Engine driven Frige Yes/No

[Tjurd]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all the great responses,

I think we will keep the engine driven system as a backup but I am unsure of what systems we exactly have to be able to "upgrade" components.

When I get home today from work I will make some pictures of both refrigeration systems and the two holding plates we have in the box.

Bit side information that I think might be necessary for getting the right advice:
- We live on the boat in The Netherlands (winter @ 0 Celsius, Summer @ 25 Celsius).
- We plan on leaving in 3 to 4 years from now, traveling to warmer conditions, and for a while to my hometown Sint Maarten (Caribbean).
- We plan on cruising as long as out budget can handle, could be 1 year, could be 4.
- The boat is a production boat, only has about 170 liters of diesel on board.
- We don't, and will not have a generator. (maybe a little portable Honda for emergencies)

Thanks!

[a64pilot]

Wouldn't a "hybrid" system be ideal?
One that ran both off of 12 VDC and the engine?
I don't think it would make sense for me to fit an engine driven system myself, but if I had one, and it was easily repaired, then repair it and add the 12VDC system too.

I have a 12 VDC system, and so far it has been flawless, but it would be nice if it had more heat removal capability, add a case or two of warm beer and 10 or 20 lbs of unfrozen meet into the freezer and it does freeze it and cool the beer, but it would be nice if I could crank the motor and more than double the heat removed.

Again, only makes sense in my mind because he has one, that is easily repaired.
I still think he needs a 12VDC one as well, besides I like back-ups

[Tjurd]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Wouldn't a "hybrid" system be ideal?
One that ran both off of 12 VDC and the engine?
I don't think it would make sense for me to fit an engine driven system myself, but if I had one, and it was easily repaired, then repair it and add the 12VDC system too.

I have a 12 VDC system, and so far it has been flawless, but it would be nice if it had more heat removal capability, add a case or two of warm beer and 10 or 20 lbs of unfrozen meet into the freezer and it does freeze it and cool the beer, but it would be nice if I could crank the motor and more than double the heat removed.

Again, only makes sense in my mind because he has one, that is easily repaired.
I still think he needs a 12VDC one as well, besides I like back-ups

Hi a64,

We actually have both, and both are separated systems
.


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[leftbrainstuff]

12V systems are now more than suitable. I cant think of a single reason why I'd now fit an engine driven fridge or freezer unless it was already installed. Unless I needed massive refrigeration capacity like a fishing boat.

With good solar and a 12V system there is no need to run the engine. In fact we are now using our generator less as each year goes by. Solar heated hot water is our last major issue to address in 2017. We never run our main engine for charging.

We have 2 frigoboat 12V keel cooled systems. They work fabulously and all from solar.

We have also removed all our persistent inverter loads. Everything except for laptop charging and the TV run direct 12V. This makes the 12V solar solution the logical and only option for off grid cruising.

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[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Tjurd

Hi a64,

We actually have both, and both are separated systems
.


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I'd certainly keep both if you can easily get it fixed as I think once you get to the Caribbean your requirement for refrigeration will increase greatly

[savoir]

You shouldn't be needing an engine driven system unless you have a really big fridge. Really big can mean lots of things but I say it means around 8 cu/ft or 230 liters and up. The freezer is extra.

A Danfoss based compressor system can't handle refrigeration of say 200-250 liter fridge + 100 liter freezer. It's too big but a 38 footer probably won't have a system like that.

Engine driven compressors pack some serious grunt. Once the system is down to correct temperature it should run happily on 30 minutes every 12 hours if the insulation is working right.

If you decide to keep the system it would be a good idea to practice your maintenance routine now. Check the manual to see if the raw water system has a zinc. If it does then change it now so you can learn how long they typically last and take the right number of spares on your voyage. Buy two pump rebuild kits then strip and rebuild the water pump">raw water pump so you can learn how it's done and keep the other as a spare. Make sure the strainer is readily accessible and clean the basket once a month.

[Tjurd]

Oke, so I made a few pictures of the systems I have on board:

I am an engineer so I am quite quick at understanding technical systems but I have totally no experience yet with refrigeration.

As I understand it I have two systems:

System 1:
Standard 12 volt compressor with normal cold plate filled with R134 + condenser.

System 2:
Engine driven (airco) pump with some kind wet/dry selection unit and a I gues a coldplate (huge silver thing in the fridge), btw where is the condenser?

Wel, maybe the pictures will explain:

[jstevens]

"...btw where is the condenser?"
Follow the high pressure line. It is either water cooled (like my Seafrost) using the engine raw water or air cooled in a locker.

John

[savoir]

There will be two refrigerant lines coming out of the compressor. One will lead to the fridge and the other to the condenser. This is a water cooled condenser which seems to me more likely than air cooled.