I have a “green” a/c question. I live in the Florida Panhandle on the water. The wind almost never stops. I was thinking about the possibility of designing my own wind driven a/c compressor system in the attic. My first thoughts have centered around a wind turbine or turbines on the roof mechanically linked to a compressor that would otherwise operate similar to a conventional central a/c system. I don’t think this would replace my currently installed units, but perhaps allow them to run signifigantly less. I’m not interested in hooking it up to the rest of the existing duct work. I would just put a down draft air handler in the attic with the air exiting out one large register. The air handler fan would be hooked up conventionally. My attic is insulated with icynene so the air handler would be entirely within conditioned space. Is there an a/c compressor that anyone is aware of (maybe a large auto type) that could be driven this way. I’d just like some input either way on the idea. Thanks, Mike
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Replies
Wind converted to electricity ... just use it to supplement your existing electrical system ... whether A/C or not. No special compressor for wind driven A/C ... unless you are thinking a D/C compressor ... I wouldn't know about that. Btus is Btus. If it takes x Btus to do your cooling ... then it doesn't matter where it comes from. Whatever you don't use ... sell back to the utility.
Well, they don't have "net metering" in my area, so I can't sell extra unused electric back to my utility. I'd like to though. Also, I was hoping to avoid batteries. Thanks for the response.
I thought net metering was a federal rule/law ... might be wrong, but I thought they always had to buy back what you don't use. Batteries probably not a good option if you are grid connected.
the compressor really doesnt use that much power compared to the inside unit.
Their are lots of options at homepower.com.