EcoFlow Wave 2: Real-World Cooling Tests

I put the EcoFlow Wave 2 portable air conditioner through its paces, testing its cooling performance and comparing results between a standard wall outlet and the EcoFlow Delta 2 Max power station. The most useful takeaway? This unit delivers remarkably consistent cooling across both power sources, making it a reliable companion for any adventure.

What I Built

For these tests, I set up the EcoFlow Wave 2 in a room, directing its exhaust tubes out through a slightly open door. The indoor environment provided a mild ambient temperature, hovering around 72.9-74°F. This wasn't a high heat load scenario, but it allowed for controlled measurement of the unit's cooling capabilities and the accuracy of its internal sensors.

The unboxing revealed a comprehensive kit: various adapters, flexible hoses (including a condensate drain hose and larger/smaller diameter air ducts), and the AC power adapter. The unit itself is compact and robust, designed for portability. I also noted a foam board included, labeled as a “DIY Window Vent Board,” which serves as a template for custom venting solutions.

Why It Works

The EcoFlow Wave 2 operates as a portable air conditioner, drawing in ambient air, cooling it via a compressor, and expelling the cooled air. The warm exhaust air is vented away through the included hoses. My testing focused on measuring the temperature of the air discharged from the unit using a Fieldpiece SPK2 thermometer, comparing it to the temperature reported by the EcoFlow app, and also monitoring the ambient air at the return using a Fieldpiece SC640 clamp meter.

A key aspect of the testing was to observe how different fan speeds impacted the discharge temperature and to see if the unit's performance varied significantly when powered by a wall outlet (AC) versus a portable power station like the Delta 2 Max (DC). Understanding these differentials is crucial for anyone planning to rely on the Wave 2 in diverse environments, from boondocking to supplemental home cooling.

Parts & Specs

Here’s a breakdown of the main components and key specifications observed during testing:

• EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable Air Conditioner:
  • Modes tested: Max Fan, High Fan, Medium Fan, Low Fan (all in cooling mode).
  • Observed phantom load: ~11 watts when off but connected to a power source.
• EcoFlow Delta 2 Max Power Station:
  • Used as a DC power source for comparative testing.
• Testing Equipment:
  • Fieldpiece SPK2 thermometer: Measures air discharge temperature.
  • Fieldpiece SC640 clamp meter: Measures ambient air temperature at the unit's return.
  • EcoFlow App: Provides unit control and reported temperatures.

Math & Run-Time Numbers

I ran the EcoFlow Wave 2 through various fan speeds, first powered by a standard AC wall outlet, then by the Delta 2 Max. Here are the cooling temperatures and power draws recorded:

Cooling Temps - Plugged into Wall Outlet (AC)

• Max Fan:
  • App Ambient Temp: 68.7°F
  • Actual Ambient Temp: 70.4°F
  • App Discharge Temp: 49.9°F
  • Actual Discharge Temp: 46.8°F
• High Fan:
  • App Ambient Temp: 68.8°F
  • Actual Ambient Temp: 70.8°F
  • App Discharge Temp: 50.4°F
  • Actual Discharge Temp: 47.1°F
• Medium Fan:
  • App Ambient Temp: 68.7°F
  • Actual Ambient Temp: 70.0°F
  • App Discharge Temp: 50.5°F
  • Actual Discharge Temp: 46.9°F
• Low Fan:
  • App Ambient Temp: 67.7°F
  • Actual Ambient Temp: 69.6°F
  • App Discharge Temp: 49.1°F
  • Actual Discharge Temp: 45.0°F

Cooling Temps - Plugged into Delta 2 Max (DC)

• Max Fan:
  • Power Draw: ~440 watts
  • App Ambient Temp: 68.8°F
  • Actual Ambient Temp: 71.6°F
  • App Discharge Temp: 48.3°F
  • Actual Discharge Temp: 46.0°F
• High Fan:
  • Power Draw: ~340 watts
  • App Ambient Temp: 68.8°F
  • Actual Ambient Temp: 71.2°F
  • App Discharge Temp: 49.0°F
  • Actual Discharge Temp: 46.9°F
• Medium Fan:
  • Power Draw: ~320 watts
  • App Ambient Temp: 67.1°F
  • Actual Ambient Temp: 69.0°F
  • App Discharge Temp: 48.4°F
  • Actual Discharge Temp: 45.9°F
• Low Fan:
  • Power Draw: ~303 watts
  • App Ambient Temp: 67.4°F
  • Actual Ambient Temp: 69.8°F
  • App Discharge Temp: 46.7°F
  • Actual Discharge Temp: 43.5°F

Across all fan speeds, the actual discharge temperature measured by my thermometer was consistently 2-3 degrees cooler than what the EcoFlow app reported. The unit also maintained similar cooling performance whether drawing power from the wall or the Delta 2 Max.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Consistent cooling performance across different power sources (AC wall outlet vs. DC power station).
• Capable of impressive temperature drops, with discharge temperatures reaching the low 40s Fahrenheit.
• Versatile for various applications including vehicle camping, tents, or supplemental room cooling.

Cons:

• The unit exhibits a “phantom load” of approximately 11 watts when turned off but still connected to a power source.
• The EcoFlow app’s reported discharge temperatures are slightly warmer than actual measurements.

When To Use This vs. Alternatives

The EcoFlow Wave 2 is an excellent choice for anyone needing flexible and effective portable cooling. If you’re boondocking, camping in a tent, or require cooling for a vehicle, its ability to run efficiently off a portable power station like the Delta 2 Max is a significant advantage. Its consistent performance, regardless of whether it’s on AC or DC power, simplifies planning for off-grid adventures.

However, if your primary need is stationary cooling for a room where shore power is always available, a traditional window AC unit might be a more cost-effective option. The Wave 2 shines in its portability and adaptability to various power situations, making it less of a direct competitor to fixed installations and more of a premium solution for mobile or temporary setups.

Bottom Line

The EcoFlow Wave 2 delivers on its promise of portable, effective cooling. Its consistent performance across both AC and DC power sources makes it a highly versatile unit for a range of uses. Just remember to unplug it when not in active use to avoid the phantom load, and you'll get reliable cooling wherever you need it.

Final Wrap-Up

I hope this deep get into the EcoFlow Wave 2's cooling performance has been helpful. We have more tests coming up, including real-time battery drain tests and winter heating performance. Be sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel so you don't miss those. Feel free to leave any questions or comments down below!