26 replies to this topic

[craig333]

Wasn't sure where to put this. Move as appropriate.

 

Okay, for those not familiar the Zero Breeze is a small portable air conditioner. It literally just arrived. 

 

 

This was a kickstarter deal that was way overdue. Was supposed to ship back in March. I'm still waiting for the battery. Battery is supposed to last five hours. Its running. Its putting out cold air. Its loud and of course its not a lot of cold air. Specs as follows.

 

Rotary compressor

Refrigerant R134A

Output 1100 BTU

Rated voltage 12v dc

Rated Current 12.5 a

Gross weight 19.8 lbs

Net weight 12.8 lbs

Waterproof IPX3

Noise <68dba

Working temp 37-107

 

Yes its loud. Too much for sleeping (well that may depend on just how much you need cooling) but my anticipated use is for cooling the camper down before evening temps make it unnecessary and using it in the cab, keeping the dog cool and he'll just have to put up with the noise. 

 

Its a pretty significant amp draw but I expect my batteries and solar can handle it. A lot will depend on just how well it cools, how long it needs to run etc. Much testing is anticipated. I'll get this thread updated as I learn more. Next up is figuring out where to route the exhaust hose. At least its still hot enough to find out if its a paperweight or not. 

 

Oh, it also has a light, blue tooth speak and usb charger as if anyone cares about that stuff.

 

 

[Timothy McGowen]

I will anxiously be awaiting an update.

[Squatch]

Interesting. Here in the muggy east that might have some use. Especially at group gatherings in campgrounds where shore power is available.

[Advmoto18]

Having substantial hearing loss might be a benefit on Low Country hot muggy nights.  But really not worth not hearing birds chirping and all the other things one desires to hear 99% of the time.

 

I'm a bit concerned by your comment it doesn't put out a "lot of cold air".

 

Bottom line, are you happy with your return on investment?

 

Thanks!

 

Bill

[craig333]

A quick check shows 5000 btu to be the smallest 110ac unit sold most places. This one is 1100 btu. Will that be enough? Gotta run some tests and find out. So far it kicked off a couple times but something loose was rattling around inside. I think I got it, least it doesn't rattle anymore and its been running indoors for an hour now without shutting off. Time to toss it in the camper and see what happens.

 

Okay, 100 in the camper, not popped under the awning. I'll check in an hour.

[BobM]

I've been watching their kickstarter page for over a year.  When I saw March come and go I wondered if it was real.  Sounds like it is but it will be nice the hear your updates.  Here's the you tube video from a year ago 

 

Here's one from a real customers from last month 

[craig333]

So far it seems problematic. Shuts off the compressor shortly after turning it on in the camper. In the nice air conditioned house it runs just fine. Just before it shut off my put dc clamp meter on and got 18 amps. I tried it both running the ac adaptor and directly from my house batteries. Plenty of voltage and current, it didn't care. I'll try in the morning and see if an already cooled down camper helps.

[craig333]

I was planning on using a lighter plug making it easy to transfer from vehicle to vehicle but now I'm uneasy about pulling that many amps through a lighter socket/plug. I'm figuring I'll just have to break down and run dedicated wiring for each spot but since I'll still want to move it around I'm wondering, anderson power pole? SAE connector? Power pole seems kind of overkill and bulky. 

[PaulT]

Craig,

Why not use the ARES standard 30/45 amp Powerpole connectors? Not nearly as bulky and more in line with the current needed. Run to a power distribution panel and cover your ham power needs also.

Paul

[craig333]

Unfortunately it seems incapable of cooling the camper even without the top popped. Aimed at the dog it keeps him cooled but thats about all. Cutting holes for exhaust and wiring are fading away. Even in full sun my solar doesn't quite keep up. Still I could live with that if  if it kept things cool. Curious to see what other owners say.