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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: freds on July 30, 2022, 07:34:19 PM

Title: New Mini Split options
Post by: freds on July 30, 2022, 07:34:19 PM
Turns out just recently they now make floor mount, duct mount and ceiling mount units.

https://www.amazon.com/Senville-SENA-24HF-Floor-Mounted-Conditioner/dp/B07QM1RP8T/ref=sr_1_4?crid=168X5KL9QPKGA&keywords=floor+mini+split+air+conditioner&qid=1659232851&sprefix=floor+mini%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-4 (https://www.amazon.com/Senville-SENA-24HF-Floor-Mounted-Conditioner/dp/B07QM1RP8T/ref=sr_1_4?crid=168X5KL9QPKGA&keywords=floor+mini+split+air+conditioner&qid=1659232851&sprefix=floor+mini%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-4)

https://www.amazon.com/Cooper-Hunter-Pre-Charged-Installation-Thermostat/dp/B08ZHXYV2D/ref=sr_1_58?crid=168X5KL9QPKGA&keywords=floor%2Bmini%2Bsplit%2Bair%2Bconditioner&qid=1659232957&sprefix=floor%2Bmini%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-58&th=1
 (https://www.amazon.com/Cooper-Hunter-Pre-Charged-Installation-Thermostat/dp/B08ZHXYV2D/ref=sr_1_58?crid=168X5KL9QPKGA&keywords=floor%2Bmini%2Bsplit%2Bair%2Bconditioner&qid=1659232957&sprefix=floor%2Bmini%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-58&th=1)

https://www.amazon.com/Ceiling-Cassette-Ductless-Thermostat-Installation/dp/B087JH3GVW/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3IT7ZG1Q4RRAS&keywords=ceiling+mini+split+air+conditioner&qid=1659234519&sprefix=Cealing+mini+split+air+conditioner%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-4
 (https://www.amazon.com/Ceiling-Cassette-Ductless-Thermostat-Installation/dp/B087JH3GVW/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3IT7ZG1Q4RRAS&keywords=ceiling+mini+split+air+conditioner&qid=1659234519&sprefix=Cealing+mini+split+air+conditioner%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-4)

The problem that I see with the ceiling mounted units is that they are very thick and 24 inches square. You wound have to have an enclosed bump on the roof to contain this style unit.

LG also makes a floor mount and ceiling mount that is wider and fits between 16 inch joists.

Here's a YouTube video that talks about options in the market.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHNC3YNjoyw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHNC3YNjoyw)
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: windtrader on July 31, 2022, 12:21:01 AM
Nice to have other options. More $$$. Check the price on the LG, it'll be a whopper if the offbrands run those prices. The Mr Cool may still be under $800, not the DIY version.
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: luvrbus on July 31, 2022, 10:00:20 AM
Those have been around for a while haven't they Art's  model 20 Eagle has 3 celling units if I recall right
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: DKO on August 03, 2022, 08:13:51 PM
They built one .3 miles from my bus barn. It replaced a dangerous intersection that had seen several fatalities over the years. There have been no major wrecks since it was built and very few accidents at all.

They built it too small with signs in all the wrong places. It is tight in the bus and very tight with the bus and 24' trailer. I make it fine after 5 years, but it is way too tight.
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: freds on August 28, 2022, 02:57:12 PM
Still kicking around mini-split options but found some interesting prices:

https://www.minisplitwarehouse.com/product/midea-12000-btu-console-indoor-unit (https://www.minisplitwarehouse.com/product/midea-12000-btu-console-indoor-unit)

https://www.minisplitwarehouse.com/product/midea-12000-btu-20-seer-dlcsr-single-zone-outdoor-unit-110v (https://www.minisplitwarehouse.com/product/midea-12000-btu-20-seer-dlcsr-single-zone-outdoor-unit-110v)

https://www.minisplitwarehouse.com/product/custom-built-multi-zone-ductless-mini-split-system (https://www.minisplitwarehouse.com/product/custom-built-multi-zone-ductless-mini-split-system)
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: Glennman on August 29, 2022, 12:38:35 PM
I absolutely love my Pioneer 115v 12,000 BTU unit. It keeps the whole bus cool, even at 100 degrees out and no window coverings (not yet anyway). We finally had a cool morning on Sunday, so I tried the heat feature. I didn't run it very long, but it really put out the heat. It is so quiet that I literally have to walk over and feel the air to see if it's running. I still plan to install a 9000 BTU unit in the rear, but may not have to. Maybe actual use in driving, parking and using the bus will be different than it being in my driveway and working on it, but for now it's great.
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: robertglines1 on August 29, 2022, 05:42:51 PM
new to me 24000btu mini split inverter type mini-split.  runs off 3000 watt solar power with also running off grid power when needed. Solar and grid power are both hooked up to unit and it calls on grid(or inverter) when needed. seer is 35. Cool and heat.  Bob Mini splits since 2012  in bus home and club.
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: Jim Blackwood on August 30, 2022, 06:25:54 AM
Seer 35? That's pretty incredible. That should cut the energy requirements by nearly 50% over seer 21 or 22. A very significant reduction for RV use. It also means that an 18Kbtu unit should be able to run on 115v which is another considerable milestone. 3kw isn't in exactly in that ballpark but 18/24 or 3/4 of 3kw is getting closer. Should be able to run that on 20 amps.

