buy a air conditioner insted of gerry rigging something that will cost more just to get it working, and more yet to operate it

Jerry48 I can't remember the last time I said not possible but forget this proposal and move on now. Jerrell

No Way. Ac Compressors pump Refrigerant and air compressors pump air.

Air Conditioning compressors are designed to compressor a certain refrigerant from pressure "A" to pressure "B." Your air compressor is designed to compress vapor from pressure "C" to pressure "D." Also, the refrigerant would probably destroy the shaft seal, and leak out in a short period. Don't try it.

Hey thanks for your response. An automotive air conditioning compressor was my first choice. After seeing how small the evaporative coil was on a car and how big the one on the house is I thought there might be a problem with not enough volume output but you've cleared the air on that for me. That's the direction to go then I see, didn't know all the problems with the air compressor pump, just thought I would throw the idea out there, I'll stay away from that, thanks. I've seen so many differant ideas out there for differant kinds of air conditioners. The standard air conditioner was a great invention, just try to get away from that big current draw compressor, and I've seen early models that have seperate motor and compressor but you don't see the anymore, guess because of the leaky seal problem. With the new 134a that doesn't hurt the enviroment, adding from time to time doesn't seem like that bad of a trade off. Thanks again

As already said by Paddler,any automotive A/C compressor may be used ,but,watch the parameters :power,rpm,max pressure to fit your refrigeration fluid parameters and also the heat exchangers capacities.

Hi Jerry,

A normal Air compressor will not work because of the seals oils and related pressures of the refrigerants. Most house Air-conditioners are still using R-22 refrigerant, R-134a or a similar replacement and can have pressures of over 300psi on a hot day.

I suggest you use a Automotive Compressor like a SANDEN or CCI that has the capability of handling the pressures and has the correct seals for refrigerants. These type of Compressors can have a lot of diffierent drive arrangements. You can Belst drive or direct couple. Use a clutch or and unloader to cycle the system as required.

Depending on the tonnage or BTU capacity of the Air- Conditioning system will determine the cubic inch displacement and RPM you will have to run the compressor.

Most of the 8" - 10" compressor will deliver 30,000 btus of cooling at 80 deg Wet Bulb! But RPM is the key!

So I think you can do this just do some math and give it a try!

If you need help let me know!

If you've got steam, especially if you're already using it in a combined heat and power system, why not think about a steam absorption chiller? http://www.cogeneration.net/Absorption_Chillers.htm

Otherwise, if you have a steam engine for mechanical power, so long as whatever refrigerant compressor you use is turning at the correct RPM, it doesn't care what powers it.

Working on biomass-fueled steam power myself.

Mark,

Keep us posted on your success. I think your approach is very good (keep it simple and manageable). and would like to learn from it. I can see a need to avoid compression if possible. My application is in the deep south so my needs are a bit different.

Paddler