PWT - Refridgeration

Welcome to PWT's "COOL" section

We've been mucking around with fridges for a while now and the conclusion we have come to is that while portable refrigerators are good for many applications, nothing quite beats a properly made, custom built, affair, this is especially so on a boat. On a boat you may not have the luxury of being able to plug into shore power. You will probably be relying on your solar and/or wind systems sending power to a, (probably too small), battery bank. This is when 100mm of polyurethane insulation all around the box really pays off. Danfoss comressors coupled to a suitable evaporator plate will make your custom made fridge a very viable option to a car fridge.

The heart of your fridge system is the compressor, we have the two, the BD 35, (80 series) and the BD 50, (90 series). I have built a 60 litre fridge into my own boat and I am using the smaller BD 35 coupled to a VD 09 evaporator plate. Within the plate will give me around 20 litre of freezer and the rest will be refrigeration. I have 100mm of polyurethane foam around the sides and bottom and 50mm on top.

Evaporator Plates & Fridge component kits:

381502
Max Fridge/freeze size 125 / 40 litres
Evaporator type - 'O' 210 x 240 x 95
Compressor BD35F 270x160x155
Average comsumption A/h 0.6
381504
Max Fridge/freeze size 150 / 50 litres
Evaporator type - 'O'230 x 320 x 100
Compressor BD35F 270 x 160 x 155
Average consumption 0.7
381506
Max Fridge/freeze size 200 / 65 litres
Evaporator type 'O' 270 x 380 x 140
Compressor BD35F 315 x 160 x 155
Average consumption 0.9
381507
Max Fridge/freeze size 125 / 40 litres
Evaporator type 'L' 400 x 170 x 210
Compressor BD35F 270 x 160 x 155
Average consumption 0.79.00
381508
Max Fridge/freeze size 60 / 20 litres
Evaporator type Flat 350 x130
Compressor BD35F 270 x 160 x 155
Average consumption 0.6
381510
Max fridge/freeze size 170 / 55 litres
Evaporator type - Flat 815 x 210
Compressor BD50F 315 x 160 x 155
Average consumption 0.9
381512
Max Fridge/freeze size 200 / 65 litres
Evaporator type - Flat 1200 x 190
Compressor BD50F 315 x 160 x 155
Average consumption 1.0
381514
Max Fridge/freeze size 260 / 85 litres
Evaporator type - Flat 1000 x 270
Compressor BD50F 315 x 160 x 155
Average consumption 1.1
381516
Max Fridge/freeze size 400 / 140 litres
Evaporator type - Flat 1370 x 300
Compressor BD50F 315 x 160 x 155
Average consumption 1.2

These 12-24 volt fan cooled refrigeration units are suitable for mounting in new or existing ice boxes. The fan cooled compressor can be mounted up to two metres away from the evaporator box or plate. Box type ‘O’ evaporators provide an internal freezer compartment as well as cooling the entire refrigeration compartment. Units are supplied pre-gassed with re-openable quick fit connectors for ease of installation. A choice of ‘O’, ‘L’ and flat evaporators are available. Flat evaporators can be carefully formed to suit box size.

Low voltage cut off and radio interference suppression are fitted as standard. Temperature is adjusted by a rotary thermostat incorporating an on/off switch. Connection of the evaporator plate to the compressor requires only a 30mm hole to be drilled in the ice box compartment wall. Utilises R134A ozone friendly refrigeration gas.

NB:
1) Reduce maximum box volume by 10 - 20% in tropical conditions.
2) Freezer volume is calculated at approximately one third of the refrigerator volume capability.
3) Freezer thermostat required if used as freezer.
4) Average power consumption calculated at +6ºC in refrigeration space using a typical cooler box with standard insulation at an ambient temperature of +22ºC
RELATED PRODUCTS
Quick Mount, Thermostats, Extension Hoses, AC to DC Converter.

Marty's note

I did some extensive testing on a stock standard 40 Litre Waeco car fridge, which uses a Danfoss DB35 compressor. The testing went for several months and ranged from a mid Winter's day with the fridge full and not used to a mid Summer, hot, humid day, with the fridge being used as it might if you were out and about and looking, as you would, for a cool drink and replacing the coldie with a warmie.

The fridge was set up to cool to 4 degrees.
12 volt battery system.

The results ranged dramatically:
On the Gold Coast Winter day, around 24 degrees in the day and cool at night, with the fridge full and cold and not opened I measured a power consumption of just 16 amps. About .66 amp per hour average.

In contrast, on the hot, humid Summer day with the fridge being used, the power consumption leapt to a massive 66 amps. About 2.75 amps, more than 4 X that of the Winter extreme.

I guess the moral of the story is that you need:
1. Good insulation on your fridge.
2. A decent battery bank to run it effectively.
3. An effective means of replacing the power.

