• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

DIY Air Conditioning "Plausable"?

finless

New member
So I have seen a few jokes about this (especially from Bob) but in reality I think this could be doable.

Imagine if you will....

Your riding jacket which is mesh to allow air in right now. But...... Suppose it has an attachment on the back for a hose. Kind of like a space suit. There is a small lightweight air conditioner somewhere that feeds cold air into the jacket and causes a positive pressure pushing hot air out of the mesh jacket.

I have no idea about BTU's etc... but it seems this could be done with todays tech in a small light weight unit efficient enough to provide upper body comfort on hot rides!

I am not joking here really.... It's just an idea and to see it ripped apart by those that know air conditioning and what it would take and if it would be at all feasible....

At work they call me an "idea man". Not all my ideas are good but just throwing this out there for a "what the hell".

Bob
 
OK so I went to the web site and checked it out. My idea is different. Seems they are pumping chilled water through the vest. My system would be cold air and the attachment to the jacket could be a retrofit to any jacket.

So my idea still stands :)

Bob
 
In the 80's the Army tested such a system for helicopter pilots in combat aircraft. I was in the test and we walked around the flight line with such a system and then plugged into the aircraft when we strapped in. The Army eventually scrapped the idea due to cost, etc. However, I can tell you it worked well.:clap:
 

OK, OK.... but we can do better than this old "tech".

Some ideas:
1) It is retrofitable to any jacket or vest.
2) It is "wind" powered to the compressor! Why not use the energy we are creating when in motion! Yes I realize at long stops it will stop cooling but how long a stop?
3) The power generating windmill could be behind the radiator to power the compressor and maybe using the "can" design like a product already, divert the hot air?
4) Since we are talking an RT for me, it must have 2 up hoses.


More ideas?

Bob
 
Actually, you can probably find a small 12V compressor - possibly the kind they use in the little coolers you plug into the cigarette lighter of the car. I don't know how cool it would be, but it seems that if it keeps soda at a nice 45 degrees, and is small enough to just fit a six pack, you may have the workings of a "cool suit"
 
Actually, you can probably find a small 12V compressor - possibly the kind they use in the little coolers you plug into the cigarette lighter of the car. I don't know how cool it would be, but it seems that if it keeps soda at a nice 45 degrees, and is small enough to just fit a six pack, you may have the workings of a "cool suit"

If I am thinking the same as you, those are called Peltier "coolers". They use electricity and transistors to make a hot and cold side. They can only do so much like best case 20 degrees below ambient or so.

Here is info on them:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_cooling


I don't think that will be good enough and they are highly inefficient by todays standards. They are usually used to thermo-cool chips that require cooling like a CCD Chip used in Astronomical cameras (I have a few of those ;) My "other" hobby). They simply cannot handle large volume cooling requirements I am talking about.

However, thanks for throwing up IDEAS! This is what makes things happen! :)


Bob
 
Last edited:
Wet your T-shirt, don your mesh jacket, go fast. At the next gas stop, repeat. There is no reason to make this complicated or hard. :D
 
Wet your T-shirt, don your mesh jacket, go fast. At the next gas stop, repeat. There is no reason to make this complicated or hard. :D

I agree :2thumbs:. Wet T's, except for those wide boddies, cover please. The more the T's are wet the better.
 
Scotty,
Why'd you have to mention wet Tee-Shirts?
I'm not going to be able to concentrate at all in the office today! :gaah: :roflblack:
 
And I don't DARE post any of the mental pictures that have already been conjured up! Lamont would stomp me into the ground... :shocked:
 
Back
Top