Refrigeration

[carey]

I have a front loading fridge on the boat which draws about 4.5 amps,it is a little old in the tooth being a 1985 model. It operates very well most of the year 50 percent on but when summer arrive and temperatures are in order of 29 to 32 degrees C (Aussie summer ) it works hard staying on for about 85 to 90 percent of the time
Does anyone know how to improve the efficiency of the unit as a new one is very expensive .Should I keep it full or keep ice in the freezer or ??????
John Carey

 

[ccscott49]

You dont say whether its a compressor fridge or not, an absorbtion fridge or pe3ltier effect, just wouldn't handle an aussie summer and work all the time. You can improve the efficiency, by increasing the insulation thickness. If its a compressor fridge, which I suspect it is, you might need to have a look at the actual compressor and level of refridgerant, you'll need an expert for this. Keep the fridge full, this also helps efficiency. If the compressor is shot, a distinct possibility, a new fridge is the only option, buy the best compressor fridge you can afford, or get one built in with lots of insulation and an external cooling plate, much better for your climates. Try some of the fridge suppliers for more info.

 

[heerenleed]

As you obviously have the possibility of keeping ice in your fridge, there might be a draining hole in the bottom of your fridge. If so, this is an important leak for cold air. Plug it, and your fridge will be noticeable more efficient.
Also, new seals on your door might improve the fridge's performance.

Otherwise, ccscott is quite right. a new compressor with external cooling plate is very effecient in your climate


Peter a/b SV Heerenleed, Steenbergen, Netherlands

 

[steve_cronin]

You might consider a top loading model as a replacement for every time you open the door on a front loader your cold air falls out and you re-fill the fridge with ambient (did you say 30C plus?) air. We operate in the med and our Waeco with fan assisted evaporator runs <50% of the time. We also keep a bag of ice cubes in there in a large screw-top plastic container. This not only provides ice for drinks but it also helps the fridge by acting like a "holding unit"

Steve Cronin

 

[iangrant]

How dare you....

talk to us about your fridge not working 'cause it's too hot - you should b....y well try it over 'ere in dear ol' blighty matey we all wish we had your problem!!

 

[WayneS]

Re: How dare you....

Could not agree more.

I use my cabin heater to keep my beers from getting to cold.....
and that's on a warm day

 

[Guest]

Re: How dare you....

Another thing that will affect the efficiency of your fridge is lack of adequate ventialtion at the back of it. In a number of boats this isn't always sufficient.

Either increasing the ventilation behind the fridge or fitting a small 12v fan behind the fridge will help to increase it's efficiency.

Bill

 

[peterb]

Don't plug the drain hole. Put a short piece of plstic tubing on it rigged as a U-bend (with the bend outside the insulation to prevent it freezing). Any moisture draining out will fill the U-bend and prevent loss of cold air, whilst still allowing drainage.

 

[J_Priedkalns]

If is time to replace your refrgerator look at the holding plate system that has the option of air and water cooling. Mine works great during those hot days when the outside ambient temperature is 35C! Water cooling is more efficient and does not draw much current since the system cycles only once every 24 hours with a partially loaded fridge. A fully loaded fridge cycles once every 36 hours!

Cheers!