Holding plate refer system

[capta]

Has anyone using a holding plate refer system come up with a solution for stopping all the water that comes from the iced up plates as the day goes on?
I realize that each time we open the boxes in the tropics we let in the moisture in the air, but this seems to be much more that that.

 

[Ken Cross]

I think I'd first make sure there are no gaps in the seals around the door and inspect for any other places moist air can leak in.
It seems to me the water has to come from the air. Unless the refrigerator isn't working or is a serious power hog, I think I'd keep the old one. If it's a power hog you may be better off just increasing insulation.

Ken

 

[Bill Roosa]

Check your seals using a dollar bill. If the bill pulls out easily when the lid is shut it leaks. If they check out you there is not much you can do. The holding plate concept is to run the compressor at wide open throttle to freese the stuff in the place and then coast till it all melts so you should not even be getting any ice for a major part of the day unless you are leaving the compressor running (at WOT). that will certianly make some frost.

 

[gettinthere]

I have a seafrost holding plate system. I dont get any water from melting. Perhaps your temp settings are too close to 32? Do you get a lot of condensation on exterior surfaces? That means your insulation is poor.

 

[capta]

I have a seafrost holding plate system. I dont get any water from melting. Perhaps your temp settings are too close to 32? Do you get a lot of condensation on exterior surfaces? That means your insulation is poor.

Yes, it's a bastardization of a dual Sea Frost/Grunert (eng driven compressor) system. No settings, thermostats or relays. Finally working very well, but there's a lot of moisture inside the boxes. New seals and lots of extra insulation. Plates stay iced for at least 12 hours without operation. Just seems to be way too much moisture inside the boxes???

 

[Ron20324]

I hope you are not running that cold plate 24/7?

 

[gettinthere]

Yes, it's a bastardization of a dual Sea Frost/Grunert (eng driven compressor) system. No settings, thermostats or relays. Finally working very well, but there's a lot of moisture inside the boxes. New seals and lots of extra insulation. Plates stay iced for at least 12 hours without operation. Just seems to be way too much moisture inside the boxes???

is this a freezer or frig? My cold plates are in the freezer with spilover to the frig. Thats what I'm, perhaps mistakenly, picturing you have.
But if this is just a frig then could it be the frost on the coldplate thawing on every cycle?
My freezer never thaws at all unless I'm defrosting. But I have a dual system, engine drive and 12 volt compressors.

 

[capta]

is this a freezer or frig? My cold plates are in the freezer with spilover to the frig. Thats what I'm, perhaps mistakenly, picturing you have.
But if this is just a frig then could it be the frost on the coldplate thawing on every cycle?
My freezer never thaws at all unless I'm defrosting. But I have a dual system, engine drive and 12 volt compressors.

Both, two boxes driven by one compressor. Freezer has 2 plates, fridge has one. Separate expansion valves.

 

[gettinthere]

Perhaps the plate on the frig side is frosting and thawing?

 

[capta]

Perhaps the plate on the frig side is frosting and thawing?

Indeed it is, but that shouldn't affect the freezer side, should it?
Anyway, it's working well now, down from 4 hours a day to about 1.5. Saves a lot of fuel! I was just hoping someone else with a similar system had solved this problem. Thanks.

 

[gettinthere]

I would guess that seperate expansion valves will help greatly in keeping each box at appropriate temps. But I'm not familiar with a 2 valve system so...1.5 hr/day for 3 plates in the tropics sounds pretty good.