exhaust powered A/C

**badkuk** · September 6th, 2005 04:03 PM

just wondering: turbochargers use exhaust pressure to turn the compressor right? why can't we do the same for A/C units? it would free up the load on the engine di ba?

**ghosthunter** · September 6th, 2005 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by badkuk

just wondering: turbochargers use exhaust pressure to turn the compressor right? why can't we do the same for A/C units? it would free up the load on the engine di ba?

first problem, turbochargers do not produce that much torque to turn an a/c compressor.

second problem, turbochargers rotate at speeds at least 10 times faster than the a/c compressor maximum rpm. You will need some sort of speed reducer to mate them together.

third problem, turbochargers do not operate at low engine speeds, which would mean no cooling at idle and cruising speeds.

**Mojo** · September 6th, 2005 07:16 PM

1 and 2 nd problem can easily be solved by gear ratios, High RPM and low torque can be converted to a high torque low rpm through gears.

3rd problem is the only one left

**orly_andico** · September 6th, 2005 07:19 PM

3rd problem is the only one left

that's easy to do! we can use SuperCharger Technology (TM) to turn the A/C compressor! oh, wait... :D

**Mojo** · September 6th, 2005 07:27 PM

akala ko khaos na naman heheh lahat ng problema sa kotse kaya ng khaos?

**mazdamazda** · September 6th, 2005 07:31 PM

another problem, I think.

since you are using your exhaust as a power system - wouldn't this strain the engine (to expel the exhaust gases)?

for turbochargers, this isn't a problem since they would give additional power to the engine in a mutual give & take situation (more exhaust -> faster turbo -> even more exhaust -> etc).

**ghosthunter** · September 7th, 2005 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by Mojo

1 and 2 nd problem can easily be solved by gear ratios, High RPM and low torque can be converted to a high torque low rpm through gears.

true but the RPM range will still be very wide.

And if you do use gear reducers, won't it greatly decrease the efficiency of the system and increase it's need for maintenance as well? Gear reducers will require lubricating oil which would require periodic maintenance as well. Then there will be a problem of packaging of the entire system compactly under the hood with weight comparible (or less) than a standard a/c compressor system.

And the last thing... cost of the system might be 3 to 4 times more than a standard a/c compressor. I'd rather have that added cost into producing more engine power.

**niky** · September 7th, 2005 02:55 PM

A better way would be a conversion to a higher output alternator and an electric PS pump and electric A/C. Although where you'd get one here, I have no idea. Hybrids in the US run on electric ACs with no problem... newer models here are getting electric steering racks... heck, you can even make the water pump electric! Having just one parasitic device on your engine (the alternator) can make a big difference, even if you have to enlarge the alternator to run the other devices. AFAIK, differences due to an all electric system equate to maybe 1-2mpg savings.

**fierari** · September 7th, 2005 08:55 PM

masyado atang mabigat ang ercon para sa exhaust gases.

sa turbo kase hangin lang din dina drive nya di ba di ba

**Shadetree MKNX** · September 8th, 2005 01:42 AM

Originally Posted by badkuk

just wondering: turbochargers use exhaust pressure to turn the compressor right? why can't we do the same for A/C units? it would free up the load on the engine di ba?

The A/C system and the engine's induction system have different flow and pressure requirements. The engine needs a high volume, though relatively low pressure charging system, while the a/c or power steering systems need a low volume, but relatively high pressure pump.

The difference between a turbine-driven compressor and a piston or vane-type pump is analogous to that of the spoon and fork. Both are used for a similar purpose, though they have their own special uses.