Solar Powered Mini Split Air Conditioner Tour

Solar Powered Mini Split Air Conditioner Tour - Everlanders see the World!

Рет қаралды 309,357

4 жыл бұрын

How we Solar Power our Mini-Split Air Conditioner in our Overland RV!
I procrastinated making this video because it seemed too simple, "I bought the AC Unit - I plugged in the AC unit - It keeps us cool". But, by popular demand, I answer as much as I can about our A/C unit we've installed in our overland camper.
We have a ForestAir 8000 BTU Mini-Split AC that we power with solar power via our 8 Rooftop mounted solar panels. That power heads down to our Lithium Battery Bank for just a moment and is promptly used by our 1800w Inverter to make the 110 volts needed for the AC Unit.
0:00
0:20 - My testing with a small 450w Window Mount AC unit
1:50 - Finding a small Mini-Split Air Conditioner for our RV
2:36 - How I Installed the compressor
3:20 - How we power this Cooling System from PV
4:00 - How loud is it?
5:05 - No windows for Maximum Efficiency
6:08 - Solar Panels Ventilation and Shade - More Efficiency
7:15 - Power Consumption Part 1 - Duty Cycle
9:00 - Heading Inside to look at Solar Logging Data
11:00 - Tour of the Air Handler unit and ducting.
14:00 - Power Consumption Par 2 - Examining Solar Charts - Data!!
There have been many (removed) comments where this install has been criticized as faked with a power cord plugged into mains power or that it would not last more than a month in the rough conditions of an Off-Road Camper such as ours, but after 3 years and 100,000km - it's still going strong.
And the thing you've all asked in the comments before looking in the description, We got it at Costco:
www.costco.ca/Forest-Air-Mini...
Also Available from The Cabin Depot in Canada and the USA
www.thecabindepot.ca/products...
www.thecabindepot.com/product...
Sadly, I have confirmed that the replacement for the model we have is now 10,000 BTU and the hose is no longer removable. Something to consider if feeding it through a small hole is of value to you.
If you'd like to drop a few dollars in the hat for Fuel or Camera Gear, please consider becoming a member of the channel. For more information on becoming a member, Click Here: kzfaq.infojoin
Get a DJI drone here:
click.dji.com/AF7icN8Hg2BxV6X...

Пікірлер: 802

@portnuefflyer 4 жыл бұрын

I've done solar work for 30 years, and before that I also built up three different vans and trucks into campers. I've built 5 airplanes, and was off grid for 28 years, now 130% grid tied. BUT, when your panels slide out on the roof, I was floored! Great concept and execution!

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very kindly!

@icantfindausernamehe 4 жыл бұрын

@@Everlanders Can you tell us how you did it?

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

If watching this video didn't help you, then no, I can't.

@icantfindausernamehe 4 жыл бұрын

@@Everlanders I mean with the solar extension mechanism.

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

We've made several videos on the topic that will likely answer your questions: DIY Solar Powered RV - Lithium Power LiFePo4: kzfaq.info/sun/PL0uBLqOOwG8hv9HRxGZvnesMBrUVyiQKf

@ragemodels 4 жыл бұрын

That entire SOLAR setup is really impressive!!! And the connection to the A/C unit is pure genius!!! Bravo !!! 👏👏👏👏

@crinabobo7412 Жыл бұрын

Tiltable solar would increase output by 30 40%

@soci0path 4 жыл бұрын

I have watched so many many videos on solar / ac / batteries I can cant count to see something like this. Thank you

@TomRoszko 4 жыл бұрын

I'm impressed with you answering each question so thoroughly. So here's one you don't have to answer. Just wanted to express my appreciation for this video. I'm going to re-do my AC this summer and this is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Was considering making the window unit work but never thought about the drain being level. Even if you were level, the first turn or bump could dump the drain pan into the vehicle. Thanks again.

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, To be clear, I'm not 100% against window shakers... With enough effort you could probably dismantle, insulate & seal the hot side from the cold side and then try to improve the distillate collection tray to drain nicely. But I tore apart that LG unit and it was so cheap and flimsy I felt I'd need to rebuild it with a better frame and side panels. Further the time and supplies that go into such a project add up... It didn't seem worth it to me.

@justfly2525 4 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thanks for breaking it down to the duty cycle level. That helps a lot.

@leoblumhagen644 4 жыл бұрын

Mini split is the way to go for nomads that feel the need for air conditioning....economical and able to be powered by solar/batteries if you have enough

@randybobandy9828 Жыл бұрын

Yup.. Pioneer 9000btu unit pulls a max of 720w. More efficient then this unit while also cooling more.

@OriginalMusic1983 4 жыл бұрын

Major bonus points for the Strongbad reference and the Luke Skywalker arm pointer. Lol

@KurtQuad 4 жыл бұрын

not often do I run into other Saskatchewanians in KZfaq - let alone an instructional one. Nicely done!

@xaimeglez74 3 жыл бұрын

Saska what? Is that like a sasquatch? Man, you guys do exist!!!!!

@Everlanders 3 жыл бұрын

I haven't been called a Sasquatch in a long time, but I take it as a compliment... 😜

@xaimeglez74 3 жыл бұрын

@@Everlanders Good sense of humor!!!! Love Canadians, good people!

@00708046 3 жыл бұрын

Wow ! I'm impressed with your tech skills . You really have a great monitoring system and great devices hooked to it . Smart !

@othoapproto9603 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing, I completely agree on the no window. I would have an escape hatch and a camera to see all the way around the truck. But no windows, if I want a view Ill go outside.

@marketshare5273 4 жыл бұрын

Incredible Jason you really have it down to a science. 👊👍😎

@baashie 4 жыл бұрын

New subscriber. Such a work of art everything you did to that rig. Looking forward to seeing more

@edwardgormley2657 4 жыл бұрын

Very nice very unique it's refreshing to see somebody do their own thing

@itzanopinion 3 жыл бұрын

OMG! When you deployed the other 4 panels, the first words out of my mouth were.. "...Holy Sh**! That's AWESOME!" GREAT JOB!!!!

@Everlanders 3 жыл бұрын

Those were the first words out of my mouth too!

@clinclin1240 4 жыл бұрын

Amazing video and great info! I'm sold on the ForestAir 8000! Just ordered one for my 30 footer. That roof beast is going the way of the dodo, and getting replaced with a Fantastic Fan for cooler days (and FAR less weight bouncing around up there!).

@taylorritz3553 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. Lots of solid info to help others with sizing!

@igor_v._kuznetsov 4 жыл бұрын

Very cool system. Very interesting realisation of mounting solar pannels.

@localgamerz2961 4 жыл бұрын

I was thinking of a solar array exactly like that for when I build mine, crazy that someone has already done it

@higgnbe 4 жыл бұрын

I've always wondered why you solar slide out isn't more popular it makes so much sense

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

I wonder that too! 😄

@TheSaltfly 3 жыл бұрын

Which would be more efficient, eight panels that slide out or four that tilt to be perpendicular to the sun's rays?

@Everlanders 3 жыл бұрын

Cost efficient? 8 that slide out...

@seanrock8717 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing all theses videos. Exactly what I was looking for for inspiration to begin planning my build.

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Sean! So glad they're of help to you.

@french-9743 4 жыл бұрын

Strange! This is what I had imagined without being able to realize it. Congratulations for doing it. Etrange ! Voilà ce que j'avais imaginé sans être capable de le réaliser. Félicitations de l'avoir fait.

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

Glad to inspire!

@michaelm9621 4 жыл бұрын

Becareful around 3:40 your mind will be blown away. That sir is bad ass. Good job.

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

Many Thanks!

@paulschimel3572 4 жыл бұрын

I love the retractable solar panels!

@JockeSelin 4 жыл бұрын

This is a cool video, literally. I love it when you go full nerd on us, Jason. 🤓👍🏻 Please continue the nerdylicious series with your monitoring systems. I started playing about with an RPi, Ardunios and ESP8266 to send/receive data over MQTT to/from the RPi then displaying it using Node-RED, with the hope of monitoring our upcoming Unimog. Seems you’ve got something tastier going on there behind the scenes..?! I’ll get the popcorn...!

@shawnyap9358 4 жыл бұрын

Jaw dropped after saw your solar slide out setup. Genius concept!

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

We need to be careful when giving people tours in person, don't need any dislocations...

@chasehoffman6346 3 жыл бұрын

Wow! Your build and analysis are next level! Finally someone that understands showing current and average watts matters, as well as your solar power generation!!

@Everlanders 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks alot! 👏

@RandyRandersonthefamous 3 жыл бұрын

if they made a 400W 3000BTU mini split it would sell like crazy to van dwellers. They used to make a dog house AC unit that was 350W but it isn't made anymore.

@thomasbarlow4223 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that idea on the slide out solar rack

@ThomasLeonard454 4 жыл бұрын

Great information on the mini-split. Thanks

@StefanHallEffect 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the awesome review. Especially thank you for showing the quick connect fitting! That is fantastic for installation.

