an air cooled unit this summer.

[@Alexis-pl5cn]

Ah I haven't been getting your notifications for some reason! Thank goodness this was in my recommended list so I could catch up on the videos I missed. Thank you both for your awesome content. 😊

[@EmilyAndClark]

Click the bell icon I guess. I don't understand how KZbin thinks subscribe means you don't want to be told about videos.

[@Alexis-pl5cn]

@@EmilyAndClark Me neither. I checked and apparently it was set to personalized and no notification - perhaps I messed up the settings on my app. Should be fixed now, it's showing the other bell icon for me now and lists notifications when opened. Thanks guys.

[@RandallKC]

I think this is a great system. I can see putting one of these in each cabin. The TXV setup and small DC compressor makes it real efficient. Good job guys. Bravo.

[@braithmiller]

Glad you and your partner have gotten this system out to so many. I am continually amazed at the power requirements of standard marine air systems dock and generator hogs. The only efficient commercially available systems seem to be cabin exchangers and whole ship chillers. Building an efficient heat pump after thoughts of using resistance dock power at current prices and using 25-30 Amps just to heat has to end.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Yep, heat pump version is in the works.

[@kevsworld69]

Absolutely awesome Clark, great job on your product and videos! I will be ordering as soon as I have a keel under my feet. Thank you, thank you, thank you for developing this!!

[@Jacoblejd]

I love these how too’s, keep going strong the two of you!!

[@SpiritedHumaneering]

Great content as usual Emily and Clark!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks

[@SirCharles12357]

Great video! I think I can do this. Always need a good excuse to buy new tools! This is a boon for the boating, trailering, off the grid community. Thanks!!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Your welcome Charles. I put links to sample tools here kzbin.info/www/bejne/rneUYmaXitGNndE I hope to design and have the manufacturer offer an air cooled unit later. It would allow RV and off grid people to take advantage of this approach.

[@ricks30606]

Great video!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Rick

[@dougpine4746]

Im not installing one but I really like the way you approach you videos. The bell between steps is surprisingly helpful. I dont know where you learned that but it does work. Most projects are not as hard as people imagine they are. Everything is the same just learn steps.

[@EmilyAndClark]

That was Emily's idea.

[@christopherleger9943]

😊 that's cool

[@asennaydenov6461]

I love it, great invention!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Asen

[@Janchez]

Watching to see if some of this will cross over to air cooled for vanlife. Nice job on a boat life solution!

[@EmilyAndClark]

We might take a truck camper trip this summer. If so I'll certainly load my parents rig up with solar, lithium, a bbms and air cooled A/C

[@skesno309]

Good morning. Love your channel and all your good information

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks Windsor

[@helomech1973]

Another great video. I don't have a sailboat yet, but love your videos. Thanks for doing these.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Your welcome Brad

[@kevinnemrava]

not sure how much a difference it makes, . but I have done this on car A/C systems a few times, all the cans we used mentioned it should be held upside down when you are adding the gas.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Nope not here. Need to add as a gas. With the can upside down you will be adding as a liquid. That could lock up the compressor.

[@Mr.Cyberdude]

It's been great to watch this grow and finally see that you have overcome the obstacles to get this into a kit for the Sailing/RV community while achieving high efficiencies and hence low power usage for off grid use. I think it would be worth considering having some form of Voltage/Amp protection circuit in the kit you sell, just so there is no risk of you being blamed if something goes wrong with their existing DIY electrical system. While I understand separate gauges are needed to gas other refrigeration systems on the boat, it would be great to never have to reconnect to the pressurised system to check, and as fluid filled gauges are cheap enough for the convenience and have dial faces for multiple refrigerant gases. Is there any chance of a "Permanent Pressure Connected Refrigerant Gauges" as part of your kit?

[@EmilyAndClark]

We spec fuses and circuit breakers in the manual. If users install with them they should be protected. The problem with permanent gauges is they tend to slowly leak. So having a gauge would require topping off the gas. Better to use portable gauges.

[@esling77]

Why not just Charge to Beer Can Cold ? Just kidding. Very good tutorial on charging. Ty

[@stephengreen2898]

I am working on a DIY ONE PULL Expresso Coffee, Latte, machine MADE FOR YOUR BOAT so Emily & you can trade great coffee with all those other sailors in Georgetown, Bahamas …. Also I am ROASTING my own Green Kona Coffee beans & BLUE MOUNTAIN Jamaican coffee beans in my Pop Corn Popper listening for the second “crack” before cooling them down. I off gas them @ 3 days before GRINDING THEM FOR FRESH LATTES OR EXPRESSO Shots..

