Hi neil28163 - re Freezer
We have 1 kw (nominal) Solar (new generation) which charges our 900 AH battery bank (AGM). Do not watch much TV at all and relatively low use of 240 vAC (from 3 kVA
Victron Inverter) after dark (deliberately). Very rarely get below 80% battery state and will run
generator if at 60% (always). Almost always get back to 900 AH (full charge state) by 10-11:00 next morning and into float state no later than 13:00 usually. Do not have a
wind generator for this reason (no need). Will put the $-diff into larger battery bank (Li) when we replace later this year (our
batteries are on the way out due to misuse in previous life. Have Vitrofrigo Fridge/Freezer drawers (A$2,600 approx unfitted) because they were the only ones we could locate at the time that had relatively high 'sides' (without holes) that retained the cold air when opening. We closed off the remaining with 'clear sticky'. In addition we have a Waeco 150 litre deep freezer box using a 'standard' compressor and plate. This later is fitted to a custom-made box to suit our
installation. Waeco now see 'Freezetec' at link
Marine Refrigeration – Freezetec They also have eutectic solutions. Reason for custom is major emphasis for us is on
long term cruising and 'deep' freezing (below -25 deg C) required. Bin/chest type mandated because cold air not
lost when opening. Further ensured that
insulation minimum 100 mm all around (75 mm lid) which we could not find in any other 'off-the-shelf'. You can use the 'plate' for anything between 100-150 litres really - perhaps even smaller. Anything over 150 litre and the freezing level/efficiency reduced. Had issues (which were rectified) with ensuring that waste hot air off compressor is ducted out to 'free space' and not into any area which heats inside of galley/saloon which would then 'suck' it all back in again. Made effort to properly 'seal' all the surrounds and shipwright install to prevent mould and
water /
condensation getting into any
insulation (i.e. we fibreglassed in the insulation as well as the 'box'. Two-pot
paint spray finish looks perfect. Top opening 500 x 850 mm and made to fit bench surface. DO NOT put any handle or metal fitting through the lid into the freezer compartment. Will seriously reduce efficiency AND will condense
water continuously. Further the compressor fan blows vertically upward so initial install problem of blowing hot air directly onto the bottom of the freezer box. Fitted an intermediate aluminium plate (hood) to deflect air out and rearward. Further fitted a small 12VDC fan from computer type to 'boost'
cooling when extra hot days (rarely use). Ensure heaps of ventilation. We have a 'tunnel' which also takes out the Vitrofrigo air into same
exhaust as they are located adjacent to each other. Extra
current consumption of course but see 'recharging' period above. Absolutely fantastic solution and no
storage issues. You have a significant investment in your vessel so I would not recommend to skimp on this key aspect of cruising (lots of great cold / freezer storage. Portable ones sound simple but just don't cut the mustard (we have an 40 ltr Engel (great camping machine) but which we not longer use on the
boat because of total power consumption vs efficiency.