Freezer: evaporator or eutectic?

[jeremyshaw]

I am planning to replace my current 220v holding plate freezer system with a 12v system.

Shortlisted choices are EITHER
Isotherm ASU with eutectic plate
OR
Simple, but large, evaporator plate.

Since we run a generator one or two hours a day for battery charging and watermaking I originally thought the eutectic plate would be best. I am also installing a KISS windgen which should give periods of high charge when the ASU will top up the plate.
BUT
Isotherm say that a eutectic plate is not so good for a freezer since the temperature is not so stable. It's also more expensive.
SO
I am now thinking of going for a simple evaporator. Though this will probably use more electricity, that should not be a problem.

Before I make the call, does anyone have any experience of having used both eutectic plates and evaporators for freezers, and have a view which works best - or whether there is a significant difference?

Thanks

 

[philip_stevens]

Have a look here item L60496

 

[Jonny_H]

We fitted an ASU unit earlier this year. It seems to work very well and the energy consumption seems lower than the previous evaporator unit. The ASU does match to the wind genny / solar input so ramps up the compressor to match your spare power - works well.

In terms of temperature - they suggest in the manual that the area next to the plate can be sectioned off and used as a freezer. You can manually set the temperature so should be able to keep it at your desired setting - however it would vary and the temperature you set would be a maximum temperature as the temperature would reduce when the plate freezes.

We only use it as a fridge so not an issue for us. Hope this helps.

Jonny

 

[philip_stevens]

We've got an ASU evaporator in our coolbox, and anything under or near the plate either stays frozen or freezes. SWMBO makes ice cubes for our G'nT with it.

As you say, once down to temp, it is very frugal on power consumption.