Hydraulic Pump + AC Compressor = Useful Unit

[hemmjo]

Very clever adaptation.

...Snip... How much torque can those A/C magnetic clutches support before they start to slip?

I have heard an A/C compressor takes 5-15 HP to run depending on the size of the vehicle. Also should keep in mind, typically an A/C system is not under pressure when the clutch is activated since the refrigerant pressures quickly equalize very quickly after the compressor stops running. There is a circuit in most modern applications that deactivates the clutch if it detects slipping. For example if the belt is loose, or wet, or if the compressor is locked up and cannot turn.

A hydraulic system would be similar as long as the valves were all in the center/bypass position.