 |
05-15-2011, 07:32 PM
|
#1
|
2 Rivet Member 
Vintage Kin Owner
Leadville(for now)
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 82
|
Need Fridge...can Solar keep up with an Electric Only Fridge???
Considering putting in an electric Only Fridge...based on having Solar tied in.
Any suggestions, comments on taking this route??
This is for My '77 Silver Streak "Refurbish".
Thanks,
Christopher
__________________
Logic, Reasoning and Cost Happening....All Part of the Visualization--Not a Rationalization...
|
|
|
05-15-2011, 07:39 PM
|
#2
|
Moderator

2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,127
|
Check out the Tundra and Nova Kool compressor refrigerators. Most are DC only and work with a solar charging system to multiple six volt batteries. We just ordered a truck camper with a 7.5 cubic foot Nova Kool. It is DC only and we plan to run it with a 95 watt solar system and two 6 volt batteries.
We don't have the truck camper yet, so I can't comment on how it operates. On other forums, these things have a good rep.
Brian
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
|
|
|
05-15-2011, 08:10 PM
|
#3
|
2 Rivet Member 
Vintage Kin Owner
Leadville(for now)
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 82
|
Looks like the type of set-up(fridge and solar) I am thinking about....
Nova Kool appears to be a popular item...price is higher than I had hoped for--technology based I am guessing??
Model rfu8220 Nova Kool
I'll have to think on that...in the longer run...it'd probably be a good choice...
And it goes on....
Thanks,
Christopher
__________________
Logic, Reasoning and Cost Happening....All Part of the Visualization--Not a Rationalization...
|
|
|
05-15-2011, 08:52 PM
|
#4
|
Rivet Master 
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,502
|
I have been running an Engel top load refer/freezer on 12VDC for 3 years purely on solar. The charging system had 4 X 100 watt AM Solar panels charging 2 X Lifeline GPL-6CT 300 amp/hour golf cart batteries thru their HPV-30DR controller. The system never want off and performed flawlessly.
The NovaCool units and others like them use the same Danfoss compressor and typically operate at around 3-4 amps when on DC current. You should have no problems at all if you have a large enough battery bank and the solar panels to keep them happy!
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
|
|
|
05-16-2011, 07:01 AM
|
#5
|
2 Rivet Member 
Vintage Kin Owner
Leadville(for now)
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 82
|
fridges and solar
Quote:
Originally Posted by lewster
I have been running an Engel top load refer/freezer on 12VDC for 3 years purely on solar. The charging system had 4 X 100 watt AM Solar panels charging 2 X Lifeline GPL-6CT 300 amp/hour golf cart batteries thru their HPV-30DR controller. The system never want off and performed flawlessly.
The NovaCool units and others like them use the same Danfoss compressor and typically operate at around 3-4 amps when on DC current. You should have no problems at all if you have a large enough battery bank and the solar panels to keep them happy! 
|
Thanks Lew! I'll have to look into them also--Engel.
Nice description of the solar products too...my other 'to-do' aspect...
And if I am limited to space for 3 panels?? I haven't actually measured--just a visual guesstimate...
Thanks,
Chistopher
__________________
Logic, Reasoning and Cost Happening....All Part of the Visualization--Not a Rationalization...
|
|
|
05-16-2011, 07:57 AM
|
#6
|
Maniacal Engineer
1971 25' Tradewind
Lopez Island
, Washington
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,243
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by chowman2011
Thanks Lew! I'll have to look into them also--Engel.
Nice description of the solar products too...my other 'to-do' aspect...
And if I am limited to space for 3 panels?? I haven't actually measured--just a visual guesstimate...
Thanks,
Chistopher
|
Rough rule of thumb from AM Solar - in warm months you get rated power 5 hours/day. If your fridge pull 3-4 amps, you'll need %duty cycle * 24/5 * 4 amps; in warm weather that (100%) you're looking at 19 amps peak output just for the fridge - 3 100W panels will do just over that. Some of these fridges are rated at 24 amp-hrs/day at 70F external temp; if you're someplace hot (100F interior temp is really easy) this goes up quickly.
So, I'd guess marginal for really hot places; prob. doable otherwise.
Note that one of the attractive things about the Danfoss is that
the compressor is available separately if you wish to a marine style
icebox; you can make them much more efficient by using space (insulation).
- Bart
|
|
|
05-16-2011, 08:39 AM
|
#7
|
2 Rivet Member 
Vintage Kin Owner
Leadville(for now)
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 82
|
Bart,
Good info to know! I'll have to think more on this subject.
So, refrig. and other electricity...I would probably need 4 panels? How about number of batteries? Big box on front; and I could utilize the storage(in bedroom area) for other batteries(yet there is that distance(wiring) factor)..
