VOLVO 960

Post by **Rob M** » Sun, 26 Apr 2009, 02:14

The Volvo 960's maiden voyage, Anzac Day 2009.
The Volvo is mobile!
Specs: 45 LFP 200AH cells, Zilla Z1K low voltage, Clark 12" forklift motor (monster) direct drive to tailshaft, Baldor DC motor driving power steering and air conditioner.
I had some battles with the onboard computer but managed to skirt around it without altering any of the car's features.
It is very smooth and has good acceleration for such a heavy vehicle.
I plan to run the air conditioner as a heater by installing a reverse cycle switch.
Then through the approval stage.
Will keep you posted.

Post by **woody** » Sun, 26 Apr 2009, 02:41

congrats rob! I hope you push hoops to go faster...

Post by **Nutz** » Sun, 26 Apr 2009, 05:35

I plan to run the air conditioner as a heater by installing a reverse cycle switch.

Is there a thread on how this can be done?

Post by **weber** » Sun, 26 Apr 2009, 18:15

I found this patent
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4384608.pdf
It references other that might help.

I'm pretty sure that running the compressor in the reverse direction will make no difference. I think it is usually done by valves that divert the refrigerant to flow in the reverse direction. Not something that could be easliy retrofitted.

Post by **KDRYAN** » Sun, 26 Apr 2009, 22:37

Weber
With reverse cycle airconditioning setups, the compressor remains operating in only one direction for cooling and heating, via re-plumbing the path of the gas, heating is achieved by reverseing the direction of the gas through the condenser and evaporator.

Post by **Nutz** » Sun, 26 Apr 2009, 23:45

So in theory then we should be able to salvage some solenoid valves out of an old reverse cycle unit (or order some new if you can find 12V) and wire/plumb them up to do the same job in an automotive system, right?

Edit Typo

Post by **a4x4kiwi** » Sun, 26 Apr 2009, 23:57

Thats also my plan. I need to find an old AC unit in the council cleanup.

I will drive the Aaircon pump with an AC VFD and a 1.5kw motor.

Post by **Nutz** » Mon, 27 Apr 2009, 00:45

Would it be worth using the pump from the A/C unit too? assuing you have high enough voltage.

Edit: I don't know the mathematics, but would't using a dc/dc converter, motor, pulley and pump be less efficiant than an all in one 110v or 240v unit.

Post by **Electrocycle** » Mon, 27 Apr 2009, 01:02

yeah I'd just use the compressor from scavenged a/c unit, but it'll need to be shock mounted.

I'll keep an eye out for a dumped air conditioner. I've found them before, and have an a/c pump on my air compressor

Post by **Nutz** » Mon, 27 Apr 2009, 01:54

I don't know how these sites work all that well, now the topic has moved onto reverse cycle A/C, does somone move it to anothe r discussion to make it easier for somone to find later?

Post by **Electrocycle** » Mon, 27 Apr 2009, 03:02

if they search for that it'll still come up, but if there's enough info usually another thread will be started.