I am attempting to build a solar system and budget for some form of cooling. I have a Ford Transit high roof that I am just starting to build. Of course, extensive insulation will be part of the plan, but I am trying to explore my cooling options. I have looked at some commercial semi/truck a/c options, evap coolers and a few other more interesting options. One that I saw is the Neva (http://neva-us.com/tech-specs/) which might just be a fancy evap cooler (is it?). My hesitation with evap coolers is obviously humidity. I live in dry Colorado now, but I would like to be able to adventure in hot humid places.
Another intriguing option I found was an actively chilled blanket: https://www.chilitechnology.com/products/chilipad-cube-single-zone-single-split-queen
I only really need to cool off when I want to go to bed so this seems like an attractive option, especially if it is more energy efficient then the others (it seems to be more efficient then a viable a/c unit). I asked Chilitech about power consumption and received this response:
"These units are travel friendly so they can be portable for RV's, they switch between 110/220v automatically based on input voltage. Temperature in the room will not affect the pad itself the motor will always have to work more no matter what the lower the temp is set to. The watts used are 170 and amperage is 2.2-2.3."
As best as I can tell, a full 8 hour night of running would cost me 168 amp hours with the ChiliBlanket. is there a viable option that can do better?
I couldn't find much talk on these forums comparing these options, especially the cooled blanket. Any thoughts on a hopefully affordable and efficient way to get cool?
Another intriguing option I found was an actively chilled blanket: https://www.chilitechnology.com/products/chilipad-cube-single-zone-single-split-queen
I only really need to cool off when I want to go to bed so this seems like an attractive option, especially if it is more energy efficient then the others (it seems to be more efficient then a viable a/c unit). I asked Chilitech about power consumption and received this response:
"These units are travel friendly so they can be portable for RV's, they switch between 110/220v automatically based on input voltage. Temperature in the room will not affect the pad itself the motor will always have to work more no matter what the lower the temp is set to. The watts used are 170 and amperage is 2.2-2.3."
As best as I can tell, a full 8 hour night of running would cost me 168 amp hours with the ChiliBlanket. is there a viable option that can do better?
I couldn't find much talk on these forums comparing these options, especially the cooled blanket. Any thoughts on a hopefully affordable and efficient way to get cool?