[@SV-Flying-Tigress]

Yay, it is now "gmail" fixed! Clark, you mentioned that there was an "asian" Fluke that was a good option; would love to hear more about that.

[@EmilyAndClark]

It's listed in the "shop for tools" link in the description. When I do the video on boat wiring I'll certainly talk more about it. But a full function fluke for $150 with temperature sensing, that's a deal. I think the warranty doesn't work in the US.

[@stephengreen2898]

Great INFO…. My Harbor Freight Lamp On “METER” is working well so far… FLUKE METERS are the very best, but HARD to find used

[@EmilyAndClark]

The one I showed can be had for $150us

[@WolfNathan]

What a great channel 👍🏻 I am planning to get one for my truck. Do I need to get lithium batteries 🔋 or will work with regular batteries? I have four 1000 CC on my truck. Thanks

[@EmilyAndClark]

Yes it will work. Electrons are electrons. Problem is it needs your truck to be floating in water! Emily and I are about to head out on a RV excursion. One of the main reasons is to work on an air cooled version that would be great for trucks. Unless you want to get one now and swap out your condenser (honestly easy to do), you might want to wait. If you do keep me informed as to how it goes please. Also consider this. www.emilyandclarksadventure.com/bbms It will let you add li to your truck without changing any of your charging systems. Honestly I'm more excited about this invention. Li is getting so cheap now that I think it's the way to extend anyone's electrical system.

[@dvfr750f]

HI Emily and Clark, I am def interested in purchasing on of your AC units. I am trying to set my boat up so that I can run most high draw systems off the house bank and this is perfect.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Sure. Inverters suck.. MarineDCAC.com carries them. Also if you want to use Lifepo4 consider this www.emilyandclarksadventure.com/bbms

[@billdomb]

Clearing the system prior to fill: rather than waiting and waiting for torr to go down, might be better to just wash the system out with a short fill of refrigerant, then finish sucking that out dragging any residuals with it.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Yep that's a way to do it.

[@nonyayet1379]

good stuff sir, as usual. questions: how many btu's capability? likewise, what sized area, cubic foot will it cool, given normal tropical conditions with normal hull/deck configurations. (knowing there is a wide range of vessels many having various R factors of the core of the deck/hull, having great varying affects on the ability to hold temperature inside, versus outside... temptress for example could be considered "normal") if you could help us with that. (an update, in the updatable section would be nice for everybody interested, and or the new website (nicely done). and, do you know the seer rating/s? what is the power consumption, while in operation?

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks. A lot of that is still unknown. The compressor is rated for 5000btu/h. We haven't run tests to see how much heat is actually pumped. (But they are planned) As I plainly say this is a kit to allow others to participate in the experiment. So far it's been installed in two boats. Temptress shows these numbers A/C and Refrigeration: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5qNlstuF-fdlgjrimo18tq7 Blue moon is currently doing even better with the first actual production unit. David just reported numbers in the comments "trawler project"s comment. But it's not really hot yet where he is. It does look to be significantly more efficient then anything else out there.

[@mvintrigue-trawlerdiy1101]

Looks great. Ill consider buying one after my boat is ready. I am a Trawler with diesel gen that sips fuel and a 16k BTU main AC unit. But I would like to shut all that down at night and run a small battery powered unit like this to carry that cooling through the night. If the interior is cooled by the gen and big AC unit through the day once the sun goes down the BTU requirements would be tiny to maintain a comfortable cabin off batteries at night. Especially since all that interior mass is already cooled. I dont want all you Sailors mad at the "stinkpot" running the gen in the anchorage all through the night..lol. Actually I prefer not to run any engine while sleeping. But a battery powered AC unit would be great.

[@braithmiller]

They actually call you a stinkpot? I can understand the noise complaints. Bunch of pleasure trawlers I know are heavily into using solar now, keeping the generators off. Many have as much roof space as catamarans. Last summer 108 on the water near Olympic Peninsula Washington saw some of the the most inefficient portables tossed in boats. This would be a great improvement for you and neighbors.

[@EmilyAndClark]

And saves a lot on oil changes and general maintenance. That's a great use for this unit. Pass the idea around. I like quite anchorages.

