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Fridge efficiency

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mike pearce View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike pearce Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Fridge efficiency
    Posted: 13 July 2017 at 17:14
Hi
I would be interested to hear of any tips or suggestions on improving the efficiency of the fridge on our 370.
We cruise in the Med for 3-4 months each season and keeping the wine chilled is a problem!
The ice compartment appears to work fine although it freezes up on a regular basis largely irrespective of the setting on the thermostat. This has the effect of icing the evaporator under the ice box.
In terms of the main fridge compartment we struggle to get this below 8 deg C despite it being on 24/7.
Has anybody encountered similar problems and if so found a solution?
Thanks
Mike
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Peter Russell View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Peter Russell Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 July 2017 at 20:20
In the UK mine works OK. 
I have often thought about improving the ventilation around the compressor and possibly a 12V fan to help move the warm air away to aid the fridge cooling.
I believe some fridges dump their heat into the sea via cooling pipes through the hull, but that probably requires a specifically designed fridge.
I think there are also some posts on here about improving the insulation around the fridge - probably with major surgery to the kitchen area!


Edited by Peter Russell - 13 July 2017 at 20:21
Peter Russell

Hanse 370 hull 499 "Outnumbered"



http://outnumbered.the-russells.net
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mike pearce View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike pearce Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 July 2017 at 07:05
Thanks for the comments Peter.
I have removed the cover plate by the compressor and try to keep the door open to aid air circulation. It may assist but it's hot out here !
In an effort to further improve matters I have cut some polystyrene sheets about 200 mm thick and placed them at the floor of the main fridge compartment. I have a similar sheet directly behind the front loading door and try not to use this to access the fridge unless necessary.
Taking advice ffrom Isotherm they reckon I need to keep the ice box / evaporator 'dry' and clear of ice to ensure it works most efficiently. Problem with that is we have yet tio find a solution without turning off the fridge to allow it to thaw and then moping out the water! Not sure this should be necessary.
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Peter Russell View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Peter Russell Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 July 2017 at 20:11
Even in the UK I have to defrost every 3 days or so - that may be down to a relatively humid atmosphere here.  A messy job and of course everything gets warm before you can reuse the fridge.  I occasionally chip the ice off, but you need to be careful not to damage anything.
Peter Russell

Hanse 370 hull 499 "Outnumbered"



http://outnumbered.the-russells.net
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Pepote View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Pepote Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 July 2017 at 20:45
Hi,
The compressor is located in a small enclosed space Dead.
It is necessary to improve its ventilation with the following works:
1º.- Opening an air intake through the area of the compressor, near the kitchen, to facilitate its ventilation.
2º.- Improving ventilation around the compressor with a 12V fan to help move the hot air away and reinforce cooling of the refrigerator
3 .- Facilitate the exit of hot air from the chamber in which the compressor is located, opening some gap in the upper area.
 
If it is not done, it will never work well and will not break the compressor when it can not be refrigerated.
Jesús
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Captain Cook View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Captain Cook Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 July 2017 at 09:45
This problem is covered in several topics, e.g. "isotherm fridge failure", where it among other issues, is explained, that it is important that there is sufficient voltage at the compressor.
In my boat there was a voltage drop of 0,9 V from battery to compressor due to the small diameter/length of the current supply cable.
Cook the Captain

Freya H400 #27 (2006), 40HP 3JH4E, 2-cabin, 3-blade Flexofold, Aries LiftUp Windvane, Exturn 300, Jefa DD1,Simrad NX40,Icom M603(VHF)+M802(SSB)
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Captain Cook View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Captain Cook Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 July 2017 at 09:59
In my fridge I have placed a perspex acrylic sheet in the middle of the box, so the fridge is separated in two. The storage under the cooling unit is then somewhat colder than the space behind the lower door.  The temperature difference between the two compartments is regulated with the number of small holes drilled in the acrylic sheet.
In the fridge the temerature is now 6, respectively 9 degrees celsius.
Cook
Freya H400 #27 (2006), 40HP 3JH4E, 2-cabin, 3-blade Flexofold, Aries LiftUp Windvane, Exturn 300, Jefa DD1,Simrad NX40,Icom M603(VHF)+M802(SSB)
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Pepote View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Pepote Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 July 2017 at 09:50
With my system, I get -20 ºC in the freezer and 4 ºC in the whole refrigerator
Jesús
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mike pearce View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike pearce Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 July 2017 at 15:55
Thanks for the various replies and the potential solutions. Some easier than others to try although improving the ventilation sounds good for starters & checking the voltage. The acrylic sheet to compartmentalise the fridge is an interesting idea.
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silversailor View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote silversailor Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 July 2017 at 21:36
I have added a small 12V computer fan at the base of my fridge. Also, put 2 soft sided pieces of product that can freeze and then be removed to keep a cooler cold. Pull one out and drape it over the horizontal grid that separates the two sections.  When it defrosts I switch it with the one in the freezer.  Sometimes I prop open the freezer door. The exterior top of the fridge gets very warm so I use a white neoprene pad to cover it.  Reflects the heat and provides addl insulation.
Silversailor
South Haven, MI USA
S/V Legacy
2010 Andrews 28
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