However, this did turn into an absolute game changer. For years, we have been using an aircon system at home to keep the room temperature at a chilly 16o at night. “Why so cold?” I asked, but was always told there is the lounge couch should I need to warm up. The reason is known to half the population, but I won’t go any further, being a male…
Anyway, mid last year I pulled the boat out for some maintenance and started on the installation. Our launch Camelot is a 1982 Mariner 38 trawler-style boat with a forward cabin (approx. 4.5m3 of volume). I redesigned the two single bunks into a large double bed. The cabin had a coat locker and when I explored the base, I found a 300mm hidden space. After neatly cutting a large rectangular hole, I found that I had room to install the AC unit into this space. Cutting a front vent for the intake, I then worked out how to make a duct up the side of the locker and place a discharge up near the top.
The next thing on the list was to fit two skin fittings for the water cooling – one fitting well below the waterline for the intake and the second right on the waterline for the discharge. The small DC water pump with strainer required an uphill water feed to stop air locks in the pump and the discharge on waterline to stop any water gurgling (this is not the noise you want to hear lying in the bed after a few wines). Wiring the unit followed with some nice heavy cable from the house battery supply up to the unit. A bit of wire connecting and we were ready to go.
After the boat returned to the water, it was summer calling and the Xmas cruise. Boy, did the weather wind gods play up! It wasn’t until just after New Year that we finally got underway and went up the coast to Whangaruru. What a great harbour it is to chill out for a week!
The first night aircon test was a roaring success. The cabin started at 23°C at 9 pm, and with the temp set at 17°C, it wasn’t long before the cabin was just perfect. The hum of the discharge fan wasn’t annoying, and nor was the DC water pump (the noise level was similar to the the aircon at home). The unit ran on Eco mode for 9½ hours with an approximate total usage of 80 amp-hours (Ah) at 12 volts.
I monitored and tested the system for five nights, checking battery levels before I went to bed and when I got up. The average time running was nine hours and the average consumption was between 70 to 90Ah, depending on how hot the cabin was before turning the aircon on. I had a thermometer set up to check the temperature and a clamp meter for checking the power draw. On eco mode, the unit was running at 13.5 amps, and after the room had gotten to temperature, the unit would start to cycle (2A off cycle).
So, to answer a few questions…
• Why DC air con?
This unit is battery direct, so no generator or inverter is required.
• How much battery is required?
A suggested minimum of 400Ah.
Camelot is fitted with 600Ah of Mastervolt gel batteries.
• A good alternator with smart regulator on the engine is required for recharging the house bank.
Camelot has a Belmar 12-volt 210-amp output.
• And of course, solar on the roof comprises 525 watts of flexi panels from Burnsco.
I must say that I was impressed with the output
(over 32 amps full sunshine).
• This is a DIY system, so anyone can install it.
The Aircon range includes 12/24 or 48-volt options.
And best of all, ‘The Boss’ is so happy!
Blue-Airco Marine Air-conditioners
New technology out of Italy allows boaters to enjoy the benefits of air-conditioning without needing to run noisy generators.
The smart team at Blue-Airco in Italy has designed a state-of-the-art, self-contained marine air-conditioning system incorporating the latest brushless DC (BLDC) compressor technology. By using very low starting current, Blue-Airco accurately controls the unit’s compressor torque to ensure smooth start-ups at low frequencies, reducing the inrush (draw) of power at start up – inverter compressor technology at its best.
Blue-Airco’s variable frequency drive allows accurate cooling or heating control and adjustment, to maintain the desired ambient temperature without any fluctuations. The BLDC motor, with correct sound insulation and accurate design of ventilation, gives almost silent operation across all working conditions.
BLDC compressors are lightweight, super-durable, with almost no vibration and very low energy consumption. Blue-Airco’s units other high-quality components include a titanium seawater heat exchanger, stainless base assembly, and a removable pre air filter for cleaning. They are true state-of-the-art refrigeration compressors that outperform standard piston compressors on every metric.
Furthermore, the team has made these systems operate on 12V, 24V or 48V DC, with easy-to-use digital controls putting the heating, cooling, dehumidifying and fan settings at your fingertips.
Blue-Airco’s self-contained marine air-conditioners system are tested in 32°C water, to give an accurate energy consumption in tropical conditions. In New Zealand and Australia, with our cooler water temperatures, we can expect an energy saving of up to 15%. Compact and lightweight, these units are designed for installation in all types of boats, large and small; new-builds and refits; by professionals or as DIY kits. The 12-volt units output 8,000 bTU/h or 12,000BTU/h, while 48-volt units output 10,000BTU/h or 18,500BTU/h.
Kit supplied and supported by FridgeTech: FridgeTech.co.nz
