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Subject:Re: DC Refrigerator Alternatives
From:Michael Elliott
Date:Tue, 24 Aug 2004 17:33:52 -0700

Vince S wrote:

>A new subject to better reflect the content.
>
>Here is a self-contain complete system built with Danfoss BD35F if you
>provide your own fridge box such as modifying the existing Dometic
>cavity and put this unit in the small cupboard adjacent to it.
>
>http://www.sailnet.com/store/item.cfm?pid=30527
>
>
Hmmm. I'm trying to wrap my head around this one. My Westy is on some
truck miles from here right now, so I can't take a measuring tape to it
-- how thick is the insulation on the stock reefer?

Power consumption for this unit is expressed as average run time X power
input. Power input is said to be 45 to 60 watts (why the range?).
Average run time for 2'' polyurethane insulation is 40% .  This affords
an internal temp of 41F with outside temp of 80F. Worst case with these
numbers would be 60W X 40% =24W =2 ampere/hr @ 12 volts.

Did I do that right?

Given the largest battery that can fit under the driver's seat -- how
quickly would it become discharged at 2Ahr?

And this Danfoss BD35F-based Waeco Coolmatic Cooling Kit . . . the
"larger picture" is the same low-rez picture on the linked page (above),
just scaled larger so there isn't really more information. It is larger,
though, so they ain't lying. What I can't quite figure out is where the
hot air is meant to be dumped. If you mount the compressor in the small
cupboard adjacent to the fridge box, I reckon the heat would have to be
vented outside somehow?
--

Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
71 VW Type 2 / 84 Westy: A poor but proud race.
KG6RCR