@mrad4234 3 жыл бұрын

All of the thorough and detailed explanations are great- thank you

@Everlanders 3 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome!

@seanchernobyl2911 3 жыл бұрын

Instantly Liked! When I saw panels slide out on the roof!!!!

@pauladams1156 3 жыл бұрын

Man...that is a cool setup!

@lynndelduca4399 4 жыл бұрын

Smart!!! Well done !!!🇨🇦🤗

@brianh.000 4 жыл бұрын

Sliding panels is a great idea!!

@caribouprecision8213 3 жыл бұрын

Its funny what different folks need for comfort/enjoyment; I know my wife would gladly do without an indoor toilet but she would never agree to no windows. I could go either way on either.

@CDVEDROD 27 күн бұрын

I have dreamed about powered slide out solar panels and there it is! Excellent’

@Everlanders 27 күн бұрын

Here's the updated system: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/osmTnpSWz9K8pGw.html

@the_off_grid_adventure_rig 4 жыл бұрын

Great video as always

@stevep6108 4 жыл бұрын

hahaha great pointer hand!!! awesome - remote panel control GENIOUS - ac on trailer nice! you should insulate that pvc line though it might help even more - 3d printed vent , not to shabby lol

@aldercamper9430 4 жыл бұрын

Nice idea with sliding panels!

@YahDude 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for making this video, it's really helped me make a decision based on your data collection!

@Everlanders 3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad my Dude!

@patrickmckowen2999 3 жыл бұрын

love the solar setup - great rig

@JonSnow-bc6ro 4 жыл бұрын

Very informative and good video. Found it very interesting

@garyonnen7634 4 жыл бұрын

Pretty cool!

@stxferalboys 4 жыл бұрын

Great video with great information!

@malloryrhymer3454 2 жыл бұрын

This is amazing!!!

@russ3580 3 жыл бұрын

Great show!

@tonynotstated695 4 жыл бұрын

Impressive!!

@dflood316 4 жыл бұрын

Very Inspirational. I want AC too.

@sellC1964 4 жыл бұрын

Very nice video! That's an interesting unit.

@user-ze7tl2dw4i Жыл бұрын

Man, you are the coolest channel in the space in a long time. Thanks so much for your knowledge homie

@Scrambler85 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this. It's almost the same thing I am planning for cubevan I plan to build out. I will have 1,200 watts on the roof.

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

Also remember that you'll likely only get 2/3 of the rated power from those panels in the real world. I did a video on this some years back.

@Scrambler85 4 жыл бұрын

@@Everlanders thanks for the reply. I watched the video when You posted it, your channel is always informative and interesting. The box on the van is a 7 x 14 with a 84" ceiling height. I will have R10 for insulation all around. I will start with 300 amp hours of lithium batteries and hope that will be enough.

@sethsamson666 4 жыл бұрын

Such an underrated channel. Amazing engineering sir.

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you kindly! 🙏

@OH8STN 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video post-op new subscriber and actually happy I found your Channel. Looking forward to the next one.

@riccameron6964 4 жыл бұрын

seen a great T Shirt "Any Man can start a Beard...A True Man never Finishes one"

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

Love it! 🔥🇨🇦

@sandys-channel 4 жыл бұрын

I would love to see a deep dive video on the software you've made to monitor your batteries and solar system. We have a basic off-grid solar system but our monitoring is very lacking. Your setup looks fantastic and I can't really find much clear information about them (other than off the shelf very expensive system)

@robindas1207 Жыл бұрын

nice system and very good explanations

@roberthill4239 4 жыл бұрын

Awsome job

@gill18az 4 жыл бұрын

looks great

@JYDOG 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I've been waiting for this video. Very thorough, informative and entertaining as usual. I've really enjoyed watching your channel grow.

@JYDOG 4 жыл бұрын

I don't think they sell that model at our costco for the states.

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

It seems there are other venders that sell it too, but please confirm that the new 10,000BTU version has the disconnect if that's something you need. www.thecabindepot.com/products/forestair-mini-split-10-000-btu-portable-3-in-1-air-conditioner

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

I have since confirmed that the 10,000 BTU version no longer has the disconnect, so you'd need to cut a large hole or make a doorway just to pass it through...

@jwb2814 4 жыл бұрын

This vid was awesome 😎 Great job.

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the visit

@s19910323 4 жыл бұрын

This channel is a gem

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

You are a gem!

@shanellesigh6441 3 жыл бұрын

Lol that robot hand scared the crap out of me

@Everlanders 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing 🤣

@GenealogicalTree 4 жыл бұрын

Cool idea!