Isotherm ASU 3201
Max volume 125L
Dimensions 270x160x155
Average consumptoin 0.4 A/h
Compressor: BD35F 300 x 60 x 210

Isotherm ASU 3701
Max volume 200
Dimensions 315 x 160 x 155
Average consumption 0.65 A/h
BD50F 355 x 60 x 280

12-24 volt power sensing refrigeration unit, suitable for mounting in new or existing cool boxes where battery power is at a premium. The ASU (Automatic Start Up) system senses when surplus power is available, during engine running, alternative power or genset operation etc, and speeds up the fan cooled compressor to rapidly freeze the eutectic type holding plate. As available power decreases, the ASU reduces power consumption accordingly. Low voltage cut-off and radio interference suppression are fitted as standard. Compressor unit comes complete with a fast fit mounting bracket for either vertical or horizontal mounting and three metres of pre-gassed tinned copper piping, incorporating re-openable quick-fit connectors. The stainless steel holding plate, with an average holding temperature of minus 9ºC, can be mounted at any angle high up in the cool box. Utilises R134A ozone friendly refrigeration gas. Suitable for use with the 381902 AC/DC converter.

N.B.
1) Running engine for 1/2 to 1 1/2 hours daily reduces current consumption by 50-90%.
2) Reduce recommended box volume by 10-20% for tropical conditions
RELATED PRODUCTS
Extension Hoses, AC to DC Converter.
Thermostats.

Sizes "L" and "O"
'L' 400x170x210
'O' small 210x240x95
'O' medium 230x320x100
'O' large 270x380x140

Isotherm evaporator plates, complete with two metres of pipe and re-openable quick-fit connectors are supplied as replacement parts. Although they are factory pre-gassed, the complete system must be evacuated and recharged with ozone friendly R134A refrigerant upon replacement. The evaporators are made of malleable aluminium, enabling them to be carefully shaped to suit virtually any cooler box configuration.

Sizes - Flat
Flat 350x130
Flat 815x210
Flat 1000x270
Flat 1200x190
Flat 1370x300

MODEL	Weight:	Capacity:	Power source	Compressor
CF-80	29 kgs	80 L	12 or 24 volt	BD50F
CF110	31kg	110 L	12 or 24 volt	BD50F