[@mvintrigue-trawlerdiy1101]

@@EmilyAndClark Good point on oil changes too. Continuously running the gen racks up time in a hurry. I will pass it around on all the Trawler forums. Many are going lithium now as well...for the same reasons as everyone else. And Braith Miller...yes I have been called a stinkpot...hahaha. I dont take it personal. Some sailors can be a bit cantankerous. But I completely understand.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Cool. Maybe pass this along as well. It makes lithium work cheaply and better. www.emilyandclarksadventure.com/bbms

[@matthewsellers82]

Great video. I'm pretty sure that in Europe you now need a license to purchase refrigerant, I've also been told that there is a requirement to purge and pressure test systems with Nitrogen before adding refrigerant.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Yep. Lots of laws in Europe. Keeps the refrigeration guys employed. But getting a guy to fill the installed system isn't that big of a burden.

[@matthewsellers82]

@@EmilyAndClark Absolutely. A buddy of mine switched to Propane instead of CFCs, said it was probably less dangerous than a stove as refrigerant leaks tend to be small.

[@braithmiller]

Fixed procedures are not bad things. You can still save yourself on self install.

[@SailingKitabu]

Nice one! Does the compressor come with oil already? In automotive we use a scale to know how much refrigerant to put in based on what the system is designed to take, in weight. We also measure air temp at the vent, a good way to measure performance and refrigerant fill. If your gauge set has a valve at the end of the yellow hose, you can leave the hose under vacuum while you connect up to the can, and just purge the space between the valve and the tank. Works the treat for keeping moisture (enemy) out. We also would evacuate for up to 4 hrs but 1 hr in humid weather for small system may be good. You're a smart fellow!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Thanks. Yes lube is already added to the compressor. Going by weight is a bit tricky to actually do. Requires an accurate scale and since we don't know how long the lines will be in each installation we can't know how much volume that part of the system will take. I think calculating the sub-cooling works best. We use an expansion valve just like a car but there are more variables in the install. Right down to the rpm the compressor will run at.

[@mrmotofy]

I've also done some research on evacuating lines. I would agree a few hours will give best results but a Micron gauge is really the best way to know for sure. Most won't wait the hours to make sure. As was sort of described in this vid sometimes the last bit takes a while to pull everything out. Most techs without a Micron gauge are only guessing. What do they realistically care they will get paid to return and check or replace equipment

[@yannkitson116]

You did well Clark :) I do this many times a week so I have better tools, but I enjoy watching you do the work with less tools anyway. Why did you select R134a instead of R32 (propane) that everyone more than likely have onboard anyway? It is less poisonous and less expensive.

[@EmilyAndClark]

I've always wanted to do a R32 system but if the system leaked I'd have a boat full of explosive gas! Thing about boats is they tend to not have holes in the bottom. Have you ever used propane right from the fuel supplier? Is there a problem with water vapor or any other impurities?

[@yannkitson116]

@@EmilyAndClark Yes I have used ordinary propane but only temporarily. I let the compressor pull the propane in like you did and I used a Danfoss filter drier before the service valve. I returned a few days later with the pro quality and emptied the whole system, before filling it with new R32. It was done with the customers approval in case anything happened but we never noticed any difference. For bending the copper pipes you get a set of line set benders so you will avoid flat spots.

[@braithmiller]

Have not seen R32 in marine yet, is it in other areas than the usa? All the systems I have seen it was markedly less efficient. Please tell me if this is not the case. Have not seen R32 addressed in marine code that we are under in usa/Canada my thoughts would be the ventilation/ detector requirements of an onboard LP system? Quality R32 by the time it is shipped in 48 states is not a savings at present over R134 at retail anywhere at present. See some mini fridges R32 I see recently possibly changes.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Wish I had more tools. Always want something I don't have in the boat. Wish I had my tig welder but it was just too big.

[@yannkitson116]

@@EmilyAndClark LoL that's a constant problem it has nothing to do with your physical location, I am under the same curse :D

[@iCaribsailor]

Good Work. I have been following this. Checked the website and would suggest changing some wording... Freon to Refrigerant.... Freon is a brand name and you don't want your profits going to DuPont :)

[@EmilyAndClark]

Where do I say freon? I don't remember saying it.

[@UUBrahman]

Cool.

[@brezentski]

Nice video on the charging process! Is there an efficiency curve for the variable speed compressor? Would like to know where the sweet spot is for power consumption.

[@EmilyAndClark]

I have the manufacturer working on that now. He is testing watts:BTU/h values for several RPMs. First test started with good numbers but fell away. He isn't an engineer and forgot the ocean is slightly larger then 15 gallons. Just a joke he will get that sorted soon I expect and will publish the results at MarineDCAC.com

[@californiakayaker]

I'm in the studying and gathering phase. I wish I could have actually seen the meters. I'm gathering equipment.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Take a look at our Amazon "store". I put links to the kind of things you might want. Look in the description for a link.