Jim
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: freds on June 29, 2023, 02:57:00 PM
Some interesting link's that I found on converting window AC unit's to mini-splits.

https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/threads/window-a-c-converted-to-mini-split-success.86312/ (https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/threads/window-a-c-converted-to-mini-split-success.86312/)


https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/80984/ (https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/80984/)
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: freds on June 29, 2023, 02:58:41 PM
How about people post pictures of where and how they installed the external unit for their mini-splits?

Thanks
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: Nova Eona on June 29, 2023, 03:33:14 PM
I think the sweet spot would be a floor mount 12k that runs on 110V, I don't think I've seen a floor kit that's 110V yet.
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: Dave5Cs on June 29, 2023, 07:58:25 PM
Yep those have been around for a long time. I looked at those 4 years ago when we were going to put them in at the ranch but the price got pretty high with the setup we would need.
But we sure like our roll around one I just put in the bedroom of the bus. It is in the corner and cools the whole room plus down the hall. I cut a hole in the side of the bus and ran the 6 inch tube to the fitting that goes through the side about 2-/12" x 7" tall and a 1/2" hole for the drain tube. I put a screen reister over it on the outside so it looks fine and works well. and the drain tube waters our garden too, LOL :^

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C439ZXNG
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: luvrbus on June 29, 2023, 08:36:45 PM
Floor level cooling sucks in a bus or RV everyone I have been around you are cool to about waist high then hot above the waist and most are noisy as hell trying to push cold air up with the larger motors to make the BTU's 
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: mqbus767 on June 30, 2023, 04:13:08 AM
On our DL3 we reused the condensor bay: https://www.busconversionmagazine.com/forum/index.php?topic=33689.msg407893#msg407893 (https://www.busconversionmagazine.com/forum/index.php?topic=33689.msg407893#msg407893)
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: luvrbus on June 30, 2023, 05:54:08 AM
Saw a $2,800,000.00 Marthon Prevost last night 4 ducted roof airs,that is 60,000 btu of cooling, and you guys are making popsicles with 12,000 btu amazing  8)   
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: Glennman on June 30, 2023, 01:23:15 PM
My Pioneer mini split kept up pretty well at 85 deg. in Weiser Idaho last week. It was a bit uncomfortable as I was only able to get the bus to about 75-78 degrees in the hottest part of the day, but it was very tolerable. Mine is installed similar to mq's pictures (above). Actually, I realized later that I still had more room to turn the fan higher. I didn't realize it was on its lowest setting, so next time I may get better results.
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: Dave5Cs on July 01, 2023, 08:18:31 AM
Between our 15000 Coleman roof up front and the 9000 portable in the bedroom we are fine at 95 feels like 103 for two days. Humidity is 72.
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: luvrbus on July 01, 2023, 08:48:33 AM
Between our 15000 Coleman roof up front and the 9000 portable in the bedroom we are fine at 95 feels like 103 for two days. Humidity is 72.


I have one of the portable in the garge they work ok I wish mine was a 2 hose though
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: ktmossman on July 01, 2023, 12:13:50 PM
EG4 now makes a couple that run on DC power...

https://signaturesolar.com/eg4-hybrid-ac-dc-solar-air-conditioner-1-ton/

https://signaturesolar.com/eg4-hybrid-ac-dc-solar-air-conditioner-2-ton/
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: luvrbus on July 01, 2023, 01:56:29 PM
EG4 now makes a couple that run on DC power...

https://signaturesolar.com/eg4-hybrid-ac-dc-solar-air-conditioner-1-ton/

https://signaturesolar.com/eg4-hybrid-ac-dc-solar-air-conditioner-2-ton/


Never understood why a true inverter type AC wasn't available in 12v, the inverter converts the 110v to 12v for the compressor all you would need is 12v motors for the evaporator and condenser
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: freds on July 01, 2023, 02:39:36 PM
EG4 now makes a couple that run on DC power...

https://signaturesolar.com/eg4-hybrid-ac-dc-solar-air-conditioner-1-ton/

https://signaturesolar.com/eg4-hybrid-ac-dc-solar-air-conditioner-2-ton/

This allows you to run more air-conditioning off of solar.