	CU 84 and 94 in side by side configuration. Fully hermetic Danfoss BDF35F kompressor with control electronics and integrated low-voltage protection, low-voltage cut-off, electronic reverse pole protection, brushless DC fan, lamellar condenser, self-sealing valve couplings.
	CU 85 and 95 in front configuration. Fully hermetic Danfoss BDF35F kompressor with control electronics and integrated low-voltage protection, low-voltage cut-off, electronic reverse pole protection, brushless DC fan, lamellar condenser, self-sealing valve couplings.
	CU 86 and 96 in over the top configuration. Fully hermetic Danfoss BDF35F kompressor with control electronics and integrated low-voltage protection, low-voltage cut-off, electronic reverse pole protection, brushless DC fan, lamellar condenser, self-sealing valve couplings.
	CU 87 and 97 with water cooling for greater efficiency. Fully hermetic Danfoss BDF35F kompressor with control electronics and integrated low-voltage protection, low-voltage cut-off, electronic reverse pole protection, brushless DC fan. Self- sucking seawater pump, seawater-cooled condenser, self sealing valve couplings.
VD 03 No pic available Check Waeco web site Suits 80 series compressor	Copper-aluminum lamellar evaporator with large surface through cooling lamellars, for vertical and horizontal installation, self sealing valve couplings, flexible connection pipe approx. 2.5m, continously variable thermostat (for exernal installation with grey turning knob anf black plastic cap), electric supply cord approx. 3m Lamellar evaporator VD-03 Dimensions W380 x H230 x D82 mm Weight 2Kg approx. Capacity 170 Litres max. with insulation of 35mm PU, 200 Litres max. with insulation of 50mm PU Power Power consumption 50 Watts x average running time Warranty 1 year warranty on everything Coolers and refrigerators, especially suitable for larger cooling capacities and high ambient temperatures
VD 04 Suits 80 series compressor	Standard L-shape evaporator, self-sealing valve couplings, flexible connection pipe approx. 2m, continuously variable thermostat (for external installation with grey knob and black plastic housing), electric supply cord approx. 3m Dimensions W380 x H255 x D10 mm Weight 1.5Kg approx. Cooling Capacity. 130 Litres max. with insulation of 35mm PU. 170 Litres max. with insulation of 50mm PU Power Power consumption 45 Watts x average running time Warranty 1 year warranty on everything Coolers and refrigerators, for vertical and horizontal installation
VD 05 Suits 80 series compressor	Standard plate evaporator, self-sealing valve couplings, flexible connection pipe approx. 2m, continuously variable thermostat (for external installation with grey knob and black plastic housing), electric supply cord approx. 3m Plate evaporator VD-05 Dimensions W375 x H350 x D25 mm Weight 1.5Kg approx. Capacity 130 Litres max. with insulation of 35mm PU, 170 Litres max. with insulation of 50mm PU Power consumption 45 Watts x average running time Voltage 45 Watts power input Warranty 1 year warranty on everything Coolers and refrigerators, for vertical and horizontal installation
VD 06 Suits 90 series compressor	Stainless steel energy accumulator with integrated high performance lamellar evaporator, self-sealing valve couplings, continously variable by means of electronic TEC controller Energy accumulator VD-06 Dimensions W380 x H300 x D62 mm Weight 5Kg approx. Capacity Cooling Capacity. 200 Litres max. with insulation of 50mm PU. 250 Litres max. with insulation of 100mm PU Power Discharging time 8 to 18 hours (without kompressor operation) Voltage 80 Watts power input Warranty 1 year warranty on everything Other Charging Time: Approx. 1.5 hours
VD 08 Suits 80 series compressor	Standard angle evaporator, self-sealing valve couplings, flexible connection pipe approx. 2m, continuously variable thermostat (for external installation with grey knob and black plastic housing), electric supply cord approx. 3m Angle evaporator VD-08 Dimensions W450 x H270 x D340 mm Weight 2Kg approx. Cooling Capacity. 160 Litres max. with insulation of 35mm PU. 180 Litres max. with insulation of 50mm PU Power consumption 60 Watts x average running time Warranty 1 year warranty on everything Coolers, especially suitable for medium cooling capacities, also for deep-freezing up to 70 Litres
VD 09 Suits 80 series compressor	O-evaporator for vertical and horizontal installation, self-sealing valve couplings, flexible connection pipe approx. 2m, continuously variable thermostat (for external installation with grey knob and black plastic housing), electric supply cord approx. 3m O-evaporator VD-09 Dimensions W365 x H140 x D270 mm Weight 2Kg approx. Cooling Capacity. 160 Litres max. with insulation of 35mm PU. 180 Litres max. with insulation of 50mm PU Power consumption 60 Watts x average running time Warranty 1 year warranty on everything Coolers and refrigerators, especially suitable for medium cooling capacities, evaporator can also be used as a deep- freeze compartment
VD 14 Suits 90 series compressor	High performance circulating air evaporator in a white plastic housing, with two brushless fans, fast cooling through circulating air operation, self-sealing valve couplings, flexible connection pipe approx. 2.5m, continuously variable thermostat integrated in the evaporator housing Circulating air evaporator VD-14 Dimensions W310 x H230 x D65 mm Weight 2.5Kg approx. Cooling Capacity. 300 Litres max. with insulation of 35mm PU. 400 Litres max. with insulation of 50mm PU Power consumption 80 Watts x average running time Warranty 1 year warranty on everything Coolers and refrigerators, especially suitable for large cooling capacities and high ambient temperatures
VDSuits 80 series compressor 15	High performance circulating air evaporator in a white plastic housing, with brushless fan, fast cooling through circulating air operation, self sealing valve couplings, flexible connection pipe approx 2.5m, continuously variable thermostat integrated in the evaporator housing Circulating air evaporator VD-15 Dimensions W220 x H275 x D65 mm Weight 2Kg approx. Cooling Capacity. 200 Litres max. with insulation of 35mm PU. 250 Litres max. with insulation of 50mm PU Power consumption 60 Watts x average running time Warranty 1 year warranty on everything Coolers and refrigerators, especially suitable for large cooling capacities and high ambient temperatures
VD 16 Suits 90 series compressor	Circulating air lamellar evaporator in a transparent plastic housing, self-sealing valve couplings, flexible connection pipe approx. 2.5m, continuously variable deep-freeze thermostat integrated in the evaporator housing Circulating air evaporator VD-16 Dimensions W310 x H260 x D130 mm Weight 2.5Kg approx. Cooling Capacity. 130 Litres max. with insulation of 50mm PU. 200 Litres max. with insulation of 100mm PU Power consumption 60 Watts x average running time Warranty 1 year warranty on everything Coolers and refrigerators, special circulating air evaporator for deep-freezing
VD 18 Suits 80 series compressor	Standard plate evaporator, self-sealing valve couplings, flexible connection pipe approx. 2m, continuously variable thermostat (for external installation with grey knob and black plastic housing, electric supply cord approx. 3m Plate evaporator VD-18 Dimensions W350 x H250 x D25 mm Weight 1.5Kg approx. Cooling Capacity. 100 Litres max. with insulation of 35mm PU. 150 Litres max. with insulation of 50mm PU Power consumption 45 Watts x average running time Voltage 45 Watts power input Warranty 1 year warranty on everything Coolers and refrigerators, for vertical and horizontal installation
VD 21 Suits 90 series compressor	Standard plate evaporator with large surface, self-sealing valve coupling, continuously variable thermostat (for external installation with grey knob and black plastic housing), flexible connection pipe approx. 2m Plate evaporator VD-21 Dimensions W1370 x H305 x D10 mm Weight 4Kg approx. Cooling Capacity. 250 Litres max. with insulation of 50mm PU. 300 Litres max. with insulation of 100mm PU Power consumption 60 Watts x average running time Warranty 1 year warranty on everything Coolers, especially suitable for large cooling capacities, and for deep-freezing up to 150 Litres
	The key to successful refrigeration is to keep all the working parts as cool as possible during operation. If the compressor is stuck in a closed box, it ain't gunna work too good, it'll suck your batteries dry and you'll still have warm beer. So, if your compressor area is not well ventilated, you can vastly improve the situation with this exhaust tube to take the heat away.
All compressors and evaporator plates have plug and play connectors - no need to gas up.