E27 Refrigeration

[Mark F]

Does anyone have any suggestions for refrigeration on an E27? The Isotherm ASU-3201 has a small cooling plate that seems like it would fit but it might be too small (cooling wise) of a unit.

 

[toddster]

Dunno - I think I got the very smallest Isotherm unit and it works fine on an E29. Added some insulation to the top, where there wasn't any.

 

[Mark F]

Hey Toddster,

Which wall of the icebox did you put the plate on? Do you have any photos? The smallest evaporator plate I've seen looks like it will only fit on the forward wall. If I mount the compressor pump in the port lazarette the supply lines will be hard to run to the forward wall.

The Isotherm ASU-3201 has a holding plate that is small enough to mount on the aft wall of the icebox. From what I have read the Isotherm ASU-3201 (with the holding plate) is designed to run at a high amp draw when excess current is available - engine running. Size wise I think it would fit well but I'm not sure it would be efficient running on solar only. Has anyone installed a holding plate refrigeration unit that does not rely on engine electrical (alternator) output?

 

[toddster]

No photos at the moment, but I could get one this week. I think I have Isotherm model 2301 with the evaporator plate wrapped into a little freezer box. Took me a minute to find the manual file because it's actually labeled as "Indel Webasto." I have the evaporator mounted horizontally, under the top of the ice box where it extends under the galley cabinet.

It draws about 2.5 amps. When the weather is hot (100F) it runs for about five minutes every 20 minutes. About 6 amp-hours per day. Solar easily keeps up with it - or even just charging the batteries once or twice a week. ... Hmm Actually it's been running with no charge source since Friday - maybe better drop by for a check after work. But that might lead to a sail... so the lawn wouldn't get mowed

Edit - the compressor/condenser unit is very small (compared to others I've seen) and comes with a wall bracket that it snaps on to. Pretty easy to mount on a bulkhead or just about anywhere.

 

[Mark F]

Great, thanks. I hadn’t thought about mounting a freezer box type evaporator to the ceiling. That could work. I’m at the boat now (it’s too hot to mow the lawn ;-) I’ll do some measuring. Thanks again.

 

[toddster]

A little hard to photograph... I remember now that it didn't quite fit under the ledge - had to use an intermediate piece of ABS plastic sheeting to support the evaporator. Then got distracted by phone call and forgot to photograph the compressor unit, down in the sail locker. Note extra "pink" insulation, also on lid. I should cover the rough edge of that with some tape or something. Could even get ambitious and glass it in. The compressor is just on the opposite side of the bulkhead, to the left. Drilling through revealed that there's two inches of existing foam around the box, albeit low-density stuff. But there was none at all on the top. Also plugged the drain tube by installing a PVC valve in the bilge, so the cold air doesn't drain out.

I really should get a photo of the compressor - maybe tomorrow night. It's mounted on the side of the water heater, suspended in the gap between the water heater and the hull. So cool air can be drawn up from the bilges below and hot air vented out above. In theory. If the motor is running might not be all that cool down below there.

 

[Mark F]

Hi Toddster,

That helps thanks. My icebox top is insulation-less also. I stuck my phone in there - It's surprisingly clean looking.

 

[Mark F]

Has anyone ever seen a flat evaporator plate mounted on the top (ceiling) of a refrigerator?

 

[Sailingfun]

Great job! I'm thinking to add an isotherm unit or install an icebox/freezer like the Engel cooler.

 

[ignacio]

I installed an Isotherm 2501 on my E35-II. Works well. I ditched the DC-only controller it came with and got the Danfoss controller that works with either AC or DC power.

 

[Mark F]

Hi Ignacio,

Where did you install the evaporator box? Following Toddster's lead I just ordered an Isotherm Compact 2301. Should fit okay in a similar location as Toddster's.

 

[ignacio]

I installed it vertically in the ice box, with opening facing up. I'm not totally sold on that installation - I might still mount it horizontally along the ice box's ceiling.

One thing I still need to do is install an air circulation fan inside the ice box. You wire it so that the fan turns on when the unit cycles on.

Hi Ignacio,

Where did you install the evaporator box? Following Toddster's lead I just ordered an Isotherm Compact 2301. Should fit okay in a similar location as Toddster's.

 

[p.gazibara]

Hey Mark,

We of course have one on Cinderella, but our icebox was refitted from a Santa Cruz 50.

I got the biggest cooling plate that would fit and bent the plate over a cylinder to get a 90 degree bend in it. I then attached it to the icebox on two sides with spacers to keep it off the wall.

It is connected to a Danfoss? compressor which I got at sure marine in Ballard. It’s relatively low draw and the only issues we had so far happened when the icebox filled up with water in Tahiti (when we were back in the USA) due to a leak. The thermostat failed shortly after that as well and the Pc fan I mounted in the box to circulate air also failed.

I’d recommend picking up a digital thermostat or at least one where you can set the temp and not just a random number 1-5.

Keep us posted!
-P

 

[Mark F]

Okay Pajo, here is your update, cold beer ;-)

 

[p.gazibara]

Can’t think of a better way to enjoy it!

 

[Mark F]

The beer being cold or the beer in the koozie?

 

[p.gazibara]

Both of course!