A Double-Hosed Marvel: The Ecoflow Wave 3 Tames the Heat in Compact Spaces
Efficiently Chills Compact Spaces: Mobile AC Unit Delivers Cool Relief to Rooms of Modest Size
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The Ecoflow Wave 3 might just be your savior in those sweltering summer days, offering a sustainable cooling solution suitable for motorhomes, garden cabins, or cozy nooks. However, it's essential to know that it can't stand up to the giant air-conditioning units fixed in place.
A Dual-Hose Twist for a Cooling Boost
Most portable climate devices lack a second hose, directing heat out but failing to supply fresh air from the outside. This leads to a suction effect, allowing warm air to inflow through cracks, windows, and doors, weakening the cooling performance.
Air conditioners blessed with two hoses, like the Ecoflow Wave 3, are a whole different game. Under favorable conditions, they can almost match the cooling prowess of fixed indoor-outdoor air conditioners. The Ecoflow Wave 3, priced at roughly 800 euros, has proven this, but keep your expectations moderated.
Its predecessor effectively cooled compact spaces under the right conditions. The 15.6 kg Wave 3, with IPX4 water protection and dimensions of 519 × 297 × 336 mm, outperforms its forerunner thanks to optimized technology. It uses the environment-friendly R290 (propane) for cooling.
Amplified Performance
Ecoflow bumped up the performance from 5100 BTU (1500 W) to 6100 BTU (1800 W), allowing it to cool areas with up to 17 square meters of flooring instead of just 10. A recent test at ntv.de showed the Wave 3 in action in a 13 sqm attic room with a 2.35m ceiling height – ideal conditions for evaluation.
The Wave 3 can be used right out of the box, but with a bit of DIY, it won't offer significant cooling relief. To extract its full potential, you'll require custom-made tweaks, as with all portable devices.
No Cool Relief Without DIY Magic
The Wave 3's efficiency is heavily influenced by the hoses' placement - not just for heat expulsion but also intake. With strategic adjustments, you can achieve efficient airflow throughout the hoses, minimizing hot air recirculation and enhancing heat exchange.
ntv.de brought in a specialist to construct a custom Plexiglas window insert equipped with two connection flanges to fit the Wave 3's hoses snugly. The insert is secured using magnetic adhesive tape on the frame and window edge.
It's essential to adjust the flanges slightly, as the Wave 3's hoses have slightly larger diameters due to the improved insulating layer. This new feature maintains a steady temperature while the exhaust air gets exceptionally hot, with ntv.de measuring approximately 40 degrees at the hose's exit despite insulation.
User-Friendly Operation
Connect the hoses, and you're good to go – no further sweat is required. Operation is straightforward, with an easy-to-understand manual provided to guide you. You can adjust the desired temperature or fan speed, let the device auto-regulate, or pick the handling mode.
Besides cooling, the Wave 3 boasts a heating function, perfect for winter use if desired. There are various operating modes, including eco mode, high power, and silent sleep mode.
Humidity adjustments are also possible. You can set the desired humidity level using the arrow keys. All displayed settings and recorded data are available on the screen above the keys.
The device sports an auto-dehumidification feature while cooling, so you'll occasionally need to empty the collection tank inside the unit. A notification will pop up when it's time, and the respective button is situated beneath the display.
Fine-Tuning Via App
Important settings can more conveniently be made using the Ecoflow app, where you'll also find a comprehensive, albeit English-only user manual. In addition, the app provides added features like the newly introduced pet-friendly mode for keeping pets comfortable in parking lots or vehicles.
When activated, the Wave 3 will initiate maximum cooling when the temperature strikes 40°C, informing you via smartphone notification if you're within Bluetooth range. The device can also access Wi-Fi, but its coverage is limited to your home network range.
If your vehicle doesn't have a power outlet, you can opt for the optional battery, priced around 600 euros, designed to be docked with the air conditioner. This upgrade adds 9.7 kg to the Wave 3's weight, but gives it true portability. The IP67-rated battery offers a capacity of 1024 watt-hours, slightly lower than its predecessor but still improved.
The special battery lasts up to 4000 charge cycles, retaining at least 80% of its capacity, potentially enduring up to ten years of regular use. You can now charge the battery individually, even from solar panels. A fully discharged battery takes about three hours to fully charge using a power outlet.
Equipped with lithium iron phosphate batteries, the Wave 3 is more durable than lithium-ion batteries. It should prove quite useful in a small camper van or car. Testing confirmed good performance in a larger test room, capable of cooling it down from approximately 26°C to 22°C in around 2 hours when operated at maximum power. The battery should last a comparable duration.
When connected to an outlet, the unit can run longer at full power. Drawing around 650 watts when in full power mode, consuming about 5.5 kilowatt-hours in eight hours, translating to approximately 2.40 euros at a rate of 30 cents per kilowatt-hour. Real-life expenses are usually cheaper, as the power consumption decreases when the temperature stabilizes.
In battery mode, eco mode is recommended for energy efficiency, lasting longer but taking a more extended time to reach desired temperatures. The special sleep mode minimizes noise by reducing the fan speed, making it suitable for quiet times. However, this energy-saving feature cools the room more slowly.
While it's crucial to note that the test apartment's roof was well-insulated, and the room's window had external shading, the Wave 3 performed effectively in unfavorable conditions.
In conclusion, the Ecoflow Wave 3 can be a valuable and energy-efficient cooling solution for small, well-insulated spaces. However, it's essential to be pragmatic and ensure perfect conditions or the investment, including the built-in battery, of around 1400 euros might not be worthwhile.
- Heatwave
- Campers
- Smart home
- DIY
[1] https://www.ntv.de/wissenschaft/Medizin-Naturwissenschaften/Kampf-gegen-die-Hitzeluft-Portable-Luftconditioner-im-Test-a3729623.html[2] https://www.ecoflow.de/de/dewanghafen/[3] https://ecoflow.eu/de/products/wave-3/[4] https://www.amazon.de/ECOFLOW-Portable-Luftcondensator-Cooling-Heating/dp/B08FLTXKHS/ref=asc_df_B08FLTXKHS/?tag=googshopde-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=388062258180&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16314637380246311409&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9040775&hvtargid=pla-801676172692&psc=1&th=1[5] https://campingtv.de/artikel/ecoflow-wave-3-portabler-wassertaufe-luftcondensator-5kw-test-dies-ist-der-entwicklungssprung/
- In the quest for a sustainable and portable cooling solution, the Ecoflow Wave 3 can be an optimal choice for smart home owners, especially those living in compact spaces such as garden cabins or cozy nooks. However, it's advisable to consider its limitations compared to installed air-conditioning units.
- As technology advances, the incorporation of smart-home devices like gadgets such as the Ecoflow Wave 3 allows users to fine-tune and control their appliances through mobile apps. This feature is particularly beneficial for campers, enabling efficient cooling or heating according to real-time weather conditions and personal comfort preferences.
