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I have a question about air conditioning.
I know there is one system employing an engine driven compressor and a belly
scoop with the condenser at the top of the rear pressure bulkhead. Now I
understand that there is one using an electric compressor in the baggage
compartment and I'm not sure where the condenser is located. Is this the one
Lancair is promoting and is using in its turbine IVP?
Are there any IV's or IVP's flying using an engine driven compressor and the
condenser without any provision for increased airflow via a scoop or other
device? If so, how well is it working and what can you tell us about the
design, availability and so on?
Hi John,
I have a L4P with the No scoop A/C with the engine driven compressor and the condenser behind the baggage compartment. This is the system being sold by Lancair as "Aero Cool" owned by Joe B. and designed and developed by Mike Custard.
I have 180 hours on the airplane with the first 40 without the AC working. The weight is about 45 lbs. total with it split about even on the engine and the rear fuselage. The airflow for the condenser is supplied form the NACA duct in the right side of the vert stab. and it has a fan on it to keep it cool while on the ground. The evaporator is on the top of the rear bulkhead in the cabin and blows forward along the ceiling and back into your face off the instrument panel. I have the controls for the fan and the cold cycle on the overhead center. Some folks would like the individual outlets from the overhead duct but I don't need them or want them but that could be done. The normal ram air in the overhead is not used, it all goes into the condenser. This means that before engine start you close and lock the door and inflate the seal. After engine start you turn on the cabin fan and then the AC. I used it yesterday on the complete flight. First thing on and last thing off. Usually, you don't need it over about 15K ft. To me this is a Must have on a "P".
The electric motor driven unit is for the Turbine because it is 28 volts and there is no provision on the engine for the compressor, although some folks are trying that. The problem with that is that it is a 2 HP motor and requires a ?? 65 amp. breaker and a healthy alternator. Mine is 12 V and I have a 65 amp. alternator. Check with Mike or the factory on these numbers.
The problem I have with scoop model is that it doesn't have a fan on it to work on the ground and at altitude when you turn it off you still have the 5 kt. loss from the Aero drag. Mine does have a 4" and 6" hole out of the bottom in the back for hot air exhaust.
My History is; It has always worked. Mine is #2 right after Joe B.'s. We have changed the condenser mounting once and the outflow air stream once. Each change has improved the hot day cooling. I replaced the compressor belt when I had the Propeller off at about 110 hrs. it was OK but I had cleaned up black dust after I discover the belt was a little loose. Since the new belt I haven't had any black dust at all.
I would not know what to do without the AC, and yes my airplane is heavier but let me take you for a ride and you will be sold. Some pictures are on Mikes website;
http://www.flybymike.com/
Hope this helps?
Jim Hergert
N6XE, "An Sex Y" L4P
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