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In terms of
equipment space and cost, noise, fuel consumption, maintenance, it
makes no sense to install a larger generator to power an AC
air-conditioner.
Experienced
yachtsmen would agree that the most convenient AC power is supplied
through a good inverter. Here
you have AC power available at any time day or night without having
to start, warm-up and run the generator.
The
Micro-Cogen unit charges the batteries directly and provides heating
and cooling at the same time.
This
unit was originally developed by Polar Power for the US Army Tank
Automotive Command (TACOM) and is currently under test.
The goal is simultaneously provide heating, cooling, and
power generation. The mission requires low noise, low maintenance,
high reliability and low cost.
Operating
the Lombardini Model LDW 702 FOCS at low speeds of 1,500 to 2,200
RPM creates very little vibration and noise.
The slow speed also extends engine life.
To deliver 3 kW to 5 kW at this low speed requires Polar’s
Model 6250 Alternator.
The
refrigeration compressor is a Sanden model SD7H15HD. This heavy-duty compressor is rated at 6,000 RPM operating
speed. In this system
we are only operating the compressor at 1,500 to 2,200 RPM. The compressor should therefore get greater than 25,000 hours
operational life. For
more information on the compressor please visit http://www.sanden.com/products/piston7.html.
The
refrigeration capacity is up to 30,400 BTU/Hr of air-conditioning.
Or using a smaller compressor we can provide up to 3,000 to
16,000 BTU/Hr of cold-plate freezing. Note that the cold plate is the limiting factor on
performance.
This
system is also ideal for ice making in small fishing vessels.
Using a larger compressor we can produce up to 300 lbs (140
Kgs). of
fresh or salt water ice per hour.
The simplest,
safest, and most convenient method to install air-conditioning is to
use a hydronics loop. Hydronics uses chilled or hot water as a means of delivering
air-conditioning and heating from the refrigeration system to the
desired areas. Simple plumbing connects heat exchangers (fan coils)
installed in various areas (rooms) throughout the vessel. The fan
coils in each area creates the heating and cooling effect. Hydronics
is the quietest and most comfortable form of heating and cooling.
Polar can also
supply the more typical unitary systems.
Air-ducts are placed in the vessel that channel the air to
and from cabins and our unit.
The
Hydronic system offers the following advantages and disadvantages:
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Circulating
water can carry more that 10 times the amount of heat that air
can, so for cooling and heating only small water flow rates are
required for environmental control. This translates into the use
of 3/8 to 1/2-inch plumbing pipes as opposed to using 8 to 12
inch air ducts. Much less energy is required to circulate water
as opposed to air. The water pump and small fans in the heat
exchangers will consume less energy than the large blower
required to force air through out the vessel.
-
Superior
temperature control from cabin to cabin. Each cabin with a fan
coil unit can utilize its own precision thermostat and fan speed
control. Rooms not requiring environmental control can be
completely shut off. Temperature regulation to within 1 to 3
Fahrenheit (.6C to 1.7C) is practical so you do not feel the
"chills" or discomfort typical of most heating and
cooling systems as they cycle on and off. Circulating water in
place of air provides two distinct advantages. Due to its high
specific heat (ability to store heat and cold) water can provide
continued cooling and heating after the heat pump is shut down.
This helps smooth out the heat pump compressor cycling, as the
compressor stays off longer and stays on longer and there are
only small temperature changes in the water temperature. Using
the individual precision thermostats in each room to control
temperature is practical because we are only controlling a small
electric fan. A precision thermostat controlling a heat pump is
not practical because the frequent on/off cycling will destroy
the compressor.
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The
hydronic system properly installed is very quite compared to an
air duct delivery system. Flowing water makes very little noise
as compared to the noise created by large blower moving volumes
of air through the air ducts.
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The
hydronic system facilitates the recycling of engine exhaust heat
for space heating.
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The
hydronic system costs more to purchase than a unitary system.
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As
with any plumbing system there is always the possibility for water
leaks.
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