Questions about adding refrigeration

[rusty]

Ok ... I have an ice box now. Pain in the butt.

What is the easiest (not necessarily the cheapest) way to add refrigeration? I don't want to have to tear apart the icebox. I just don't want to have to deal with ice anymore.

Can I get some kind of a cold plate that goes inside the box? I have room outside for a compressor.

Thanks,
Rusty

[strongsail]

yep, you can get a 2-piece system with a small evaporator that holds one or two trays of ice cubes and will chill a medium-size box, with an electric compressor you can mount under a settee or in a cockpit locker - Frigiboat and Adler-Barbur are 2 names that come to mind - usually one hole with a holesaw maybe 1" or so will be all you need for tubing and thermostat wiring. Then there's wiring from breaker panel to compressor (don't scrimp on wire size) and mounting the evap, and the compressor out of harm's way where it will get good ventilation, and screwing the tubing together - everything is pre-charged, follow the directions carefully and you will love it, ice for that cocktail while you read up on the next project: enlarging the battery bank to support the fridge and more charging capacity for the bigger battery bank - - 8-)

[rusty]

Thanks,

Do you have any recommendations? Any preference for Adler/Barbour or Frigoboat?

Looks like onlinemarine.com has the Adler/Barbour Cold Machine with vertical evaporator for $825. The Frigoboat Polar system (also with a vertical evaporator) is $899.

Since this is a sailboat, my concern is power consumption. The Adler/Barbour says it draws 5 amps on and 1.5 amps/hr cycling. The Frigoboat says it draws 5.25 amps.

Right now, I am leaning toward the Adler/Barbour.

Thanks,
Rusty

[strongsail]

I have had a Frigoboat system for a decade. I leave it running year-round, and it has been reliable.

The Adler-Barbur probably does draw about 5A when running, but I think the 1.5Ah rate is optimistic. That figure assumes a 25-30% duty cycle, and the unit will probably run 50% of the time.

Duty cycle is dependent on lots of factors besides the unit itself - size and insulatiion quality of the box, whether it's top or side opening, how often you're into the box, how much warm food you put in it, etc.

You will love having refrigeration, and you *will* be surprised at how quickly your batteries go flat when you're cruising. The fridge will be the largest single energy user on the boat, by far.

You *will* end up enlarging your battery bank, upgrading your charging system, installing a monitor, maybe even repitching your prop. But that's another can o' calamari altogether...:cool:

[rusty]

I think I have the battery situation covered. Two new batteries, plus a third "starting" battery. Also have a Link 2000 battery monitor and a Xantrex Freedom 10 Inverter. Might need to look at the alternator output though :). Do you think I should consider additional batteries?

Right now I am leaning toward the Adler/Barbour solution. Probably just name familiarity (and it's $24 less).

Thanks,
Rusty

[strongsail]

Do you mean 2 new batteries to replace existing batteries, or two additional batteries? Flooded? Gel? AGM? If you still have just 2 batteries the same size as your originals, yes you will probably want to add more batteries. And, all batteries should be of the same type and age. If you have just replaced your batteries, now is the time to add more while the existing ones are still fresh.

The isolated starting battery is good - how are you charging it?

Upgrading the alternator and regulator will probably be necessary at some point - does that Link include inverter control and alternator regulation? If you are still using the original internal regulator with your oem alternator, yes you will probably want to upgrade. The internal regulator will start to trim back the alternator's output just as voltage begins to rise, which is exactly what you don't want it to do. The main function of the internal regulator is to protect the alternator. It will not properly charge a bank of deep cycle batteries - you will never get a full charge, and remember that you are working with a full charge of 12.6 and a 50% discharge at 12.2V - that is less than half a volt, and if you don't get a completely full charge you may be giving up 20 or 25% of your capacity.

If you install a timer-based 3-step regulator with your oem alternator, the alternator will fail quickly because it isn't designed for the severe duty you will be putting it through. Best to save the oem alternator as a spare and move up to a high-output, "hot-rated" unit that will take the punishment of quickly charging a large battery bank. The highest output small-frame alt that will (relatively) easily replace an oem unit and operate with a single belt is about 100-105A. You will also need to upgrade the alt's output and ground wiring.

$$$! Fun, huh?:D

[rusty]

Well .... I have two 12 volt Trojan Deep Cycle marine batteries (27TMX?)and a 12 volt Trojan Marine Starting battery. They are flooded batteries I believe.

All are currently connected to the original charging circuit. I know this is under-engineered at this point.

I also have been considering adding two more batteries and hooking them up in two parallel pairs to the A-B switch. That would give me plenty of juice, but the inadequacy of the charging system would be even more apparent.

I don't think the Link 2000 has regulator control. That would be the Link 2000R, I believe, and that is not the one we have.

I have been reading the book "Sailboat Electrics Simplified" It seems to have some good information about how things ought to be set up. Do you have any additional reading recommendations?

Soooo ... let me sum up. I add refrigeration and in order to accomodate that, I need to add batteries, upgrade the charging system, completely rewire the boat, paint the hull, and get a new anchor. Whew! That is easy. :)

Thanks for all your help!

Rusty

[strongsail]

Recommended reading:

"Living On 12 Volts With Ample Power" by Dave Smead and Ruth Ishihara.

A couple of good books, and a couple of buckets full of money, and you're all set!

[rusty]

Thanks!

I just ordered the book.

Rusty

[rusty]

Got the book. Thanks!

Also went ahead and ordered the Adler Barbour Cold Machine. Got it from Online Marine (http://www.onlinemarine.com). They have been very helpful and have great prices. Oh ... and fast shipping!

Thanks again,
Rusty