cool box conversion

[x25dave]

Hi all. I have a Nic 30, with a very large cool box. Has anyone any experience of putting a chilling unit in it?

I have tried a search of this forum, but couldn't find anything.

 

[Martin_J]

The fridge cooling kits such as the Waeco CU-55 are not hard to fit.

They basically come in a couple of parts. One part is the cooling plate (either flat or oval shaped) which has about a 2m long double/flexible copper pipe attached.. and the second is the 12v compressor unit.

One hole (about 1" dia) in the coolbox, fit the cooling plate inside and pass the copper pipe through and to the place where you have mounted the compressor part.. The pipe just fits into the compressor with a click... all done!

Any more specific questions, just ask.

 

[Martin_J]

The white part in that picture is not fixed directly to the motor/compressor bit like it seems to be in the picture.

The white part goes inside the coolbox/locker and the motor part mounts within a few metres in another locker (that is well ventilated).

 

[DJE]

Penguin have a good choice of evaporator plates and compressors and they will bend a flat plate evaporator to suit a difficult location if required. The "system builder" tool on their web site might be useful for a large cold box. They bent this plate for me:-

 

[x25dave]

Thank you one and all, exactly what I was asking for
Great starting point, I'm on it.

 

[bedouin]

We are thinking about a similar project. The problem we face - and you will probably find the same - is that the insulation around the installed "Cool Box" is totally inadequate.

Other than that the only real problem is finding a site for the compressor that has good enough ventilation.

 

[x25dave]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the placing of the compressor issue. My first thought is in a cockpit locker,can't see that it will over heat. Will it?

I can get to the box on all sides and will "up" the insulation. Maybe 'Tri-iso' type, or 'Kingspan'. Both easily sourced thru the building industry.

 

[tolhurstorganic]

Penguin do compressors chilled via an external hull sintered bronze plate, so you don't need a vented place for compressor. I fitted one in Naida two years ago and very pleased with the performance. I have 75mm polyurethane insulation and top loading door, the power usage is minimal on average less than 15amp daily.
More expensive than air cooled but reduces the drain on batteries by a huge amount, also very quiet, almost inauduble.

 

[Martin_J]

Not sure what your space around/underneath the coolbox unit is actually like.

You may be able to mount the compressor in this space after fitting a vented access door to the area (and possibly a shelf to mount it on).

 

[x25dave]

I'll post a pic on Sat am. Reckon there would be plenty of space.

 

[bedouin]

If you go for a conventional air-cooled compressor then you will need to mount it in a location where there is a good supply of fresh air - if you put it in a cockpit locker then you will need to mount it against a grill that allows it to blow air out - and make sure that the air can flow in elsewhere.

 

[Burnham Bob]

our coolbox has had an 'Supercool' unit added. Its much the same as the unit on 12 volt coolboxes you buy for picnics that run off the car cigarette lighter.

works like a charm and doesn't seem to eat battery power.

 

[DJE]

Best compressor location depends on the boat of course. I found a space under the cockpit floor and installed a shelf. I'd be wary of putting it in the cockpit locker unless you can fit some sort of guard or cover to stop it getting damaged. There are lots of vulnerable pipes and cables as I hope this shows:-

 

[PCUK]

Seconded for Supercool. Get the one with automatic sensor that switches it to maximum when batteries are charging. Simple to fit and easy on power.

 

[robmcg]

Seconded for Supercool. Get the one with automatic sensor that switches it to maximum when batteries are charging. Simple to fit and easy on power.

Is there a source for the supercool units?