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When is AC AC

  • 05-12-2012 7:59am
    #1
    ftlnn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 170 ✭✭


    Questions regarding Air Conditioning:

    If the old style is referred to as mechanical and simply draws air from the outside or the engine I assume it uses no fuel because it's battery driven, am I right?

    On the new style of AC where I can set the temp digitally; Is it possible to get it to perform like the mechanical or is there a setting where it uses less fuel to complete it's task. Ie. if I'm not asking for cold temp in hot weather or visa versa.


Comments

  • #2
    pa990
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,883 ✭✭✭pa990


    ftlnn wrote: »
    Questions regarding Air Conditioning:

    If the old style is referred to as mechanical and simply draws air from the outside or the engine I assume it uses no fuel because it's battery driven, am I right?

    On the new style of AC where I can set the temp digitally; Is it possible to get it to perform like the mechanical or is there a setting where it uses less fuel to complete it's task. Ie. if I'm not asking for cold temp in hot weather or visa versa.


    are you comparing air circulation to air conditioning and throwing climate control into the mix?


  • #3
    Zubeneschamali
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,686 ✭✭✭✭Zubeneschamali


    ftlnn wrote: »
    If the old style is referred to as mechanical and simply draws air from the outside or the engine I assume it uses no fuel because it's battery driven, am I right?

    No, air conditioning refers to a system that cools and dries air, and it uses fuel to do that.
    On the new style of AC where I can set the temp digitally; Is it possible to get it to perform like the mechanical or is there a setting where it uses less fuel to complete it's task. Ie. if I'm not asking for cold temp in hot weather or visa versa.


    Yes: A/C Off


  • #4
    CJhaughey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,907 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    Air conditioning uses a compressor that runs off the engine, usually from the Auxiliary belt.
    As such it is a parasitic load on the engine, the same as the waterpump or alternator.
    You can hear the load when you turn it on as the engine is idling, the revs usually drop then increase as the idle is brought higher to account for the increased drag.
    If you have it switched off the magnetic clutch will usually allow the engine to run more freely but there is still a fuel penalty with the increased drag of the belt on the pulley.
    Everything in a car will impact on fuel consumption, no matter if its mechanical or electrical.
    Drain the battery and the engine will have to work harder to generate the power to recharge the battery from the alternator.
    Lights running costs power, 2 x 55w bulbs is not an insignificant load, Thats why LED lights have become more common.
    Have you ever seen a dynamo on a bicycle or tried cycling with one?
    They only produce 4-6v or something like that and the drag is significant.


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