Condensor fan speed control?

[onestepcsy37]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I assume your box insulation is pretty good, if so just turn the thing off when you sleep, it ought to stay cold overnight with the door closed.

Done that many times, just to save on battery power. Remember to turn it on in the morning. We put a towel over the top hatch at night for extra insulation and to remind me to turn it on.

[phantomracer]

Originally Posted by colemj

Just for perspective, these fans cost <$15, so there isn't much monetary risk: SilenX EFX-12-15 Case Fan - Newegg.com

Mark

just ordered it.. will try it.

i assume you just cut off the plugs on the wire and hook it up normally?

also.. noticed it consumes less power than the original one, albeit with less air volume, so it may run longer so it may be a moot point. having the fuel cell, have virtually unlimited power anyway..so not overly worried

low cost risk..

[phantomracer]

Originally Posted by onestepcsy37

Done that many times, just to save on battery power. Remember to turn it on in the morning. We put a towel over the top hatch at night for extra insulation and to remind me to turn it on.

might try that if the noise is too much to take.

[GordMay]

Fan noise increases at a rate of 53 to 64 dB/decade increase of speed.
A larger, slower fan will be quieter than a smaller, faster fan delivering the same airflow.
Reducing the fan rotational speed, without increasing the fan size, will reduce both the airflow & niose.
Speed Control ➥ Manual 12V DC Variable Speed controller with Molex connector | Cool PC Inc. DBA Coolerguys

[phantomracer]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Fan noise increases at a rate of 53 to 64 dB/decade increase of speed.
A larger, slower fan will be quieter than a smaller, faster fan delivering the same airflow.
Reducing the fan rotational speed, without increasing the fan size, will reduce both the airflow & niose.
Speed Control ➥ Manual 12V DC Variable Speed controller with Molex connector | Cool PC Inc. DBA Coolerguys

yup that was my initial intent - slow the fan for overnight use. this is what I am looking for (out of stock though). will try the other fan as well. The original one is just crazy loud.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by colemj

Just for perspective, these fans cost <$15, so there isn't much monetary risk: SilenX EFX-12-15 Case Fan - Newegg.com

Mark

Dam I was commenting to my wife the other day about how much quieter it got when the frig cycled off. It never occurred to me to look into a fan replacement.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by phantomracer

...this is what I am looking for (out of stock though)...

➥ https://www.google.ca/search?q=Manua...HuMYWYNu2hgdgB

[autumnbreeze27]

You can install a switch inline with the fan's power that will allow you to either power it straight through (loud), or via a different wire with a resistor on it (quiet mode)

I wasn't sure what resistor to get, so I just bought a 5 pack of premade cables for computers and cut the resistor out for my install.

Search for quiet fan resistor etc and they are all over amazon, newegg, etc.

[leftbrainstuff]

Originally Posted by sailnow2011

Fan noise is directly related to air flow.
If the fan is more quiet less air will move, and you may overheat the compressor or controller. This would lead to an early failure. If you are OK with that, go for it.
We will be installing a louder fan on ours for longer life.

Noise also correlates with blade design specifically tip speed. You could also add 2 quieter fans. Its the air changes per hour you need to maintain the temerature of the compartment.

We use computer fans all over our vessel. Somewhere like frys electronics is your friend.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[phantomracer]

Originally Posted by autumnbreeze27

You can install a switch inline with the fan's power that will allow you to either power it straight through (loud), or via a different wire with a resistor on it (quiet mode)

I wasn't sure what resistor to get, so I just bought a 5 pack of premade cables for computers and cut the resistor out for my install.

Search for quiet fan resistor etc and they are all over amazon, newegg, etc.

yes, saw plans online to do that. I was just looking for a pre-made product.

Then again, each addition to the system is another point of failure. I like the idea of a quieter fan, even if the airflow is a bit less and it runs longer...

If the quiet fan is not as quiet as she would like, I may add a resistor or use a pre-made controller

[sailorboy1]

I bet the only time that a slightly lower fan speed would make any possible difference is upon initial start-up of a warm box.

[phantomracer]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

I bet the only time that a slightly lower fan speed would make any possible difference is upon initial start-up of a warm box.

Thats what I figure.. figured the slightly slower fan speed would be similar if it was extra hot outside..the condenser wouldn't know any difference.

[phantomracer]

ok.... installed the quietx fan, with a speed controller (just in case it was still too loud)

Turned the fridge back on.. thought there was a problem... instead of hearing the whirring of the fan... I heard gurgling and a motor type sound... I am thinking damn..the fan is defective


Turns out, the fan WAS working fine (and was on high), I just couldn't hear it. All I could hear was the compressor!!

That fan is totally quiet.. shockingly quiet!

The fan shroud was not entirely air tight, so put some duct tape around it to ensure all the air passed through the condenser.

seems to be working fine. time will tell however.

buy initial impressions are good.

You can feel the lower volume of air though, but should be enough

[colemj]

Originally Posted by phantomracer

ok.... installed the quietx fan, with a speed controller (just in case it was still too loud)

Turned the fridge back on.. thought there was a problem... instead of hearing the whirring of the fan... I heard gurgling and a motor type sound... I am thinking damn..the fan is defective


Turns out, the fan WAS working fine (and was on high), I just couldn't hear it. All I could hear was the compressor!!

That fan is totally quiet.. shockingly quiet!

The fan shroud was not entirely air tight, so put some duct tape around it to ensure all the air passed through the condenser.

seems to be working fine. time will tell however.

buy initial impressions are good.

You can feel the lower volume of air though, but should be enough

The compressor gurgling noise is usually only for the first little bit at startup, and usually only when the box is warm. It should quiet down after running a minute or so, and may go away completely as you cycle a cooled box.

Mark

[phantomracer]

Originally Posted by colemj

The compressor gurgling noise is usually only for the first little bit at startup, and usually only when the box is warm. It should quiet down after running a minute or so, and may go away completely as you cycle a cooled box.

Mark

yup. exactly.. i was noting it because there was no way you could hear it before with the old fan! But it is very quiet, the very low noise from the compressor itself is quite acceptable.