[@EmilyAndClark]

Also, I think I show the gauges better in the refrigeration series A/C and Refrigeration: kzbin.info/aero/PLsT7_jPsZM5qNlstuF-fdlgjrimo18tq7

[@californiakayaker]

@@EmilyAndClark I'll check that out.

[@henriaube2278]

Congratulations on a job well done! Can you give us an idea of the cabin dimensions or cubic feet the successful installations are cooling? I have a trawler aft cabin I can easily fit the unit, and keen to get your kit. 15 feet by 14 feet by 7 feet are my dimensions. A huge thank you for doing this.

[@EmilyAndClark]

David days that at the end of the last video along with his current energy consumption. He will burn more as it's not really hot yet. Note that he says he might curtain off just the bed area to save power. That's why I suggested the air handler be mounted over the bed. You should keep that option open as well to save power, cool faster, and be able to cool better if your full room proves too large for your needs.

[@henriaube2278]

@@EmilyAndClark watched it again and indeed he mentioned 300 cubic feet. From appearance, I'm assuming Temptress' cabin is a bit less than that. Headed North to Canada for the summer in a couple of days, so I think I'll wait and lurk before purchasing one in the fall. At 1400 cubic feet, I might be taking an undue risk right now. All the best! Sure is super interesting!

[@donmuir517]

Any chance this would work in a truck camper, although would not have the water to cool with.

[@EmilyAndClark]

I made a video just for you kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX6TgJx3npqle68

[@michaelnibler645]

Must be me but I can't see the link to purchase your Bank manager and a couple of you lastest find ..eval of 100Ahr Lithium batteries. I am also interested in your recommend of solar panels for my Flica20 SV Passages. .. Michael

[@EmilyAndClark]

www.emilyandclarksadventure.com/bbms docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dyJf7SuYQFxorzdIANKgf7Qk3hviZYzSHoNdjxqUKeM/edit?usp=sharing They are in the description for the battery review videos

[@joemcky1]

Hi from Casco bay Maine. Love your product, vibe and clarity. Trying to fully retire...Summers, we sail our small Catalina and Rv down south winters. I assume the thru hull/sea water connection is essential to dump the heat... But I wonder if 1) any air fin, heat exchanger could work for an rv ( with similar battery capacity)? Listening to your experience about acclimating to daytime heat, and limiting the solar load, I wondered if ,2.) if ac cooling was ducted just under the beds top sheet...(like some residential underbed products) if this could be practical? 70ish °+ dry air could work right?

[@EmilyAndClark]

Sure anything that cuts down on the area cooled would be a savings. I have a curtain that can close off just my bunk and we sometime escape the peak of the heat with a siesta and snuggle there. I plan on doing an air cooled version soon for RV and off grid people no on boats.

[@braithmiller]

85 sea to 90-110 air the COP - power used will be higher just still a fraction of the rv power hog standards and roof mounted stupidity. Cooling tower evaporative you could use this package and lower cop though adding fan for air on water cooler. Concept is used commercially.

[@paulpozboater]

Hi Clark, great job as always. I ordered an AC and have some of the parts already. I am struggling to find the links to the temperature meter that you're using with the long copper pickup and the fluke meter that you're using. Can you direct me please? Thanks.

[@EmilyAndClark]

They are both the same. I believe there is a link to it at our Amazon store. Find the link in the video description. If you don't find it, check back.

[@projecttrawler]

Can they give a more accurate amp hour requirement eventually? That would be super helpful

[@projecttrawler]

@@David-lv3nm thank you so much.. very helpful sir

[@MiQBohlin]

Spiffy stuff!

[@evropaheart]

the audio is just slightly desynched, also interesting video.

[@ianwillcock6314]

HI Clark, the a/c videos , although mention it, don't actually show where/how the connection to the sea water inlet is. Did they use an existing source and put some kind of t junction connector etc ?. The concern for me is that i only currently have sea water in via my saildrive to my engine (sea cooled yanmar) and if possible i want to avoid having to drill another hole in my hull and install another seacock for the a/c.....

