Upgraded Dometic Penguin?

[MSHappyCampers]

A while back I was talking to a Dometic tech support guy about the Penguin low-profile A/C, and he told me that they are working on a new low-profile unit (not sure if it will be called "Penguin") that will have better airflow through the roof unit and also greater CFM's inside. Has anyone heard anything about this? We want to add a BR A/C but would like to wait for this improved model.

[SUMDALUS]

JMINYARD,

The tech support rep was probably referring to the redesign necessary to respond to the mandated upgrade to R410A refrigerant. All a/c MFRs are in the same boat because the new refrigerant operates at a higher pressure.

Dometic has completed all of their redesigns. The Penguin (low-profile) is still a 'Penguin'.

For "better airflow through the roof unit" the new Penguin has a larger circulation fan - actually two small fans attached together on the same end of the motor shaft. The fan blades/fins are offset - one fan mounted different than the other. This results in more air flow through the condenser.

As for the room-air recirc fan, I'm not sure. I've only mounted two new Penguins so far and the recirc fan cannot easily be seen without tearing the unit apart (and no manuals out for the new units, yet!). I suspect the 'new' unit's motor has a higher capacity to compensate for the "larger" condenser fan and probably a larger recirc fan, too. I'll check with Dometic Tuesday to confirm.

The 'new' Penguins also have new model numbers. The heat pump version starts with 65 (e.g. 651516) while the a/c model starts with 64.

Hope this helps.

[MSHappyCampers]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUMDALUS JMINYARD, The tech support rep was probably referring to the redesign necessary to respond to the mandated upgrade to R410A refrigerant. All a/c MFRs are in the same boat because the new refrigerant operates at a higher pressure. Dometic has completed all of their redesigns. The Penguin (low-profile) is still a 'Penguin'. For "better airflow through the roof unit" the new Penguin has a larger circulation fan - actually two small fans attached together on the same end of the motor shaft. The fan blades/fins are offset - one fan mounted different than the other. This results in more air flow through the condenser. As for the room-air recirc fan, I'm not sure. I've only mounted two new Penguins so far and the recirc fan cannot easily be seen without tearing the unit apart (and no manuals out for the new units, yet!). I suspect the 'new' unit's motor has a higher capacity to compensate for the "larger" condenser fan and probably a larger recirc fan, too. I'll check with Dometic Tuesday to confirm. The 'new' Penguins also have new model numbers. The heat pump version starts with 65 (e.g. 651516) while the a/c model starts with 64. Hope this helps.

I'm not sure we are talking about the same unit. It has only been two or three weeks since I talked to Dometic and he said that the first prototypes would be out in about 60 days. Ask them about that when you talk to them Tuesday and let me know the results. Thanks!

[SUMDALUS]

JMinyard,

Just got off the phone with Dometic Tech Support. Talked with Bob, a tech rep I've dealt with for years. Other that the changes that I mentioned in a previous post, he is not aware of any "new" low-profile A/C design in the works or prototype due out.

He also stated that the current (65 or 64) models also provides better air flow because Dometic changed from a metal evaporator housing to a plastic housing. This apparently cut down on air 'leaks' significantly.

Sorry I couldn't get any better resolution.

[MSHappyCampers]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUMDALUS JMinyard, Just got off the phone with Dometic Tech Support. Talked with Bob, a tech rep I've dealt with for years. Other that the changes that I mentioned in a previous post, he is not aware of any "new" low-profile A/C design in the works or prototype due out. He also stated that the current (65 or 64) models also provides better air flow because Dometic changed from a metal evaporator housing to a plastic housing. This apparently cut down on air 'leaks' significantly. Sorry I couldn't get any better resolution.

Dale, the tech's name that I talked with was "Al". I called him at 800-544-4881. I don't know what to think about this

[Triker56]

You can also check out the Coleman AC's

[Perry White]

Don't worry about 410 Ref. EPA is phasing that and 134a out.

[TXiceman]

Perry, where are you getting your information? R410A is a blended refrigerant to replace R22 which is an HCFC. Apparently R1334A is being phased out of automobiles in Europe, but nothing anywhere else...so far. R134 Contributes heavily to the green house gases and global warming potential.

Here is some reading.
Questions and Answers on Alternative Refrigerants | Alternatives / SNAP | US EPA

If the "greenie wennies" keep on, we won't have any thing to use and all of the beer will be English style and warm.

On another issue, if you make the unit smaller and increase CFM, you will make the unit nosier....cannot get around that without spending a bunch of $$$$.

Ken

[Perry White]

I made a great living in HVAC. I'm retired and my Son lives on. He's the one that told me. He has,as I still do, have all 4 EPA certifications.

[MSHappyCampers]

Just an update. I talked with my contact at Dometic this morning. By the way, I found out that he is definitely "in the know" about what is going on there. He has been with them at least 30 years and does a lot of their training & seminars. He told me again that they are definitely coming out with an updated version of the Penguin. He says it will probably be 30 to 60 days before the first prototypes are out. I am supposed to call him back in about 30 days for an update. I'll keep you posted

[SUMDALUS]

Looks like Bob needs to talk with Al.
LOL...

[TXiceman]

Perry, I have worked since the late 1960s in refrigeration and some into the A/C side. I have to keep up with the refrigerants and any upcoming changes. There is nothing on the horizon for changes with the 400 series refrigerants. Like I noted, the European community is moving to eliminate r134a due to the high GWP (global warming potential).

While you son may have "all 4 certifications", he is on the repair side and not the design side.

I would love to see his published source with his information.

Ken

[smiller]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUMDALUS He also stated that the current (65 or 64) models also provides better air flow because Dometic changed from a metal evaporator housing to a plastic housing. This apparently cut down on air 'leaks' significantly.

As a side note the plastic housing also precludes the use of the optional heating element in the new Penguin models.