Those things are based on a themoelectric semiconductor element. They are unbelievably reliable, the same technology is used on deep-space spacecraft missions - missions where the energy density of the sun is too low to be used for solar-power cells.

The only thing, is that on the spacecraft the units are run backwards, being heated by plutionium rods, and generate electricity.

For all the Vanagon owners considering the coolers, they are tremendously inefficient, with an efficiency of about 2 - 3%. Our built-in fridges are based on a refridgerant, and are way better in terms of efficiency.

In other words, don't run those coolatrons off your battery!

Marshall Ruskin
84 Westy
'92 EE Graduation Thesis: An Investigation into the Theory and Performance of Semiconductor Thermo-electric Power Generation  (Got an A+, FWIW!)
    -----Original Message-----
    From: MtnGal <mtngal@SIERRATEL.COM>
    To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
    Date: Friday, March 12, 1999 9:10 AM
    Subject: NO VW CONTENT "hot/cold Igloo coolers found"...
    
    
        I went shopping for school paper and notebooks and came across those Hot/cold coolers that plug into your cigarette lighter at McFrugal's... I want to mention I think they might be reconditioned units (can't remember)... 
    Price is $49. or $59 US....  
    I don't think they'll last. Three sold right in front of me... 
        Oh yeah, I might want to let you know the colors are "gray and white" or "all white" these are the only colors I noticed...
     
                                       MtnGal

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