Using an AC in an open car?

anilisanil · 10th June 2011, 11:26

The only difference from a closed cabin is that the compressor is always on max load. If you have a closed cabin at say 40 C, then the a/c works by sucking in and slowly there will be a thermal equilibrium and a constant temperature is attained.

In an open cabin, the a/c would effectively be sucking in air always at higher temperatures and the compressor is always at load. It is more akin to using a/c in fresh air mode. Apart from that, the a/c air filter will choke more often and needs replacement. Apart from this I don't think we have other issues!

GearOn · 10th June 2011, 11:32

As the compressor would never cut-off because of no reduction in cabin temperature, you are looking at lesser service life as well as higher maintenance costs. Would help if you atleast put a soft top.

Tejas@perioimpl · 10th June 2011, 11:35

My project jeep was supposed to be a half hard top. However, as discussed in this thread (http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/4x4-te...p-hardtop.html) the flexural stresses on the top are an issue.

So we modified it to another design which may not allow doors. Thus, the question.

We are still working on a compromise.

10th June 2011, 11:26	#16
anilisanil Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 1,420 Thanked: 291 Times	Re: Using an AC in an open car? The only difference from a closed cabin is that the compressor is always on max load. If you have a closed cabin at say 40 C, then the a/c works by sucking in and slowly there will be a thermal equilibrium and a constant temperature is attained. In an open cabin, the a/c would effectively be sucking in air always at higher temperatures and the compressor is always at load. It is more akin to using a/c in fresh air mode. Apart from that, the a/c air filter will choke more often and needs replacement. Apart from this I don't think we have other issues!
	() Thanks

10th June 2011, 11:32	#17
GearOn BHPian Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 33 Thanked: 4 Times	Re: Using an AC in an open car? As the compressor would never cut-off because of no reduction in cabin temperature, you are looking at lesser service life as well as higher maintenance costs. Would help if you atleast put a soft top.
	() Thanks

10th June 2011, 11:35	#18
Tejas@perioimpl Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bombay Posts: 4,423 Thanked: 9,582 Times View My Garage	Re: Using an AC in an open car? My project jeep was supposed to be a half hard top. However, as discussed in this thread (http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/4x4-te...p-hardtop.html) the flexural stresses on the top are an issue. So we modified it to another design which may not allow doors. Thus, the question. We are still working on a compromise.
	() Thanks