Best location for fridge compressor?

[mszoek]

Hello! Long time lurker here

I am considering doing the icebox to fridge conversion (NovaKool LT-201-RT4) on my 1985 E30 and wondering about the best location to install the compressor/condenser unit. I don't want refrigeration lines all over so I am leaning towards turning the little box area behind the galley sink into a compressor compartment and ducting it to one of the transom vents. I mostly just store spare coolant and oil there now.

The compressor should fit nicely, and have good air intake if I drill some holes in the back of the box. Hot air would be blown out the duct on top. Plus it's right next to the icebox. It seems from reading threads like many people have the compressor under the settee somewhere. I assumed this would have poor air circulation but I guess it works. Does my design seem reasonable? Am I overthinking this?

 

[Christian Williams]

If your model permits, a lazarette shelf is a good place for the compressor. They do make heat and a whirring noise.



Located behind the hook.

 

[toddster]

I put mine in the sail locker - on the E29, it's just a few inches from the icebox, on the other side of the bulkhead. The small Isotherm unit that I bought is completely silent from the cabin.

More recently, I was sold on the Isotherm "SP" series, which simply replaces the through-hull fitting for the galley sink drain for quiet water-cooled refrigeration. But have yet to install it. On schedule for next month.

 

[mszoek]

That would be an ideal spot if not for the alcohol fuel tank for the stove! It takes up most of the shelf space.

If your model permits, a lazarette shelf is a good place for the compressor. They do make heat and a whirring noise.

View attachment 50750

Located behind the hook.

 

[mszoek]

I put mine in the sail locker - on the E29, it's just a few inches from the icebox, on the other side of the bulkhead. The small Isotherm unit that I bought is completely silent from the cabin.

More recently, I was sold on the Isotherm "SP" series, which simply replaces the through-hull fitting for the galley sink drain for quiet water-cooled refrigeration. But have yet to install it. On schedule for next month.

I looked at that SP unit! It's quite interesting. Let me know how that goes!

 

[Loren Beach]

I am considering doing the icebox to fridge conversion (NovaKool LT-201-RT4) on my 1985 E30 and wondering about the best location to install the compressor/condenser unit.

Can you post up some photos of the galley area & ice box, and also where you might place the compressor?

 

[mszoek]

Oh hey! Just me, necroposting my own thread

Sorry for the long absence - life stuff and winter drydock made everything no fun for a while. I'm back in the wet now and had time over the cold months to finish this little project! I ended up getting the NovaKool LT201-RT6 kit which has a bigger freezer box, and installing the compressor unit just behind the bulkhead of the icebox. Works great, even with just solar power - what a game changer to have a freezer too! And cold beers, LOL.

I also installed this little water filter system with a dedicated faucet, because who really knows what's in those tanks? The 3 stage filter takes out pretty much everything bad (sediment, spores, bacteria, viruses, chemicals) from any freshwater source, so in a pinch I could fill the tanks from the lake or rain and have safe drinking water. It lives behind the cabin stairs next to the galley sink.

 

[gabriel]

Is that an extension cord attached with wire nuts used for the power lead?

 

[mszoek]

Is that an extension cord attached with wire nuts used for the power lead?

Oh god no! It's 10 gauge tinned wire (12V 20A breaker). They're soldered under the wire nuts (which was all I had at the time) - plan is to replace them with butt connectors and shrink tubing as soon as I get some more in the right size.

Now that you mentioned it, I totally see how it looks like an extension cord LOL