I was thinking the other day, why does the AC compressor on these trucks run on the belt? would it not be easier/cleaner/more efficient to have a small dc motor to drive the compressor?

 

There is alot of drag on the compressor, a dc motor would most likely not have the power to drive the compressor.

 

It should be hung off the end of the crank shaft.

 

my 2 60 air con runs on gas damn its expencive

 

I know there are dc motors strong enough to do it, although I imagine they get pricey

 

they have dc motors that can power a car 0-60 in 4 seconds im sure there are some out there that can do it. another idea i thought of is the alternater relocation kit that some racecars have it relocates it to the driveshaft you could possably do something like that with the ac? just a thought

 

The power required to convert engine horsepower into electricity to power the electric motor is greater than just powering the a/c off the engine like it is.

 

You have waaaay waaaay too much time on your hands my friend. I am betting the Engineers thought of this and did the math required to figure out what would be best. Not only cost wise but engine wise as well.

 

if you don't want the drag on the engine just get a small differential and hook it up to the compressor and a belt then hook the belt up to a paddle like one used for hydroelectric power plants and put the paddle in the upper rad hose. while the water is flowing it powers the compressor. or just go the simple route and use the engine's belt system to turn it lol.

 

Nah i think the little Wheel on the ground, receiving power only when you're rolling is the way to go. Dr. Suess status! haha