@ricardostravels3265 3 жыл бұрын

Great Stuff..!

@johnnybx3254 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so very much for sharing 👍👏☮️

@gacherumburu9958 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info!

@64maxpower 3 жыл бұрын

Great job

@johnshattuck7774 4 жыл бұрын

It is so fun watching your videos. Your rig is really we'll thought out and meticulously executed. Really cool and inspiring to see all that you have done! Keep the videos coming!

@gjohn7792 Жыл бұрын

I like these guys. Great work and channel!

@gjohn7792 Жыл бұрын

If I could only tap your knowledge and skills. I hope to see you on the road.

@jonotway8702 10 ай бұрын

Hey, great video. HVAC tech here….your indoor unit/air handler is called an evaporator. The condenser and compressor are in the box outside.

@Everlanders 10 ай бұрын

Correct 💯

@williamirizarry1113 4 жыл бұрын

Very well done. Thank you

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

Our pleasure!

@DH-bs1di 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome 2.0!

@deadpoolvanlife8988 4 жыл бұрын

Great info thanks

@DH-bs1di 4 жыл бұрын

Awsome!

@rolgor 3 жыл бұрын

You are AWESOME!

@stephensang2588 Ай бұрын

Thanks. Great details.

@pec1739 4 жыл бұрын

omg ! thank you for doing this, you are realizing my design ! except that my solar panel design is slide out the top panels, where yours is slide out the bottom panels.

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

Sliding the top had too many problems...

@pec1739 4 жыл бұрын

yeah probably the heat build up problem like you mention, thanks for the info !

@arizona111 4 жыл бұрын

Good vid. The whole A/C process just seems to simple and too good to be true. I suppose that is due to the well designed solar system! Interesting about bonding the bracket on the back as well. I know bonding is strong as heck, but the lack of mechanical fasteners always stresses me. Obviously after three years on the back, bonding works!

@catherineonigiri214 Жыл бұрын

the most useful video ive watched

@_GntlStone_ 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome setup in combination with your solar and battery system. When I worked for a company that designed HVAC systems they tried to not use 90° ducts as it restricted airflow more than 2x45° or rounded ducts. You might see better cooling if you did that if you end up doing any revisions.

@Everlanders 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I've since moved to two 45° elbows and increased the diameter to 4in, doubling the area... Still works great, but is a bit quieter.

@DanielRichards644 4 жыл бұрын

I remember a few years back I was looking into doing a small small house (bigger then a "Tiny Home", about 16 ft x 40 ft or so) and my goal was to make efficient enough to be off grid for the whole house, due to this I was doing research into A/C's and I found one that was actually Straight DC powered so you didn't have to go through an inverter or have a grid connection.

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

Yep, they're even more common now, but usually 24 volts and/or many times the cost and size. Not ideal for our application.

@fonte935 4 жыл бұрын

Nice! Caught the Strong Bad reference! :)

@brianh.000 4 жыл бұрын

strongbad_email.exe. Do you have the skills of an artist? If so, what can you draw?

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

🙄 I can only draw in the 3rd dimension...

@g41thomas 2 жыл бұрын

Good video 📹👍

@harolddeyoung9641 2 жыл бұрын

You must have previously worked in Aero Space. Your knowledge of heat transfer, and Air Flow are impressive.

@hamiltonharper 3 жыл бұрын

Nice pointer

@FredMcIntyre 4 жыл бұрын

Great idea with the those slide out panels! 😃👍🏻👊🏻

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

@redleader7988 4 жыл бұрын

Make all four slide to the right and you'd have a nice awning.

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

I ran stress analysis simulations on the slide structure and deemed it too risky.

@redleader7988 4 жыл бұрын

@@Everlanders True. Folding legs or braces would be necessary..

@DavidLopez-gn3bi 4 жыл бұрын

Muy bonito,gracias,primer video ya me subscribi

@AdmiralPreparedness Жыл бұрын

I have been considering this way of cooling my home for sometime and I have been slowly buying the solar panels. My final purchase for my cooling solution is the choice of what mini splits to get. I have never heard of Forest Air in my searches for compact mini splits.. Thank you for showing us the one you are using. It might just fit into my plan.

@hmandeelful 4 жыл бұрын

Note: The inside unit is called evaporator and outside unit is the condenser :)

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

Correct! 🏆

@SuperVstech 4 жыл бұрын

Only in cooling mode... The jobs reverse in heating mode... So best described as the compressor section and the air handler section.

