Diesel Auxiliary Power Units

[rcotteleer]

As I have been researching (dreaming) about my own project, the issue of genset, solar, battery bank, inverters continues to be the major issue. Let me clarify, it seems powering the A/C unit(s) seems to be the major issue. On another thread, someone mentioned the need for a 12v gas powered charger with an a/c compressor attached, this seemed like a great idea and relatively easy to fabricate except for the fact that it requires one to carry gasoline on a diesel fueled vehicle. A little poking around on the 'net took me to these:

http://www.kohlerpower.com/mobile/category.htm?categoryNumber=12761&sectionNumber=13361

http://www.rigapu.com/specifications.php

http://cumminsonan.com/apu/products/

It seems to me that if you need to run the generator to run the A/C, why not do it all in one.

Does anyone have any thoughts, experience?

 

[chrismc]

Using an APU is the approach that Global Xpedition Vehicles uses in their Mog Campers (globalxvehicles.com). Seems like a good approach to me if you don't have any other very significant power needs.

 

[spencyg]

That small Kohler one is awesome....55A 12V charging circuit. How much more do you need? That size would fit beautifully on a rear bumper swing out (albeit a bit heavy). I bet it isn't cheap...

I'll stick with wind and solar.

Spence

 

[whatcharterboat]

Smart Diesel APU

Does anyone have any thoughts, experience?

Check this thread. See what you think.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17406

 

[rcotteleer]

The Watts2c unit looks nice, probably a higher spec unit than the Kohler. What it doesn't have that the APU seem to offer is the integrated HVAC system. My point from before is that under general circumstances, the only item that requires the genset to run concurrently is the A/C unit, so it seems to make sense to integrate them.

I only saw 2 prices on the Kohler 3APU...$8895 installed or $6600 out the door. still a pretty pricey solution

 

[eljefe640]

Hmmm... diesel power unit with a 12VDC charging system, a/c compressor for a split system with hydronic heat. Sounds interesting. BTW, one big benefit of dc generation is that you do not have to spin the generator at 1800rpm or 3600 rpm (or 1500 / 3000 if it is a 50Hz system)

http://www.aquamarineinc.net/content/minigen.html

 

[eljefe640]

Or this...


http://cgi.ebay.com/Military-Air-Conditioner-Heater-HATZ-Diesel-Engine_W0QQitemZ270293348591QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBI_HVAC?hash=item270293348591&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318