The Engels seem on the small side...fist thought...guess Iam used to the 27cu.ft. Home fridge ....
How about the typical 2 or 3 way fridge....thoughts on one of those as far as primarily power from Solar???
Thanks ALL,
Christopher
__________________
Logic, Reasoning and Cost Happening....All Part of the Visualization--Not a Rationalization...
|
|
|
05-16-2011, 09:39 AM
|
#8
|
Wise Elder
2010 30' Classic
Vintage Kin Owner
South of the river
, Minnesota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,169
|
Christopher
Remember that much depends on how much sun you get which is a function of 3 things:
- weather
- latitude
- time of year
Latitude and time of year affect day length and angle of incidence, and the presence of cloud cover reduces output to a fraction of rated power.
In Colorado you won't average nearly as much power as Lewster (in Florida), and probably somewhat less than Bart (in California). Spring and fall trips would be especially problematic due to the typical Colorado weather patterns (periods of clouds and rain almost every day) during these times and the shorter day length and reduced angle of incidence.
You will need around 50-100 amp hours of battery capacity per day on cloudy days for the fridge alone, so for a budgetary estimate, figure the maximum number of cloudy days in a row times 50 or 100 or whatever. In general it is difficult to get more than 400 amp hours of batteries in a typical Airstream-sized trailer due to weight, space, ventilation, and cost constraints.
It helps keep the battery size down to have a small generator and multistage converter to use to recharge the batteries in a pinch. Then you can size everything based on 2 cloudy days in a row and run the generator for an hour or two on those occasions when you get a 3rd.
It also helps matters to have a charge line from the tow vehicle, especially if you move around a lot. Even if it only ends up bringing 10 or 15 amps it will end up making a difference.
|
|
|
05-17-2011, 10:11 AM
|
#9
|
2 Rivet Member 
Vintage Kin Owner
Leadville(for now)
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 82
|
future planning: Fridge and Solar
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jammer
Christopher
Remember that much depends on how much sun you get which is a function of 3 things:
- weather
- latitude
- time of year
Latitude and time of year affect day length and angle of incidence, and the presence of cloud cover reduces output to a fraction of rated power.
In Colorado you won't average nearly as much power as Lewster (in Florida), and probably somewhat less than Bart (in California). Spring and fall trips would be especially problematic due to the typical Colorado weather patterns (periods of clouds and rain almost every day) during these times and the shorter day length and reduced angle of incidence.
You will need around 50-100 amp hours of battery capacity per day on cloudy days for the fridge alone, so for a budgetary estimate, figure the maximum number of cloudy days in a row times 50 or 100 or whatever. In general it is difficult to get more than 400 amp hours of batteries in a typical Airstream-sized trailer due to weight, space, ventilation, and cost constraints.
It helps keep the battery size down to have a small generator and multistage converter to use to recharge the batteries in a pinch. Then you can size everything based on 2 cloudy days in a row and run the generator for an hour or two on those occasions when you get a 3rd.
It also helps matters to have a charge line from the tow vehicle, especially if you move around a lot. Even if it only ends up bringing 10 or 15 amps it will end up making a difference.
|
Great Info Jammer! Thanks
One of the reasons I moved to Colorado(from the midwest) IS the amount of sunlight throughout the year--just a thought.
As for the Solar aspect...
Right with You on the batteries, space considerations, inverter , tie-in to tow vehicle and having a backup generator(in a pinch)...
Those are some of the other major tasks to take care of with My '77 Silver Streak "Refurbish"...
Prev. Owner utilized Solar with this trailer for a period while building "off-grid" home...50+ft of heavy gauge cable(2 awg as I recall) came with the trailer(already tied into battery box wiring).
SO,
I am thinking 2 Great Batteries, 3 panels and the other necessaries to start for the Solar(I am new to the solar realm details)...
Thought: Do I have considerations w/ the already present converter that may need to be addressed??
Also considering a 'smaller' Dan Foss compressor type Fridge to start with--I do have Good Coolers if I need them
$600 to $800 seems better than $1400 to $1800 Just for the Fridge...
where that $800 to $1000 can be used for the Solar Set-up(haven't checked on pricing that yet)...
My , My...now getting into some bucks....
on that note--I look forward to seeing thoughts, experience , and suggestions in regards to these aspects!
Enjoy,
Christopher
__________________
Logic, Reasoning and Cost Happening....All Part of the Visualization--Not a Rationalization...
|
|
|
05-17-2011, 10:20 AM
|
#10
|
2 Rivet Member 
Vintage Kin Owner
Leadville(for now)
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 82
|
icebox? Would 3 panels suffice??
