380 replies to this topic

[KurtVerbose]

[T7Design]

I got both prototypes in today and they are looking good. One will be built up tomorrow and shipped out to MoneyHunster for trialing.

[moneyhunster]

I got both prototypes in today and they are looking good. One will be built up tomorrow and shipped out to MoneyHunster for trialing.

excellent news, cant wait to trial it

[Graeme Lambert]

I got both prototypes in today and they are looking good. One will be built up tomorrow and shipped out to MoneyHunster for trialing.

Good news.

G

[ChrisS1]

Looking forward to seeing the results

[T7Design]

Hi guys, Got the heater assembled and posted to MoneyHunster today. I also got the unit on the bench and compared it to the original, now unfortunately the air flow is no greater than the original which is a shame but was kind of expected. The rads and fans I currently use are specifically selected for their small size and low weight, even tho the prototype feels just the same it is both lighter & draws less than 65% of the power the original does, however this does not matter if there is no flow improvement! Tomorrow I am going to get in touch with a supplier to see what dual rotor squirrel cage fans will fit the compartment and to see if there is a core to match.

[stigg10]

Balls to reducing the power consumption! Gimme a full-on, 'this one goes up to 11', flame-throwing, jet engine. I want Dante's inferno, fire & brimstone, burnt feet; or at least something more powerful than the "mouse coughing" output of the standard unit.

[SteveA]

If you get this right you are going to sell hundreds (at the right price), get it even slightly wrong and no one will touch it.

[T7Design]

Haha. Ok, so the original unit draws 6.5a at 12v so its roughly drawing 80watts of power. I currently do not know how powerful the unit is in terms of airflow (m3hr) so I can only go by guesing the output based upon power draw in comparison to whats available. The comparable squirrel cage model drawing approximately 75watts is only 150m3hr, the available single squirrel cage fans come in air flows of, 150, 300, 400 and 600m3hr. The 400 unit is the most powerful unit available with a 3 speed motor, this also draws 200 watts of power but should do the job! I have dropped off an email so will hopefully get a reply tomorrow with pricing.

[moneyhunster]

If you get this right you are going to sell hundreds (at the right price), get it even slightly wrong and no one will touch it.

thats why we got proto types going

[stigg10]

>400 unit is the most powerful unit available Excellent! Dusting down the asbestos socks in anticipation... bring the pain.

[techieboy]

I'll say it again, I don't think it's the OEM fan that is the problem. If you run the fan without the outlet hose from the heater box, if flows plenty of air out of the top of the heater box. The problem is the rest of the "system" is too lossy/long/inefficient/whatever.

[soupdragon]

From what I saw of the plans...the new design has a more direct route of airflow Remember the OEM unit was not originally designed for the VX, the D7 unit is the first unit to be specifically designed for the VX We all want a much improved heat output, I've said before, for me it makes the car more practical, better de-mist and more open top motoring in relative comfort If the design is also more compact, lighter and draws less power, these will all be useful bonuses

[Paulus H]

What is wrong with the flow on the original?? The only problem with mine is that the air is only slightly warm - certainly not hot. I would settle for hot air at the same rate. Not for a moment am I saying a greater volume of air is a bad thing. It just appears we are missing the point. The problem with the std heater is that it is not hot enough, well not hot at all! Best regards, Paul

[Bargi]

Not sure if someone has already mentioned this... but I think provision for a removable filter/mesh at the intake of the system would be much appreciated

[ChrisS1]

I agree....the air output is ok.....its just the fact that its about as warm as Bin-Ladens flips flops.

[slindborg]

I'll say it again, I don't think it's the OEM fan that is the problem. If you run the fan without the outlet hose from the heater box, if flows plenty of air out of the top of the heater box. The problem is the rest of the "system" is too lossy/long/inefficient/whatever.

Also as I've said the heater matrix is very very very (too) good..... just if you route the air badly over it, it will be rubbish.

So a redesign that T7 have done should make things better (If I can lash up something that was too good then a pro should be able to get it right )

[TheRealVXed]

Ditto for not needing more air, just more heat

[fezzasus]

Let's take a step back for a minute. What is the limiting part of the original heater design [or lack of design]? Is it airflow? It is simply surface area of the matrix? Is it the temperature of the coolant entering the matrix? Is it the rate of flow of coolant through the matrix? Is it simply system losses? There are clearly system losses due to gaps in the matrix surround, the attached piping and gaps under the dash, however i suspect people who have performed the heater mod still feel it doesn't perform well. Therefore not losses. The airflow at maximum appears acceptable, it's not the strongest i've seen, but certainly enough to transmit the heat to the cabin. therefore not airflow. My gut feeling is that it's either poor heat transfer due to a crap matrix design, or a too low flow rate from the pump? thoughts?

[alanoo]

It's just leaks...