Fridge upgrade

[Aurales]

Hello everybody,
I would like to install a Keel Cooler thread-mounted condenser.
Do enybody have installed this accessory ?
Is it efficient ?
Any suggestiones are appreciate.
Thanks !

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Aurales.


Adding a keel cooler, to an existing boat/engine may, or may not, be a good idea, depending upon how it’s parameters match up with the engine, for things such as coolant velocity, coolant pump flow rates, and maximum pressure drop.
Keel cooling companies, such as Duramax and others, will work with you, to see if the proposed keel cooler provides sufficient heat rejection, for your engine.

[Bill O]

Originally Posted by Aurales

Hello everybody,
I would like to install a Keel Cooler thread-mounted condenser.
Do enybody have installed this accessory ?
Is it efficient ?
Any suggestiones are appreciate.
Thanks !

Yes, we like our keel cooler added to our fridge. Very quiet when running.


Do you have a Frigoboat system already? I believe the KC pictured is for capillary type refrigeration systems.


Would suggest you get both the air (fan) and keel cooler heat exchangers in your system. You will need to use/switch to the air exchanger when hauled out if you want to keep your fridge running.

[Coolerking]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Aurales.


Adding a keel cooler, to an existing boat/engine may, or may not, be a good idea, depending upon how it’s parameters match up with the engine, for things such as coolant velocity, coolant pump flow rates, and maximum pressure drop.
Keel cooling companies, such as Duramax and others, will work with you, to see if the proposed keel cooler provides sufficient heat rejection, for your engine.

You have this mistaken , he has a passive hull mounted heat exchanger (condenser) for the fridge.
They work good, as long as they are clean, in the water, and the water itself isn't 90f, the issue we find with them always relates to the fittings that are used and the o rings contained within.

[Aurales]

Thank you all for answer. This project is on my list.

[Richard Kollmann]

There are applications and operating conditions where the keel cooler in your picture is worth while but they are disastrous if installation application exceeds normal compressor temperatures. In a small insulated box and keel cooler operating in 60 to 75 degree F seawater system will perform well for many years. A properly designed fan air cooled condenser will generally perform as well in air and various seawater temperatures systems. An equally efficient air or water cooling keel condenser has less to do with energy efficiency as it is the new type variable speed 12 volt compressors that allow for today's energy efficient boat refrigeration.