@SuperVstech 4 жыл бұрын

The condensate pump can be cleaned with a solution of condensate pan treatment tablets dissolved in water, dribbled into the tray. Allow it to soak and the microbial growth dies and breaks up.

@ajarivas72 3 жыл бұрын

H Mandeel : The condenser is not oriented correctly on the truck 🚛. The fan axis must be perpendicular no the wall, not parallel. On the other hand, if the condenser were placed on the roof, the air flow of the moving truck will cool the coils. No need to turn on the fan unless the truck is at zero speed or very low speed. The electric ⚡️ fan of the car radiators (engine cooling) are turned off by the car computer when the car travels at high speed to save gasoline ⛽️.

@SuperVstech 3 жыл бұрын

Alejandro Rivas I have installed a LOT of these systems... parallel to the wall is the norm...

@NomadicLiving 4 жыл бұрын

Nice Vid! We've got mini-split on our fifth wheel, solar-powered. It's so much more efficient and a lot quieter than the rooftop units, which, after removing them allowed for more solar panels :) I think we'll be seeing more of them on custom rigs.

@randybobandy9828 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely.. Most of the 120v minisplits use about 40% less power for the same cooling power as the roof top units. Alot quieter too.

@CaptainZeroCaine Жыл бұрын

Curious how you like it after 2 years. And curious about your battery setup to make it work. Setting mine up right now and really just want to run the mini split and led lights inside.

@randybobandy9828 Жыл бұрын

@@CaptainZeroCaine what do you mean by running the mini split "inside"? Like the outdoor unit?

@CaptainZeroCaine Жыл бұрын

@@randybobandy9828 oh, sorry. I'm saying all I want to run is the mini split and 12v LED lights (custom travel trailer build) inside the trailer. Basically, no stove, no microwave, or anything like that.

@randybobandy9828 Жыл бұрын

@@CaptainZeroCaine oh gotcha. What battery size and type? Do you have a minisplit picked out?

@IDVDalot 2 жыл бұрын

Idea! For your AC vent that is not directing air to where you want it: Buy and AC duct elbow and attach over vent OR temporarily use some cardboard or a cup and cut so you have an elbow.

@Everlanders 2 жыл бұрын

I made a directional vent here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jt56nrZi1sjbho0.html

@TRICKAIRCONDCHANNEL 4 жыл бұрын

Nice share sir👍

@alia176 4 жыл бұрын

Dude, nice beard and you're smiling while talking :-) Nicely done amigo. We'll make you a sports commentator yet!

@nancyst.john-smith3891 3 жыл бұрын

BUT there is a little critter on your chest and it’s crawling toward your beard, looking for a nest...

@Everlanders 3 жыл бұрын

But how was the sound quality?

@laurindogadoti5639 Жыл бұрын

Greetings from Brazil. Been watching a lot of your videos, and amazed by the way you explain everithing its so pleasant to watch. Makes us dream about building something like this one day.

@Everlanders Жыл бұрын

We are very close to Brazil now! 🌎

@laurindogadoti5639 Жыл бұрын

@@Everlanders I know some parts of brazil that i traveled in a motorcycle. Dont miss Jalapão in state of Tocantins, if you are going to this region. If ever need any information that i can help send me messages.

@Kojimalosophy 4 жыл бұрын

thanks for uploading this! by the way, I'm on the states right now, but I'm from Mexico, and if you're traveling down there, I highly advise you speak to the local people, find out which are the areas that are "hot", not all drug cartels respect tourists, some drug cartels stick to their main business which is just trafficking drugs from south america to the US and Canada, but other newer less well financed cartels will assault you on sight, and you can't rely on the police, they are criminals themselves, that is some nice rig you got there, it is bound to attract attention, so there are areas in the country you DEFINITELY want to avoid, just be very well informed about your route, and I hope you are conceal carrying , may God watch over you. I love Canada by the way, did my highschool over there, amazing nation! amazing people!

@drljnkns 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@michaelproctor9114 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Everlander, First time viewer and now Subscriber.. Great Video ... Going to watch from now on and old ones too . Thank You

@Everlanders 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for joining in the fun!

@michaelproctor9114 3 жыл бұрын

Everlanders Thank You Very Much Everlander 😊

@DiHandley 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome rig! Where I’m from (Australia) 31C degrees is a nice day. 48C is getting a bit warm though. Cheers

@Everlanders 4 жыл бұрын

...It would still work fine in Australia - although we have no intention of taking this Rig there. We're on our way to Panama now, in the humid rainy season no less...