[@EmilyAndClark]

Sometimes one can share thruhulls but careful thought is required. In the best case the return line of an AC empties into the ocean just above the waterline. So if strong suction was placed on a shared intake air could conceivably be drawn through the AC backwards so sharing with an engine might necessitate valves. Also it's important that the water path of an AC system flow fairly free as it uses a centripetal pump. That said yes he choose to share thruhulls and I share with my water maker on Temptress.

[@SV-Flying-Tigress]

Great video, very informative. You mentioned 24V for the motor. Is it equally efficient when supplied with 12V DC? I am planning on re-doing the electrical system on my old 1992 cat but presumed the DC side would be connecting the batteries in parallel and it being 12V. Just want to better understand requirements of the DCAC system.

[@EmilyAndClark]

The numbers I give in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rneUYmaXitGNndE Are as they come out of the 12v batteries including losses from the boost converter. It sips power.

[@SV-Flying-Tigress]

@@EmilyAndClark That is wonderful; nice integration. Thanks guys.

[@braithmiller]

General engineering the increased efficiency of the compressor motor is more than the loss from the solid state converter. Down converting is usually more efficient than up. If your re-doing your system it may be worth having 24v main banks if the majority of the watt hours are on 24v rather than 12v since there will be losses on the bulk down to 12. Point is calculate your loads. Thought I would have majority on 24 then difficult availability forced 12v. Larger the boat and loads the higher the voltage to keep wiring practical. The basic mosfet efficiency available has gone way up recently, dc to dc is less evil than before. All the motors that are efficient are 3 phase ac variable frequency from the controller, so this is just controller feeding. Hope that helps, I have been down this rabbit hole a while.

[@gerrywhite9547]

I noticed in the video you supplied a Johnson raw water pump. The AC website doesn't show a link to this pump or any. Was there a problem with this one? Any recommendations? Model #?

[@EmilyAndClark]

Sure its right at the bottom of page 1.

[@capnflint7352]

Can you give the weight and package dimensions of the basic air-con kit?

[@EmilyAndClark]

I'll ask Russell (the manufacturer) to put it on his website. I don't know which boxes he will use.

[@jeffwengren4255]

Hi Clark, is it possible to purchase one of your air conditioning units for my boat , I am very interested and I am ready right now to install it for my September launch

[@EmilyAndClark]

There is a link in the description. There are only 100 units available and Patreon supporters get first dibs but there will be other batches if you wish to be out on the list.

[@sailingstpommedeterre4905]

Hi Clark and Emily!! I highly appreciate your videos!! I even purchased an AquaNaut based in part of your Show Us Your Dinghy series :) I am thinking of purchasing YOUR Air Cond kit...I'll make a decision in the next couple of months. NOTE: I live in Thailand, so concerned about shipping into Thailand. One issue you should be aware of: mfgs of r134a will stop production in 2025. Supplies of r134a will still be available, but should diminish shortly after 2025. R1234y is the "replacement" for r134a...but hopefully the compressor in your kit can accept another grade of refrigerant (such as r513). I have researched this issue (since 2016) as part of my job. If you would like more info, please feel free to contact me. :) Anyway, hopefully I will make my decision soon :) Keep the great videos coming!!!

[@EmilyAndClark]

Sure it can use other refrigerants. As you know it's all about the lubricant. I'm sure the new gas will be lube compatible so it should be a simple swap if you get a leak after it's hard to find 134a. Happy to hear that you are enjoying our work. That's so nice to hear. I see that there is now a sail kit for your boat. Have you tried it? One of the things I said to him the first time I saw his prototype was it should do well as a sailing dinghy.

[@sailingstpommedeterre4905]

Thanks for the quick reply :) I am interested in the sail kit, but like the Air Conditioning kit, I will make the decision in the very near future. I'll keep you posted 👍

[@billdomb]

WHY would one be concerned about sending in fluid instead of gas? Won't compress. Would it blow sumthin up?

[@EmilyAndClark]

Yep. It would "slog" the compressor. Can't compress a liquid.

[@dennisfrakes4766]

how to buy a unit?

[@EmilyAndClark]

I responded to your earlier comment. You have found the survey in the description. You are now on the mailing list and will be getting an email once we have product again. This should happen fairly soon as I'm just signing a contract to get this technology into the hands of a new manufacturing and sales company

[@stephengreen2898]

“T E S L A” letters would fit across your 4 fingers & thumb…. GREAT SUBLIMINAL ADVERTISING in those close ups of your hands while doing “HOW TO” videos.. You can just give me a footnote credit and “free stuff” for my sail boat …. I will advertise ALL YOUR PRODUCTS if you want to sponsor me for this great IDEA!