RV-10 A/C Installation Notes

[hgerhardt]

Originally Posted by digidocs

Heinrich,

It's really neat to see someone flying a system of their own design. Would you share some more pictures and information about your system?

It looks like you have an accessory case drive (cool!). How did you do your condenser setup?

Edit: Just spied a suction side heat exchanger---serious business. Is that custom?

David

David, thanks! I'll share more info in a huge post one of these days.

A few teasers in the meantime: the compressor is clutchless, variable-displacement and directly driven off the vacuum pump pad. The coupling has a frangible element (mechanical fuse) in case of compressor failure. This little guy is only 4" dia and 6 lbs, and maintains 1/8" clearance to the oil filter.

Condenser is on the belly and cooled by ram air. But much farther forward where there is adequate prop blast to be had at idle speed.

Evap is above the RH rudder pedals and blows air in your face rather than at the back of your head.

Yes, that's an IHX (internal heat exchanger) from a newish Hyundai. Allegedly increases efficiency around 10%.

[tom kreiner]

Heinrich,

It appears you’re using a nylon high pressure line similar to the Polypenco tubing used on Fords many years ago. IIRC, this is 1000psi rated tubing, and will never need to be replaced.

Please tell us about the tubing, where to procure, etc.

Thanks!

TK

[hgerhardt]

Originally Posted by tom kreiner

Heinrich,

It appears you’re using a nylon high pressure line similar to the Polypenco tubing used on Fords many years ago. IIRC, this is 1000psi rated tubing, and will never need to be replaced.

Please tell us about the tubing, where to procure, etc.

Thanks!

TK

I am? Where do you see this alleged Polypenco tubing? The hoses connected to the compressor are "reduced barrier" automotive A/C hose. I don't know why the 1/2" hose has the ribbed surface. That's the way it came. https://www.autoacfittings.com/1-2-G...-Ft-AC-10R.htm

All of the rest of the AC plumbing is aluminum tubing which I brazed together.

[tom kreiner]

I said “appears...”

Your ribbed high pressure line is very similar in appearance to the Polypenco line used on Ford products in the past. The appearance - ribbing as you called it - is almost identical to the old Polypenco. Perhaps the only visual difference is that yours doesn’t have the gloss finish that Polypenco had.

Those lines were extremely tough, and were probably too expensive to continue using. They were somewhat rigid, and IIRC, were sheathed with Nylon over braiding. Looking at the link you posted, yup, these are premium hoses and the $3.72 per FOOT confirms that!

Thanks for the link, I’ll be sure to use these in the future.