Conversion options

[Capt. M]

I have a traditional ice box. I also have an AC/Heat unit with a water cooled compressor.1) what are my options? can the compressor be used for refrigiration-I do not really use the AC nor the heater.2)Friends have sugested an ice box to 12v conversion, sighting the fact that these new units are very efficient and do not use much power, ie I could run my generator for 1hr/day and charge up the battery while travelling, and have a cold fridge.Thanks

 

[John Ryley]

Buy a bigger boat

A refridgerator for a Cal, she's a pocket cruiser, good meals ICE cold beer and simplicity. Charge the battery and buy some ice.

 

[nick8481]

frigoboat

I had the dealer convert the cooler by adding frigoboat unit,its 12v and works great with very little power. nick

 

[Richard Kollmann]

Wrong Compressor and Poor Advice

Can parts of an A/C unit be used to make a refrigeration system? Yes. Is it a good idea to convert the A/C to refrigeration? No. There are three different types of sealed compressors, Low Back Pressures for freezers, Medium Back Pressure for refrigerators and High Back Pressure units for air conditioners. Unless there is AC power available 24 hours per day this compressor will need to be connected to a holding plate to store energy. Holding Plate systems need LBP or at least a MBP compressor. I believe your converted unit will cost more than the correct 12 volt system would.I am afraid that your friend’s statement, “new units are very efficient and do not use much power”, is only correct when these units are correctly sized for small boxes or in cool climates. You should watch the slide show on my web site before investing in refrigeration. (What Works and What Doesn’t).