Efficiently Chills Small Spaces with Portable AC Unit
Title: EcoFlow Wave 3 Review: A Mobile Air Conditioner that Performs in Ideal Conditions
By Klaus Wedekind
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The EcoFlow Wave 3, priced around 800 euros, is a unique, dual-hose mobile air conditioner that can effectively cool small spaces like motorhomes, garden cabins, or confined areas, provided the right conditions are met. However, these conditions are vital as it can't compete with permanently installed devices.
You've likely noticed that most mobile climate devices have just one hose, directing heat outside. Stiftung Warentest discovered that even under favorable circumstances, this setup isn't very efficient. Reason being, as air is expelled, a vacuum is created in the room, allowing warm external air to flow in through cracks, doors, or windows, lessening cooling performance.
The Power of Two Hoses
Device with two hoses are game-changers. They can almost match the cooling efficiency of permanently installed air conditioning systems with indoor and outdoor units under optimal conditions. The Wave 3, which weighs approximately 15.6 kg and has dimensions of 519 × 297 × 336 mm, showcased this in practical testing. It uses R290 (propane) as a refrigerant.
To give you an idea of its performance boost, Ecoflow increased the output from 5100 BTU (1500 watts) to 6100 BTU (1800 watts). This means the Wave 3 can now cool rooms with up to 17 square meters of floor area compared to a maximum of 10 square meters previously.
In a 13 square meter attic room with a ceiling height of 2.35 meters (approximately 30 cubic meters), ntv.de tested the Wave 3. It exhibited impressive cooling capabilities. However, like all portable air conditioners, without some handy modifications, the Wave 3 wouldn't function optimally.
A DIY Makeover
The company provides a cardboard sheet with two slots the size of the Wave 3's hoses. You'll need to fashion or acquire a custom insert that ensures air flows exclusively through the hoses in both directions for efficient cooling. During the test, ntv.de used a specialized company to cut and install Plexiglass sheets with connectors in the window frame. Magnetic tape made for quick installation and removal of the sheet.
The Wave 3's hoses have slightly larger diameters due to a new insulating layer that increases efficiency by keeping the exhaust air hot. ntv.de measured an exhaust temperature of around 40 degrees even with insulation. With the hoses connected, the device is ready for operation. Simply delve into the simple user manual for guidance on operation, temperature, fan speed, and mode selection.
Besides cooling, the Wave 3 has a heating function for winter usage and energy-saving modes for conservation. Humidity control and air dehumidification are also available.
It's beneficial to adjust essential settings via the EcoFlow app, which offers a comprehensive user manual (unfortunately, only in English) and other features.
A pet care feature is also included in case your pet is left in a vehicle during hot weather. If this function is activated, the Wave 3 starts maximum cooling at 40 degrees and reaches 25 degrees, and you'll receive a notification on your smartphone if you're in Bluetooth range. The device can also connect to Wi-Fi, but this feature is best utilized in your own home.
If your vehicle doesn't have a power outlet, an optional battery is required for portable operation. The battery, which increases the Wave 3's weight by an additional 9.7 kg, comes with a capacity of 1024 watt-hours, slightly lower than the previous model but still sufficient.
With improved efficiency and a lifespan of up to ten years, the EcoFlow Wave 3 can serve as an effective and energy-efficient cooling solution for small spaces. However, it's essential to work with the ideal conditions to achieve optimal performance.
Additional information on ideal conditions, performance enhancements, and DIY modifications for improved performance can be found here.
Sources: ntv.de, Tips for a Cool Bedroom, Heatwave, Summer Vacation, Campers, Smart Home.
- For optimal performance of the EcoFlow Wave 3, it's crucial to enhance the airflow by creating a custom insert using the provided cardboard sheet, which ensures air flows exclusively through the hoses in both directions.
- To improve the efficiency of the Wave 3,smart-home-devices such as the EcoFlow app can be used to adjust essential settings, and gadgets like Plexiglass sheets with connectors in the window frame can be installed for better air circulation.
