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Topic: Dometic Penguin rooftop AC and heat pump operation (Read 236 times) previous topic - next topic

Dometic Penguin rooftop AC and heat pump operation

I'm wondering if anyone can tell me exactly how these units are supposed to work.  I'm very familiar with residential air conditioning and refrigeration units but I'm confused as to why these units cycle on and off so frequently.  On a typical home AC system, the condensing unit and the air handler will run continuously until the call for cooling has been satisfied.  On these units (and I have three) they cycle the compressor on and off frequently and the airflow seems to go up to high speed and then back down to low speed even though the call for cooling has not been satisfied.  To be fair, all three units put out ice cold air and they will turn the coach into an icebox I just don't understand the logic of their operation sequence.  The 5-button thermostat does indicate when the unit is being called for and it does seem that they respond correctly to the commands of the thermostat so maybe the problem (if it is a problem) is with the thermostat.  They also don't seem to operate more than two units at a time with the compressor on so maybe it's intended to manage the electrical current draw.  I'm probably being picky but I do like to understand how things are supposed to operate.
George Mann
2002 U320 #5934
2017 Rubicon
2013 BMW GS
Waterford MI

Re: Dometic Penguin rooftop AC and heat pump operation

Reply #1 –
Could it be an energy management system causing this?
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Dometic Penguin rooftop AC and heat pump operation

Reply #2 –
Pretty sure it's the t-stat the tells the units what to do, so maybe a new t-stat with more control is in your future.  I believe the Micro Air unit I have can be set for how many degrees below your set point to get to before it shuts off, and how far above the set point before it starts up again.
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197
 

Re: Dometic Penguin rooftop AC and heat pump operation

Reply #3 –
You say the air is ice cold so they are probably maintaining the air temperature out of them
so it doesn't get too cold.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport