What kind of AC does the FFE have? Heat exchange? Range?

[Olagon]

Moving from an iMiev to a FFE and wondering about the AC. I can't find info online about what type. Is it an efficient heat exchange type? How does using AC impact range?

Thanks!

 

[WattsUp]

Moving from an iMiev to a FFE and wondering about the AC. I can't find info online about what type. Is it an efficient heat exchange type? How does using AC impact range?

It is a more or less traditional configuration, with a refrigeration compressor like in an ICE, not a heat exchange. Also, note that same unit is also used to chill the liquid coolant for the battery, in addition to cooling air for the climate control.

With regards to activating A/C, it seems fairly efficient, and doesn't use much power nor affect range very much. (You have no control over activating battery cooling, that is automatic.) When I turn on the A/C, the energy meter typically shows around 1 kW being consumed (and it can vary around this amount, which isn't constant, it comes and goes as needed, sometimes dropping to hardly anything.) The current range estimate often takes 5-10% hit when initially activating the A/C, which sometimes seems overzealous. Once the A/C has cooled the cabin sufficiently, energy usage drops off.

Most FFE owners are probably of the opinion that, in practice, A/C "barely" affects range.

 

[Olagon]

Most FFE owners are probably of the opinion that, in practice, A/C "barely" affects range.

Thanks. This is very helpful. The iMiev's AC is very efficient. Not so for heating but I live in Hawaii so not sure that feature is really needed.

Also anyone have any practical advice on why dual zone? If it is only for the front is that to make the driver side cold but leave the passenger side warm to save energy? This a gimmick feature?

 

[WattsUp]

Also anyone have any practical advice on why dual zone? If it is only for the front is that to make the driver side cold but leave the passenger side warm to save energy? This a gimmick feature?

I suppose you could call it a gimmick... many cars have it, but not really to save energy. It is kinda with like that "sleep number" bed, each person can dial-in the temperature they want. But, since the front seats are right next to each other, and everyone is sitting in the same cabin anyway, the whole idea seems a little gimmicky (in any car).

Personally, I hardly ever (never) use the dual zone feature, primarily because I'm usually driving alone. But, I haven't thought of trying to "save energy" with it. Actually, I don't think you really can... they way the climate control works, you can't use the dual zone feature to leave one side "off" (e.g., just have A/C or heat "for one side", with the hopes of using half the energy). It doesn't work like that. The climate control is either on or off and, when it is on, it will be doing something (heat or A/C) for each zone. (Though, if anybody knows better, I'm will to be proven wrong.)

Although I guess you'd never need them in Hawaii, I've found the heated seats (provided you're wearing something reasonably warm) can be a good alternative to running the heater. Doesn't work for everyone, but I like using them. The advantage is that the heated seats use much less energy than running the climate control heat.

 

[NightHawk]

I've wondered if you are driving an FFE alone, if the A/C is a bit more efficient if you close off the passenger side air vents? When I do that the driver side vents get a larger air flow at the same fan setting, so that would seem to imply I could lower the fan a bit in that case.

 

[WattsUp]

I've wondered if you are driving an FFE alone, if the A/C is a bit more efficient if you close off the passenger side air vents? When I do that the driver side vents get a larger air flow at the same fan setting, so that would seem to imply I could lower the fan a bit in that case.

I suppose with dual zone, there must be two temperature sensors, but if you're alone running "single-zone", you'll still want to heat/cool the whole cabin to the desired temperature, so I'm not sure how closing off any vents would help.

It also seems like closing off vents would at least make the fan work harder, so I'm doubtful there's any savings to be gained overall.

 

[jmueller065]

The dual-zone and the HVAC control in general are the exact same part that is in the ICE Focuses (which may explain some of its odd behavior as well).

 

[hybridbear]

You can get two different air temps out the vents with dual zone climate control. We've done this on road trips in the Fusion. My wife might want warmer air coming out of her vents and so she sets her side slightly warmer. You can feel a noticeable difference in air temp between the vents.

 

[WattsUp]

You can get two different air temps out the vents with dual zone climate control. We've done this on road trips in the Fusion. My wife might want warmer air coming out of her vents and so she sets her side slightly warmer. You can feel a noticeable difference in air temp between the vents.

Agreed, but the overall cabin temperature must invariably just become a mixture of the two settings. Meh.

 

[unplugged]

Remember that the FFE uses the incredibly inefficient heater to balance the A/C setting to maintain temperature. I would think, but haven't confirmed, that the heater would come on to maintain or to differentiate between two settings on the climate control. (This can be confirmed by selecting to view "climate" on the dash display.)

I would think that using the dual control also effectively brings the heater into the "duel" between the two settings.

 

[Olagon]

Remember that the FFE uses the incredibly inefficient heater to balance the A/C setting to maintain temperature. I would think, but haven't confirmed, that the heater would come on to maintain or to differentiate between two settings on the climate control. (This can be confirmed by selecting to view "climate" on the dash display.)

I would think that using the dual control also effectively brings the heater into the "duel" between the two settings.

If this is true, I won't be using this feature!

 

[WattsUp]

I keep the climate energy usage displayed at all times and I rarely see this feature driving any significant energy usage.

Maybe on a 75 degree day one day, set one side to LO (for A/C, cooling person #1 to 60 degrees) and the other side to HI (for heat, warming person #2 to 90 degrees).

 

[unplugged]

I keep the climate energy usage displayed at all times and I rarely see this feature driving any significant energy usage.

Really? I can easily "peg" the climate usage by turning the A/C to auto at any moderate outside temperature (65 to 85F). The heater will turn on if the interior temp is set at any normal temperature (65 or higher), then level off.

Even if I allow the A/C to maintain the heater on for a minute or so, it will cycle to A/C with low usage, but after a few minutes, it will add heat again to maintain temperature. It appears not to mix outside air with the A/C, merely using the radiant heater to maintain a level interior temperature.

Try it and see. If it doesn't peg the climate usage, then perhaps my car is faulty, but I have read of others on this forum that have the same thing happen.