Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

AC or DC refrigeration?

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • AC or DC refrigeration?

    Hi,
    Just a question about refrigeration,,
    Would I be better off with a DC unit or an AC and a small inverter?
    I will be using solar power and I have been told that DC appliances really suck up the juice
    is this true? I'm looking at about 3.5 cubic feet frigs

  • #2
    Originally posted by Leehamrick View Post
    I'm looking at about 3.5 cubic inch frigs
    That is the size of an ice cube.

    If you are talking about off-grid battery systems the most efficient fridge and freezers are DC 24 volt like those made by Sundanzer. They make a 4.7 cubic feet dorm style refrigerator but be prepared for sticker shock with a price tag of $1150. However that is money well spent because it will save you big bucks on solar and battery equipment. Stay away from 12 volt unless this is a RV.
    MSEE, PE

    Comment


    • #3
      Also take a look at Steca's offerings:
      http://www.steca.com/index.php?PF-16...erator-freezer

      --mapmaker
      ob 3524, FM60, ePanel, 4 L16, 4 x 235 watt panels

      Comment


      • #4
        So you really have to evaluate your needs and $$. Regardless, it won't be cheap. If you are moving beyond a 25# block of ice for a weekend, you may find you want some 120V appliances.

        Simple thermoelectric coolers can give you up to a 40F reduction from outside temp, simple, rugged, no moving parts, but very low efficiency and will need a huge battery bank and PV array to run when dark. Or they can wire right up to a PV panel and just "work" daytimes.

        A compressor fridge, can have a DC or AC motor. AC motors need AC power from a Pure sine inverter, and have a large starting surge requirement. But the fridge is cheap !
        Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
        || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
        || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

        solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
        gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

        Comment

        Working...
        X