aernan
Observer
I just had a very nice chat with a rep from a major AC vendor. He is also into offroading and was nice enough to answer all my questions. Here is some food for thought.
AC/DC Problem:
All inverter based modern split AC systems take 120/220 V AC and turn it into 48 V DC or other voltage internally. They then use that DC to generate the signal to run the compressor. In this vendor's products the AC and DC components can be on separate boards. If you are willing to void the warranty you can direct connect the unit to DC.
Laying the unit on it's back:
The compressor itself has a sump where oil collects and recirculates. The unit will work on off angles but can not be placed on it's back. Placing the unit on it's side or back will starve the pump for oil and cause premature death. If you plan on operating the unit in an odd orientation you would be best to take it apart and only re-orient the radiator fan portion.
Airflow and recommended clearance:
the outside radiator works just like a car radiator. It needs constant airflow. In an AC it's all generated by an electric fan. As long as the air flow through that unit is unrestricted you don't need a giant space around it.
Oversized AC unit:
From my early reading oversizing the AC unit would waste power. This is because the AC compressors was modulated on/off and draws max power when on. Modern inverter based units modulate the compressor speed and don't waste the excess power. So oversizing is actually good to some point. I have also been told that the AC load is most efficient at 60% of capacity. Running at 100% of capacity is actually inefficient.
I just wanted to share all of my finding in case you were wondering.
AC/DC Problem:
All inverter based modern split AC systems take 120/220 V AC and turn it into 48 V DC or other voltage internally. They then use that DC to generate the signal to run the compressor. In this vendor's products the AC and DC components can be on separate boards. If you are willing to void the warranty you can direct connect the unit to DC.
Laying the unit on it's back:
The compressor itself has a sump where oil collects and recirculates. The unit will work on off angles but can not be placed on it's back. Placing the unit on it's side or back will starve the pump for oil and cause premature death. If you plan on operating the unit in an odd orientation you would be best to take it apart and only re-orient the radiator fan portion.
Airflow and recommended clearance:
the outside radiator works just like a car radiator. It needs constant airflow. In an AC it's all generated by an electric fan. As long as the air flow through that unit is unrestricted you don't need a giant space around it.
Oversized AC unit:
From my early reading oversizing the AC unit would waste power. This is because the AC compressors was modulated on/off and draws max power when on. Modern inverter based units modulate the compressor speed and don't waste the excess power. So oversizing is actually good to some point. I have also been told that the AC load is most efficient at 60% of capacity. Running at 100% of capacity is actually inefficient.
I just wanted to share all of my finding in case you were wondering.