Interesting A/C alternative...
 

An electric a/c compressor...
http://www.seanhylandmotorsport.com/...ing-compressor

I wonder how capable it is and how much current draw...?



Jeff-

Newer vehicles are going to electric compressors, especially those with hybrid or e-assist. Smart idea if you already have the current flow, but I wouldn't think your average 12 volt system would be able to support it. Too bad you can't access the installation manual to see the size of the fuse it runs.

The link Ketzer posted shows that this particular one is 12v compatible. I wonder where you would mount it, looks about the same size as a sanden style compressor.

In a '69 Camaro or similar -- I'd mount it back in the trunk on the step up under the "package tray".

I don't think this is about saving horsepower... as it should have a fairly hefty power draw - my guess would be 30 amps - but it certainly would save space if a guy had a packaging issue in something like a TT car...

Wayyyyy too small.
 

Unfortunately, this compressor is too small for the job. It does about 4000BTU, less than 1/4 the capacity of a typical Vintage Air unit.

As it is with everything in life, there's no free ride. A compressor with sufficient capacity to do the job would draw around 150A at 12V. For reference, we've been using Masterflux compressors for years in OEM electric car projects. The compressor we use draws around 6A at 300VDC. That comes out to 150A at 12VDC, but there are no compressors available with sufficient capacity at 12VDC.

Here is the link to the SHM compressor specs:

http://www.masterflux.com/userimages...DATA_SHEET.pdf