Split VS Parallel System Parking AC : Pros and Cons
Whether for the convenience of traveling with your vehicle as your home base or for enhanced comfort when using a truck,many drivers often ask whether split-system or parallel-system parking air conditioners are better for modifications.Below, we’ll explain each approach separately.
Split-type Parking AC
Split-type air conditioners,as the name suggests,consist of separate indoor and outdoor units.
Installing split-type air conditioners in vehicles is similar to our home air conditioners,as the vast majority of residential units are now split-type.This means an evaporator is placed indoors,while a condenser is installed outdoors.
The advantage of split-type air conditioners is their high efficiency.They can be installed directly where cooling is needed,blowing air right at the bed or directly at people.They offer high efficiency, excellent energy savings,and low noise levels.
The drawback is space consumption:the indoor unit occupies cabin space,while the outdoor unit takes up undercarriage space.For vehicles with low ground clearance,the outdoor unit may also be exposed to dirt,sand,and rain.Due to the confined,compact nature of automotive interiors,installation is not feasible in some vehicle models.They are best suited for installation in recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial motorhomes with ample space.
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Parallel-type Parking AC
Parallel-type parking air conditioners are ideal for small cars.Their primary advantage is space efficiency.They share the vehicle’s existing vents and cooling system,occupying no additional interior space.This setup is suitable for private SUVs and off-road vehicles.
However,this solution is labor-intensive and time-consuming.It requires disassembling the original vehicle’s piping,cutting and installing parallel tees and check valves,isolating separate lines for the electric compressor,welding the components,and reassembling everything.Working within the confined space of a vehicle makes this process both time-consuming and labor-intensive.
The main components of the parallel system include an additional electric compressor,various piping materials,and a calibration control system.The labor costs involved are often higher than the cost of the equipment itself.
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Based on an average labor requirement of one to two man-days per vehicle completed,the modification cost isn’t as simple as adding a compressor,as some car enthusiasts might imagine.Labor costs constitute the bulk of the expense.
For a home air conditioner,two technicians can complete the installation in about half an hour.However, when installing a parallel air conditioning system in a car,that same half-hour might not even be enough to finish removing the front fascia on some models.
Split VS Parallel FAQs
Theoretically, it is possible,but there is no practical necessity for such an application.The original vehicle’s compressor has a power rating of approximately 4 kilowatts or more.To drive it,you would need to install a motor with a power rating of around 4 kilowatts.With an hourly power consumption of 3 to 4 kilowatt-hours,the added cost and effort would negate the purpose of installing it.
Yes,it is possible to remove the original vehicle’s compressor and replace it with a high-power generator,thereby creating a dual-generator setup.One generator handles charging during driving (recommended:48V fast charging,capable of charging 6 kWh in 1 hour),while the other supplies power to the vehicle’s electrical systems (12V).This solution is feasible,but the challenge lies in the fact that the mounting points for the original compressor are not universally compatible with installing the new generator.
This solution is feasible.A step-up transformer must be configured to convert the 220V AC mains power into 12V DC,which can then power the vehicle’s electric compressor (select a power rating of 2000W or higher).This approach reduces costs while avoiding the safety concerns associated with lithium batteries.However, access to a convenient mains power source is required during operation.The ideal solution involves using a smaller battery and switching to mains power whenever a convenient connection point is available.
Yes,but lead-acid batteries have low capacity,are heavy,and have a short lifespan.They are unsuitable for extended or overnight use.Additionally,lead-acid batteries cannot be fast-charged,meaning recharging will take significantly longer and delay your journey.A reliable power source is essential for the air conditioner to function properly.If cost-saving or budget constraints are a concern,it would be better not to install a parking air conditioner at all or to switch to mains power instead.
This is also feasible,but it requires calibration because the power requirements for driving differ from those for parking.The total power of an electric compressor (600-850W) is not as high as that of the original piston-type compressor (approximately 4000W or more).Electric air conditioning cannot rapidly cool down in a short time.It is recommended to retain the original compressor for situations requiring rapid cooling,as it can achieve a comfortable temperature within minutes.
As for fuel savings,that’s not necessarily the case.Electricity is generated by the vehicle’s alternator using fuel.When the electrical load increases, fuel consumption correspondingly rises.
The 12V lead-acid battery in a small car is for starting purposes and has a relatively small capacity,but it can certainly be used.However, its operational duration won’t exceed half an hour.Once the starting battery runs low on power,the car won’t start.
The starting battery on a 24V truck consists of two batteries (12V in series),offering a larger capacity.With sufficient space for expansion and further increase, it can last for several hours.
Specialized skills require expertise,and you should only attempt repairs yourself if you’re at least 90% confident.Unless you’re a trained professional in automotive air conditioning or a technician with deep knowledge in this field,don’t risk your vehicle.This work demands not only a thorough understanding of the car’s AC system principles and structure but also a solid grasp of electrical circuitry.Once something goes wrong,the damage is often irreversible.And the money saved won’t even cover the cost of fixing the mess.
Watching others install units in videos makes it look effortless and straightforward.But as the saying goes,”One minute on stage,ten years of practice behind the scenes.”The sweat,hardship,and effort behind every successful repair are invisible to the casual observer.
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