Tesla air conditioning retrofit

[Ramcharger90]

I am dubious about the possibilities for using any hybrid electric AC system on any non-hybrid vehicle.

Hybrids need a special PAG oil in the AC system because regular PAG is conductive. This wouldn't be an issue, but hybrid AC compressors are high-voltage devices, running off the HV traction battery. Doesn't sound like much of an issue, until you consider that regular automotive electrical systems run on 12-14V, a normal household system is 110-220, and hybrid HV system usually runs in the neighborhood of 300V.

I guess what I am asking is, how are you going to power the unit?

The Tesla unit requires 400 volts to run so I figured I would hit it with a rock or something

 

[adsm08]

The Tesla unit requires 400 volts to run so I figured I would hit it with a rock or something

Ok. Sounds reasonable.

I was just going through my great grandfather's automotive materials. They talked about electrode tubes and electric starters the way we talk about Sync and nav systems, so I'm not sure they will be super helpful here.

 

[Ramcharger90]

Ok. Sounds reasonable.

I was just going through my great grandfather's automotive materials. They talked about electrode tubes and electric starters the way we talk about Sync and nav systems, so I'm not sure they will be super helpful here.

Sooooo big rock?


Oooorrr little rock?

 

[adsm08]

Sooooo big rock?


Oooorrr little rock?

Bedrock.

 

[Ramcharger90]

Bedrock.

 

[ajbessinger]

Can confirm, Tesla (and other EV & Hybrids) use high voltage for their A/C compressors. In the case of my 2015 Model S 70D, which has an 84S li-ion pack, that would be 310v nominal, 352v max. In the case of a car with a larger battery, that would be closer to 400v max.

Fun fact, the factory 2000 Ranger EV I own (which happens to be up for sale) is also outfitted with electric A/C. It uses a 5kw inverter and 3 phase AC motor to run the compressor. IIRC, it is rated for up to 5kw, and it also runs on 300v+.

 

[09fx4guy]

Honestly, you could probably buy a small window ac and build it cheaper. Knock out the back window of the cab, replace with plywood that has a cutout for the window ac to mount. Put a dual battery box in the bed, that is hooked to the inverter. You will be cold, and will certainly turn a lot of heads. Or get one of those portable ac units that has the hose that runs to the window.


In all seriousness though, I am curious how this would work.

 

[Roert42]

Honestly, you could probably buy a small window ac and build it cheaper. Knock out the back window of the cab, replace with plywood that has a cutout for the window ac to mount. Put a dual battery box in the bed, that is hooked to the inverter. You will be cold, and will certainly turn a lot of heads. Or get one of those portable ac units that has the hose that runs to the window.


In all seriousness though, I am curious how this would work.

You joke, but I've seen plenty of conversion vans with a window unit hanging out of the back. I even seen a car once with one hanging out the passenger side window.

 

[09fx4guy]

Roert42, I have seen that as well. But there is no way I would do that to one of my cars.

I would rather look to repackage a room a/c to fit in my truck, with a vent to the outside.

Maybe look into an RV type of A/C system