Someone finally did it: a portable heat pump that runs directly off a 48-volt lithium iron phosphate battery. The CyberTake S11 Portable Air Conditioner and Heat Pump is a serious contender for best-in-class, fixing many of the issues I've seen with other portable units. Spoiler alert: this thing is pretty sweet.
What I Built
The CyberTake S11 arrived in two packages: one for the main unit and another for accessories. The accessories include a remote control (which takes two AAA batteries, not included), a drain hose, an AC power cord, and two sizes of ventilation tubes along with matching bracket units. The unit also comes with a surprisingly large 552-watt power brick for AC charging.
One of the best features is the included carry bag. It’s designed to hold the main unit, all the hoses, the power brick, and the remote control in a single, compact package. The power brick, AC adapter, and condensate hose fit neatly into one side pocket, while the plastic venting pieces go into the other. Documentation and the remote control tuck away in a top mesh pocket. This makes it incredibly easy to grab everything and go.
The unit itself features a robust handle on top and a large, adjustable vent that I really appreciate. Both the front and back intakes have mesh filters, and discreet orange tabs on the bottom open up drain ports for condensation.
Why It Works
The CyberTake S11 is primarily marketed as an air conditioner, but it functions as a heat pump too. I tested its heating performance on a semi-cool day, around 49.8°F ambient. The unit produced a warm air stream of 109-110°F (43°C), which is refreshing for a personal heating zone, but it's not designed to heat a very large space or for sub-freezing temperatures. For extreme cold, a propane or diesel heater is still the answer.
Where this unit truly shines is its air conditioning capability, especially running directly off a 48V battery. The direct DC connection bypasses inefficient AC inversion, maximizing battery life. The large, adjustable vent minimizes air restriction, leading to a powerful, strong air stream that circulates air far better than other portable units I’ve tested.
In a vehicle setting, this powerful airflow creates a significant difference. It effectively mixes the refrigerated air with the ambient air, making the space feel much cooler. This strong air circulation is a huge advantage for confined spaces like a minivan or RV.
Parts & Specs
- CyberTake S11 Portable Air Conditioner/Heat Pump: Designed for 48V DC operation.
- AC/DC Adapter (Power Brick): GVE GP600-4801150-F, Output: 48.0V ~ 11.5A (552W).
- Remote Control: Wireless, magnetic back, requires 2 AAA batteries (not included).
- Ventilation Tubes: Two different sizes of collapsible tubes.
- Condensate Drain Hose: Included for water drainage.
- Temgo 51.2V 100Ah LiFePO4 Battery: (Used in testing) 5.12 kWh capacity.
- Solar Charge Controller: External MPPT (e.g., Renogy Power, as shown in video) capable of 40A at 51.2V (over 2000W).
- DC-to-DC Connection: Uses XT60i to XT90 adapter for direct 48V battery connection.
Math & Run-Time Numbers
My tests revealed impressive performance numbers:
- Heating Performance (Outdoor): Ambient 49.8°F, output 109-110°F (43°C).
- Cooling Performance (Minivan):
- Initial temperature: ~84°F (front and back).
- After 5 minutes: Front dropped to 75.2°F (9°F drop). Rear (direct airflow) dropped to 64.4°F (20°F drop).
- After 10 minutes: Front ~73.4-74.0°F. Rear ~64.4-64.8°F.
- Temperature Split (AC Mode, Indoor): Return air ~75°F, Supply air ~50°F, resulting in a 25°F temperature split.
- Power Draw (Heat Mode, Max): Consumed ~9.2-9.3A from the 48V battery. With the 5.12 kWh Temgo battery (83% charged), this translated to approximately 9 hours of runtime. Fully charged, it would easily exceed 10 hours.
- Power Draw (AC Mode, Max): Consumed ~4.6-4.7A from the 48V battery. With the 5.12 kWh Temgo battery (82% charged), this provided an estimated 17-19 hours of runtime.
- Power Draw (AC Mode, Eco): Consumed ~1.1A from the 48V battery. With 82% battery remaining, this yielded an incredible 77 hours of runtime.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Runs directly off 48V DC batteries for superior efficiency.
- Powerful and consistent airflow, effectively circulating air in enclosed spaces.
- Excellent portability with a thoughtfully designed carrying case for all components.
- Dedicated remote control with full functionality and magnetic backing, eliminating reliance on smartphone apps.
- Impressive temperature drops in cooling mode, especially in vehicles.
- Achieves a very good 25°F temperature split in AC mode.
- Offers exceptional runtimes, particularly in AC Eco mode.
- Compatible with external MPPT solar charge controllers for simultaneous charging and operation.
Cons:
- Heat pump function is limited to moderate temperatures; not suitable for sub-freezing conditions or large areas.
- Ventilation hoses are not insulated, leading to potential heat/cold loss and reduced efficiency.
- Hoses can be somewhat stiff and prone to showing stress when collapsed.
- The included AC power brick is quite bulky.
- No direct standard AC wall cable input on the unit itself (requires the power brick).
- When using a DC hack with an EcoFlow power station, the station's display does not register the output wattage.
When To Use This vs. Alternatives
The CyberTake S11 is ideal for anyone needing efficient portable heating or cooling in smaller, enclosed spaces. If you're into van life, RV camping, rooftop tents, or need to manage temperatures in a small cabin, garage, or workshop, this unit is a strong contender. Its direct 48V DC compatibility makes it perfect for existing off-grid battery setups, maximizing your available power.
However, if your primary need is to heat a very large space in extremely cold, sub-freezing temperatures, a propane or diesel heater would be a more appropriate choice. While the CyberTake S11 offers both heating and cooling, its heat pump is not designed for such demanding conditions. If you don't already have a 48V battery system, other portable ACs with integrated batteries might seem simpler initially, but they often sacrifice the efficiency gained by direct DC power.
Bottom Line
The CyberTake S11 Portable Air Conditioner and Heat Pump is an outstanding product, particularly for those with existing 48V battery systems. Its efficiency, powerful air output, and thoughtful design make it my new favorite go-to portable air conditioner. It solves many problems I've encountered with other units, providing reliable comfort in a compact package.
Final Wrap-Up
What are your thoughts on the CyberTake S11? Do you foresee any issues or think it would be perfect for your use case? Drop a comment below and let me know. Don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe to help out small YouTube channels like mine. Stay tuned for more epic and unique stuff coming your way!
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