Heads Up: DC AC

[game_hunter]

Just caught wind of a relatively new airconditiong/heating unit that runs on DC, is very energy efficient and provides both battery back-up and DC power for lighting and ceiling fans.

The SoCool System

It's a pretty slick bit of tech. The 2-ton unit uses 24V DC power and can be fed directly from solar or wind power in DC which it then will store in a battery, use to run itself and can divert to additional DC items like lighting and cieling fans. It also optionally integrates a freezing battery like the Ice Bear which will freeze and decrease power consumption for hours afterwards. The new Millenia 4 even converts condensate into drinking water with an add-on option. And according to their literature the whole mess uses as little as 25% what a traditional unit might for the same tasks.

I've no experience with them but I'm in love with their ideas.

[BWARDEN]

Looking on the SolCool website at some of their other products makes me a little suspicious that they aren't totally on the up and up. They have a valve stem cover for car tires that they claim extends tire life and gas mileage. Pretty far fetched to me. They also have very little info on the Sol Cool unit itself, as to its technology and how it works. I'd at least want to see one in operation first before buying one. Buyer beware.

[game_hunter]

I've noticed their lack of technical info as well and it bugged me quite a bit though I'm attributing it to trying to stay competitive. I found a retailer in Texas and will try and arrange to see one of the units in operation before I buy. I also set my favorite eco-products website on their trail for confirmation of the products claims, pricing and so on. If I can uncover any more info I'll post again.

[timbau]

I wonder why the unit is limited to 2 ton?

This would a boon to us folks in Texas as my electric bill is among the highest in the nation.

I would like to see more info also.

I looked into geothermal but that was to cost prohibited. Maybe for folks that are building new homes where they can roll 20K into their mortgage.

Later