Warm weather- no idle solutions

[simon says]

I am starting to consider an investment in a APU (non- gen set)for cooling. I already use the Webasto Air Top for heating. The Berstrom Nite (cooling only) unit can be purchased for about $4000 and used with the fuel-fired heater. Webasto has also introduced the "Blue Cool" unit which uses existing truck batteries and stores R-134 while the truck is moving, and utilizes it for cooling for rest. The system only draws 3.5-5 amps while in use with the motor off. The Blue Cool weighs about 300 lbs and attaches to the frame. I don't remember the cost at the moment.
Anyone have any familiarty with either of these, or other solutions?

 

[LDB]

My question on units like that is will they provide a long enough interval of cooling between recharges. They seem targeted to the t/t market where the max downtime is a 10 hour break. I'd be afraid I'd run out of cooling long before I finished a weekend stuck somewhere or a 34 hour restart somewhere. I'll be interested to hear what others have to say, especially if they are using them. I'd just suggest finding out the run times. It wouldn't be much fun to be in Laredo for 34 or more hours in July if it only gives 10-11 hours capacity.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
EO Forum Moderator 1+ Years of Service
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[davekc]

I would agree with Leo on the amount of usage in a given time period. I would also wonder what its cooling capacity is at 100 degrees outside.
Most battery setups that I have seen to this point only go from 5 to 8 hours. That is at peak performance. As they (batteries) age, that time keeps getting shorter.
I as well would be interested if the capacity and battery longevity was there.





Davekc
owner
21 years
PantherII
EO moderator

 

[greg334]

Last year in September I sat next to a guy who had Bergstrom Nite unit in his van and got to see it in action over a weekend.

Ok it wasn’t something that could keep a large sleeper (90†or bigger) cold but it kept his van cool enough during a 95 degree day. He had two golf cart batteries and charged them twice while I was there. His van wasn’t really insulated but it was at least 20 degrees cooler.

I would think that having a battery bank on a larger truck or the ability to have two or four batteries just for the system would put the question to rest for me.

 

[LDB]

From what little I've seen you would need a minimum of 3 deep cycle batteries. I think they are group 31 but not sure of the size number. They are the size of a class 8 truck battery and weigh somewhere around 100 pounds each I think. Add the weight of the system itself and you are probably looking at 500-600 pounds for a system that will get you through 12-15 hours at max output.

I suspect that in the next few years the efficiency will improve significantly and this will be a viable alternative. Right now I don't think they substitute for a good APU system. Just my .02 for what it's worth.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
EO Forum Moderator 1+ Years of Service
Expediters Online.com - The Best is Getting Better!
-----
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.