Sounds like the bus already has an airconditioner that will run while you are driving. It will be powered by the motor and will blow cold air out of the vents on the dash. Get it checked out and serviced by a service guy - your local mechanic will direct you to one. If the hardware is all OK, you should be up and running for a hundred bucks or so. If the compressor is stuffed, then maybe $300 or more?

Running aircon while stationary will cost lots more.
First the solar that you know about, plus an inverter to provide 240V power, plus the aircon itself and installation and then some significant battery power to run it when the sun does not shine. How much battery depends on how long you want to run it and they is a big question.
Could be done from any type of battery, depending on what weight you can tolerate.
Cheers,
Peter

Thank you gentlemen. I'll go to an installer.

Susie, have a look at this thread on acoustic insulation. The best thing about foam acoustic insulation is its thermal properties.

What I would do is pull off all the panels & stuff everywhere with polybatts. Also make thermal barriers for the windows.

If you then you decide to still have air conditioning then the system will be far more efficient.

 

https://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t65443581/car-acoustic-insulation/

Susie Burke wrote:

---

Hi,

I saw a post about requiring 1.4KW of solar to run a split system reverse cycle air con. After collecting my bus (1988 Hino Rainbow R145A), and driving home through a Victorian heat wave (only mid 30s) I KNOW i need an aircon.

There is no existing roof vent, as I first thought. However there is existing motor compressor etc, but is 7 years unconnected and probably defunct. The problem being I do not just want it to drive but also when generally really hot. This is a need for me, not a want, the heat drastically affected by driving capacity.

I need a unit that can run on a hot day, whether driving or stationery. The post I am referring to (but cannot find again) referred to a split system, rear mounted running off 1.4Kwh Solar system. My questions are, will they operate moving or only stationery? I can achieve the panels on roof, (looking at the existing 400W - -5yr old, and an additional 1300W Teksolar roof mounted panels form Dubai).

I have two new 170AH Gel batteries for the solar system. What kind of set up will I need to support the larger system, with a view to running the air con. I'm asking here, because I am absolutely stumped on the best way forward, A roof mount with generator will not work whilst mobile. 

Anyone who can help, without an overwhelming amount of technical jargon would be most appreciated. Obviously I will get done professionally, but I d not know whether this is even feasible. Thanks in advance Susie

 

---

 Hi Susie 

Ahh you have your bus, good show !! Now to the problems 

To address the questions in no particular order. Why buy some unknown big panel from Dubai ?? Big panels are not recommended on mobile bus roofs for various reasons AND who knows anything about that panel !! Just get more matching spec panels to put on beside the existing ones. As many as you can fit there and get a new bigger solar controller also, all from reputable local suppliers.  Generally if it is hot there is plenty of solar available. If you were sensible you would rig the panels on a frame to shade the roof of the bus also.

People have used a small split system air con unit with an inverter compressor. These inverter compressor types do start up easily with low current and can be turned down very efficiently to run with lower current needs and do not switch the compressor on and off which is the problem with normal units running on batteries. i believe Peter has that style. There is no reason why you could not use that while driving but the cool air might not be close to the driver  as pointed out. I believe you should not be looking at the maximum capacity of the A/C unit, like the sales people do, but looking at the lowest setting, as that will be what you will want to use overnight. That is what I would do.      

You will need more batteries to be safe from excessive low voltages. Your bus will carry them I am sure. Another thing to look at is the voltage to run your "house"  system at. The bus is most likely 24Volt so having the "house" batteries as 24V also is a good idea. Then you can charge then from the alternator on the motor. A powerful way to get them charged when driving and also for bad solar(rainy) days. So you just put two 12V batteries connected in series for 24V total, no mystery there.  All the solar systems, controllers, inverters etc are available to suit 24V. 

You will need a good inverter also but they are easy to find, get a pure sine wave only, and decide on the size after the air con unit is decided, as the start up current is the important spec. It is vital to have the inverter close to the batteries and wired in with heavy cables to minimise losses. A 24V system will help there also.   

I might send you a PM again also.

Jaahn        

"What I would do is pull off all the panels & stuff everywhere with polybatts. Also make thermal barriers for the windows"

Would you really?

Man hours and material estimate would be interesting.

 

Would bd some point if you get rid of nearly all the windows, but otherwise... 

-- Edited by Tony LEE on Sunday 24th of January 2021 03:55:18 PM

2 layers of insulation inside the windscreen & ice on the car.

Just a bigger piece of metal.

Suzie, just to give you some hope about your rig's dash aircon. My Hino is 32 years old so I never bothered to even try the dash/passenger compartment aircon unit because I figured it was hadit 20 years ago. Few days ago I checked it out. All the fans worked so booked it in for a regas and new aircon if required. Suck down and regas and it is good as new. 170 dollars. Guess that is the end of summer for this year

Thanks for your replies. Tony Lee, in going that's the case here, and am booked in for pressure testing and gassing next week. Here's hoping. Looking forward to hitting the road. Not long now
Susie