Quote:
Originally Posted by barts
Rough rule of thumb from AM Solar - in warm months you get rated power 5 hours/day. If your fridge pull 3-4 amps, you'll need %duty cycle * 24/5 * 4 amps; in warm weather that (100%) you're looking at 19 amps peak output just for the fridge - 3 100W panels will do just over that. Some of these fridges are rated at 24 amp-hrs/day at 70F external temp; if you're someplace hot (100F interior temp is really easy) this goes up quickly.
So, I'd guess marginal for really hot places; prob. doable otherwise.
Note that one of the attractive things about the Danfoss is that
the compressor is available separately if you wish to a marine style
icebox; you can make them much more efficient by using space (insulation).
- Bart
|
Hey Bart,
Am I understanding correctly? Building an icebox using a Dan Foss compressor?? I could, but not sure that is something I want to take on at this point...A unit that I can install and be using is a better match at this point.
Sounds like You are saying 3 100w panels is cutting it close?
THoughts??
Thanks,
Christopher
__________________
Logic, Reasoning and Cost Happening....All Part of the Visualization--Not a Rationalization...
|
|
|
05-17-2011, 10:33 AM
|
#11
|
Wise Elder
2010 30' Classic
Vintage Kin Owner
South of the river
, Minnesota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,169
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by chowman2011
Thought: Do I have considerations w/ the already present converter that may need to be addressed??
|
It depends what you have and also depends what your expectations are.
I have flooded (wet cell) batteries, and a very average converter, which works out OK for me even though it has to run overnight to fully charge the batteries and in really cold weather will probably never fully charge them. In hot weather it overcharges the batteries a little and I just add water.
But I don't have a generator so the only time I use the converter is if I'm parked overnight someplace with electricity.
If I were boondocking and wanted to recharge from a generator I would get a better converter.
|
|
|
05-17-2011, 11:35 AM
|
#12
|
Rivet Master 
1979 23' Safari
1954 29' Liner
Orange
, California
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,843
|
The DanFoss refrigerator which I have in my Liner does not run constantly. It only draws when it is running. Also it cools much faster since it is pumping freon through the cooling panels.
Bill
Quote:
Originally Posted by barts
Rough rule of thumb from AM Solar - in warm months you get rated power 5 hours/day. If your fridge pull 3-4 amps, you'll need %duty cycle * 24/5 * 4 amps; in warm weather that (100%) you're looking at 19 amps peak output just for the fridge - 3 100W panels will do just over that. Some of these fridges are rated at 24 amp-hrs/day at 70F external temp; if you're someplace hot (100F interior temp is really easy) this goes up quickly.
So, I'd guess marginal for really hot places; prob. doable otherwise.
Note that one of the attractive things about the Danfoss is that
the compressor is available separately if you wish to a marine style
icebox; you can make them much more efficient by using space (insulation).
- Bart
|
__________________
Bill Kerfoot, WBCCI/VAC/CAC/El Camino Real Unit #5223
Just my personal opinion
1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon, 1977 Lincoln Continental, 2014 Dodge Durango
1979 23' Safari, and 1954 29' Double Door Liner Orange, CA
https://billbethsblog.blogspot.com/
|
|
|
05-17-2011, 07:38 PM
|
#13
|
2 Rivet Member 
Vintage Kin Owner
Leadville(for now)
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 82
|
Bill,
I Appreciate Your Input! So far, it is noted that a Dan Foss compressor Refer Cools Quick...Has better stability(reliability) in a variety of situations...
Thinking this may be the route to go for the Fridge.
Cheers,
Christopher
__________________
Logic, Reasoning and Cost Happening....All Part of the Visualization--Not a Rationalization...
|
|
|
05-17-2011, 08:59 PM
|
#14
|
4 Rivet Member 
2004 28' International CCD
Birmingham
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 323
|
If you are going solar only, I'd choose National Luna for the absolute best performance and the lowest draw. NL costs more than Engel (the other high quality, high efficiency fridge) but the performance of NL is unsurpassed. The NL 40 power consumption is 1.53 amp/hour average draw when set to freeze at 14 degrees in ambient temperature of 90 degrees. The largest NL 125 only draws 1.85 amp/hour in the same conditions.
Lewster is the solar genius and I respectfully defer to him. I'm just a dabbler and have learned a lot from Lew. I'm sure he could tell us what would be required to run the NL above. I'm guessing one 31 AGM would cool/freeze the NL for two or more days without over discharging. Shouldn't take much solar to sustain such small consumption.
An outside the box thought, you can install a second battery in your vehicle easily and affordably with an NL kit or an NL battery pack ... fridge won't need solar using this method.
|
|
|
 |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|

Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|