Anytime you convert energy you loose power to heat generation in the process.

Assuming 85% percent efficacy for the solar charge controller and inverter.

Solar input: 3000 watts
After solar charge controller: 2550
After inverter: 2168
Round trip to battery at 95%: 2060

So assuming good sun you can use fewer panels to cool with. What the sun doesn't provide is pulled from the AC power line.

The missing piece would be how to send excess solar to battery storage.

Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: dtcerrato on July 01, 2023, 06:19:55 PM
Yep those have been around for a long time. I looked at those 4 years ago when we were going to put them in at the ranch but the price got pretty high with the setup we would need.
But we sure like our roll around one I just put in the bedroom of the bus. It is in the corner and cools the whole room plus down the hall. I cut a hole in the side of the bus and ran the 6 inch tube to the fitting that goes through the side about 2-/12" x 7" tall and a 1/2" hole for the drain tube. I put a screen reister over it on the outside so it looks fine and works well. and the drain tube waters our garden too, LOL :^

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C439ZXNG

You've got me interested in the one in your link. At 10,000 BTU its really efficient at 7.8A / 820W. We run only one foof air so this portable could be just that - for rear BR at night or front area OTR daytime.. :^
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: epretot on July 01, 2023, 07:05:04 PM
I have a 36,000 BTU Daikan.

Here is the location of the outdoor unit.

Its kind of difficult to see in the photo, but the body panel is pulled away to allow for airflow. That panel will be customized to have a grate in it.

I need to add some sort of strapping to the unit before driving down the road. And believe it or not. I have 3/4" over minimum clearance from the water tank.

Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: lvmci on July 01, 2023, 07:35:44 PM
I've been looking for a mini split that I can turn the interior box on its side to sit vertically next to a window. The problem would be drainage for condensation.
  I don't want the large rectangle boxes I've seen...
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: luvrbus on July 02, 2023, 05:48:09 AM
You've got me interested in the one in your link. At 10,000 BTU its really efficient at 7.8A / 820W. We run only one foof air so this portable could be just that - for rear BR at night or front area OTR daytime.. :^


I have the  Toshiba model with wifi ( I don't know how to use) to me it is not that efficient with AZ temperatures,I bought it just for temperature control for the wood in the Country Coach,dealing with the 6 inch vent sucks,I would buy a dual hose type knowing what I do now
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: windtrader on July 02, 2023, 10:15:40 AM
With the increase in PV and other DC power generation DC powered appliances are growing. DC refrigerators and these AC units are great since as Fred states you avoid the conversion and get 100% power off the panels right to the appliances. The cited examples seem price competitive too.
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: luvrbus on July 02, 2023, 11:13:42 AM
With the increase in PV and other DC power generation DC powered appliances are growing. DC refrigerators and these AC units are great since as Fred states you avoid the conversion and get 100% power off the panels right to the appliances. The cited examples seem price competitive too.


It is not going to be cheap though when you are paying 1000's of dollars for a battery bank and components  to store the power,Solar panels are the least expensive components in the setup>The marine world has been on DC current for many years and use water for the AC units,and they are not Evap coolers
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: Dave5Cs on July 03, 2023, 11:54:31 AM
Except Don makes his own batteries and they pretty much run his whole coach :^
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: chadspeer on August 16, 2023, 08:28:37 AM
Some interesting link's that I found on converting window AC unit's to mini-splits.

https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/threads/window-a-c-converted-to-mini-split-success.86312/ (https://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/threads/window-a-c-converted-to-mini-split-success.86312/)


https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/80984/ (https://sprinter-source.com/forums/index.php?threads/80984/)
I just finished converting one of those into a split unit.  I think it's going to work well.  I'm going to try it in the bedroom, with the outdoor unit in the engine compartment.  That's not ideal, but I don't need full capacity from it.  For $400, it's worth a try.  The conversion went fine though, and I just need to put it in the bus.
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: freds on August 16, 2023, 03:08:06 PM
I just finished converting one of those into a split unit.  I think it's going to work well.  I'm going to try it in the bedroom, with the outdoor unit in the engine compartment.  That's not ideal, but I don't need full capacity from it.  For $400, it's worth a try.  The conversion went fine though, and I just need to put it in the bus.

Let us know how it works with pictures!!!
Title: Re: New Mini Split options
Post by: silversport on August 16, 2023, 07:36:40 PM
I would not be looking at a 230 volt unit. This 9000 btu does a great job cooling and heating our bedroom and we can sleep with it on. Pulls around 5 amps. Since this in the bedroom, put the condenser on a lazy Susan for the best air flow. The bucket list has a 1200 unit for the main room.
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