Diesel AC Controller Design
Budget: $25 – $50 AUD
I already have a compact, diesel-powered air-conditioning unit and now need a purpose-built electronic controller to manage every key function. The engine we’re using is a single-cylinder diesel, and the electrical system may be either 12 V or 24 V depending on the installation, so the board and firmware must auto-adapt or be jumper-selectable for both voltages.
Core functions I must see working:
• Automatic power-up when the house batteries drop to a defined low-voltage threshold, with clean engine cranking.
• Complete engine management: starter engagement, run monitoring, and automatic shutdown on low oil pressure or high coolant / head temperature.
• Three-speed evaporator fan driven from a simple manual switch on the dash.
• Compressor clutch control governed by a digital thermostat in the cabin; I want an easy-to-read display and user-set temperature.
• Status indication for faults and operating state (LED or small LCD).
I have submitted a picture of the exact size of the controller I need.It is used in the same evaporator that we use.
Deliverables I expect:
1. Schematic, PCB files (Altium, KiCad or Eagle), and a well-organised BOM with automotive-rated parts.
2. Embedded code (C/C++ or Arduino-style) with clear documentation so I can tweak set-points later.
3. Wiring diagram and quick-start guide for installers.
4. Bench test results that prove low-voltage start, oil-pressure cut-out, and over-temp protection all react within spec.
Please factor in common sensors (VDO, NTC, hall-effect), standard automotive relays, and noise-suppression practices so the controller is reliable in a vibration-prone engine bay. If you’ve tackled genset or off-road HVAC controllers before, that experience will be a big plus.
Core functions I must see working:
• Automatic power-up when the house batteries drop to a defined low-voltage threshold, with clean engine cranking.
• Complete engine management: starter engagement, run monitoring, and automatic shutdown on low oil pressure or high coolant / head temperature.
• Three-speed evaporator fan driven from a simple manual switch on the dash.
• Compressor clutch control governed by a digital thermostat in the cabin; I want an easy-to-read display and user-set temperature.
• Status indication for faults and operating state (LED or small LCD).
I have submitted a picture of the exact size of the controller I need.It is used in the same evaporator that we use.
Deliverables I expect:
1. Schematic, PCB files (Altium, KiCad or Eagle), and a well-organised BOM with automotive-rated parts.
2. Embedded code (C/C++ or Arduino-style) with clear documentation so I can tweak set-points later.
3. Wiring diagram and quick-start guide for installers.
4. Bench test results that prove low-voltage start, oil-pressure cut-out, and over-temp protection all react within spec.
Please factor in common sensors (VDO, NTC, hall-effect), standard automotive relays, and noise-suppression practices so the controller is reliable in a vibration-prone engine bay. If you’ve tackled genset or off-road HVAC controllers before, that experience will be a big plus.