Forum Discussion
TexasChaps
Mar 25, 2014Explorer
I installed a residential control for the air conditioning.
The standard controls on the EL-cheapo Coleman unit installed in my MXT-20 leave a lot to be desired. basically a very simple mechanical thermostat and a simple switch to select fan, heat or cool.. so I decided to replace the controls with what is basically a residential control system. This takes the form of a 24 VAC transformer, a number of relays and a residential control.. just like the one in your house. I also designed and linked in a control panel to switch the generator from econ mode to full power when boon-docking.. we do that a lot and this mod delays the fan and compressor load. basically it does the following:
1. switches generator from econ mode to full power
2. waits five seconds
3. activates fan relay
4. waits another five seconds
5. activates compressor relay
6. holds generator at full power for another 5 seconds
7. switches generator back to econ mode
Pros:
1. sequenced load on generator ( no sudden shock loads )
2. full and precise control of temperature
3. auto switch over from heating and cooling.
4. fan cycling if required ( on 5 min off 10 or whatever )
5. reduced fuel consumption
6. the most important.. compressor protection.. compressor will only cycle now after 5 min or so..
Cons:
1. not sure ??.. perhaps you gentlemen care to comment ??
oh.. and to quell the doomers.. I have degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering.. so I do have some competence here... LOL
The standard controls on the EL-cheapo Coleman unit installed in my MXT-20 leave a lot to be desired. basically a very simple mechanical thermostat and a simple switch to select fan, heat or cool.. so I decided to replace the controls with what is basically a residential control system. This takes the form of a 24 VAC transformer, a number of relays and a residential control.. just like the one in your house. I also designed and linked in a control panel to switch the generator from econ mode to full power when boon-docking.. we do that a lot and this mod delays the fan and compressor load. basically it does the following:
1. switches generator from econ mode to full power
2. waits five seconds
3. activates fan relay
4. waits another five seconds
5. activates compressor relay
6. holds generator at full power for another 5 seconds
7. switches generator back to econ mode
Pros:
1. sequenced load on generator ( no sudden shock loads )
2. full and precise control of temperature
3. auto switch over from heating and cooling.
4. fan cycling if required ( on 5 min off 10 or whatever )
5. reduced fuel consumption
6. the most important.. compressor protection.. compressor will only cycle now after 5 min or so..
Cons:
1. not sure ??.. perhaps you gentlemen care to comment ??
oh.. and to quell the doomers.. I have degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering.. so I do have some competence here... LOL
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