1 HP compressor - is it too big?
 

I grabbed a 1 HP compressor from an old lab that was being demolished today. Since it was free, I'm pretty happy to get it.

Specs are:

Model: ak100at
9000 BTU/hr
R22

From google I see that that model is made by Tecumsah and rated at 1HP. That a lot of watts.

My question is how much power will this actually consume in a phase change system using propane or some other easy to aquire coolant? Is it possible to run a compressor at less then full capacity in order to use less power and dissipate less heat?

Thanks.

That is a huge compressor: most compressors for computer use are around 1/3-1/2 hp. Should be one cold pc, but one noisy one at that. Hmm, you might be able to regulate the speed of the pump some how, but I'm not sure how that would affect the pump and the coolant and the oil and such.

We need a true phase change guru in here :D

Side note.
 

Actually they're all 1/4 HP .
Both Prometeias (First and MachII) and , if not in error, the Kryotech, all use the Danfoss NL11F which is +/- 1/4 HPh or +/- 200 Wh.

But yeah, 1 HPh is waaay over the top.
But , i'm thinking, manifold , feed several blocks..? Interesting project.
Must be big. Any pictures?

Not entirely sure but, yes, i think so.
You can regulate the pressure and how much gas is in the system ... the effort the compressor has to make.
Just dont do it yourself, ask someone (or go to a AC shop).

I'm seeing your room already ...
http://clientes.netvisao.pt/carlo001...%20Cooling.jpg

^ that is awesome.

That makes sense, its a positive displacement device, if it pushes less gas, hopefully it will use less power. Also I wonder if it runs at a lower speed when the AC its from is set to "low" or if that just makes the fans spin slower.

Yes but no camera USB cable until tomorrow. Basically its the size of a basketball, except slightly less then round in one dimension since its a cylander. It takes 19 oz of R-22 if that means anything to you.

They had some other compressor/cooler units there. I may keep looking, but most of them were much larger then this one, not sure if there were any smaller ones :(

I think I'm going to salvage the refrigerant and condenser from this unit and go find a smaller compressor. 1HP is just too large.

thanks for the advice.

redleader... 2 words... water chiller :)

make the evaporator a loop inside a res and use the water. it should be nice and cold. only downside is if you go below dew point your have condensation on everything, but that is easily cured :P