lower the power usage on my 110v ac?

lamplight
lamplight Solar Expert Posts: 368 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
in Energy Use & Conservation #1
I made a mistake. I purchased an inside portable ac so that we wouldnt have things sticking out the window. i just assumed it would have a low/med/high setting, but this was a cheapie so i was disappointed to find out it only has a thermostat and it only powers down once that temp is reached.

on its (only) high setting it uses too much power to run on my offgrid system which i always try to do.

so this is probably a dumb question or one who's answer is beyond my abilities but i just thought i'd throw it out there: is there any easy way to mod this thing so that it only uses say, half the power it wants to? that would be ideal. i'd MUCH rather compromise on cooling ability if i can run it greener (on solar).

this is the unit, the manual has no info on power settings only fan speed adjustment which does not affect cooling capcity/power usage.


http://www.homeelegancecenter.com/Haier_HPRB09XC7_Portable_Room_Air_Conditioner_115V_p/hprb09xc7.htm
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Comments

  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,613 admin
    #2
    Re: lower the power usage on my 110v ac?

    Only thing I can think of is to measure the power factor... If it bad, then a motor run capacitor can reduce your KVAR (VA) usage and bring the PF back towards 0.95--and may be enough to allow you to run on your off-grid system. (perhaps two motor run caps--one in parallel with the compressor, a second smaller one in parallel with the fan motor--both switched with their respective motors).

    If the motors are operated on some non-linear power supply (which it does not sound like for your unit)--the caps will not fix the current spike/PF issues.

    A motor run capacitor will not actually reduce the power usage though.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • AntronX
    AntronX Solar Expert Posts: 462 ✭✭
    #3
    Re: lower the power usage on my 110v ac?

    You will need Variable Frequency Drive to run the compessor at slower speed, assuming it will even start up. I don't know easy and efficient solution to this.
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  • n3qik
    n3qik Solar Expert Posts: 741 ✭✭
    #4
    Re: lower the power usage on my 110v ac?

    Most VFD motors are 3 phase. Single phase motors have start up coils or caps that may not be VFD friendly.


    Edit: Found this, a little pricey:cry:,but a start:
    Web:
    http://www.anaconsystems.com/text/opti_e2.html
    Data Sheet:
    http://www.anaconsystems.com/data/manual_e2_s.pdf
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  • lamplight
    lamplight Solar Expert Posts: 368 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #5
    Re: lower the power usage on my 110v ac?

    oh boy... this is all :roll: a little beyond me as i feared... OH WELL :) thanks guys!

    probably just need to add more panels ;)
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