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Topic: 12v refrigerators....? (Read 1186 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: 12v refrigerators....?
Reply #25
My solar project includes a battery bank of (4) or (5) 200Ah LiFePo batteries and (4) 200W solar panels

Re: 12v refrigerators....?
Reply #26
I'm curious about the compressor system used. It appears to be a standard SECOP unit with a "Dutch Aire" label pasted over it, but I'm wondering  what model it is. Power consumption seems high even for a BD50, but maybe it's a still larger model.

For what it's worth, I've installed two Vitrifrigo DP150 fridges (5.5 cu. ft.) with BD50 compressor units that used about 65 W (5.4 A at 12 VDC) when the compressor is running. The Vitrifrigo C130 (4.7 cu. ft.) that I'm in the process of installing now uses a BD35 and draws 45 W (3.75 A at 12 VDC) when running. So what compressor model draws 90 W? Or am I completely off base and this is not a SECOP unit?
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: 12v refrigerators....?
Reply #27
Andy...
When you say draws 45 watts: is that per 24 hrs? or per hr?
Pleinguy : Full-Timer
2004 Twin-King "Tardis"
PleinAirJourney.com

Re: 12v refrigerators....?
Reply #28

"When you say draws 45 watts: is that per 24 hrs? or per hr?"

Neither. In all cases, wattages are "when running." Since the duty cycle of a refrigerator--the amount of time it runs, versus the time it's just sitting--varies with the climate, the thermostat setting, how often it's opened, and other factors, it's not possible to give a single overall power-consumption number that will apply to all users. Even if I used a 120 VAC Kill-A-Watt meter or 12 VDC equivalent to measure my refrigerator's power consumption in 24 hours, it would not be applicable to others of the same model--there are just too many variables.

All one can say is that a fridge draws so many watts or amps when the compressor is running. But while this number can't tell you how much power a particular fridge will use in a given situation, it does let you compare various models, as I did in my post. (I've revised that post to make it a bit clearer.)

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Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: 12v refrigerators....?
Reply #29
I'm curious about the compressor system used. It appears to be a standard SECOP unit with a "Dutch Aire" label pasted over it, but I'm wondering  what model it is. Power consumption seems high even for a BD50, but maybe it's a still larger model.

For what it's worth, I've installed two Vitrifrigo DP150 fridges (5.5 cu. ft.) with BD50 compressor units that used about 65 W (5.4 A at 12 VDC) when the compressor is running. The Vitrifrigo C130 (4.7 cu. ft.) that I'm in the process of installing now uses a BD35 and draws 45 W (3.75 A at 12 VDC) when running. So what compressor model draws 90 W? Or am I completely off base and this is not a SECOP unit?

I'm not sure...I know they make the entire unit in house (their sister company is "dutch aire").  My dometic is a 6.5cuft so slightly larger size.

These #s are at 12v DC not 120v so don't you have to divide by 10 to make an equal comparison?  In which case it would draw .75A at 120v no?

Re: 12v refrigerators....?
Reply #30
"These #s are at 12v DC not 120v so don't you have to divide by 10 to make an equal comparison? In which case it would draw .75A at 120v no?"

That sounds about right. I gave the numbers for my fridges in watts, but also in amps at 12 V, because most RVers are used to thinking in terms of amps. But it's easiest to compare watts, because a 45 watt appliance running on 12 VDC uses exactly as much power as a 45 W appliance running on 120 VAC.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

JC Refrigeration 12VDC Conversion Kit
Reply #31
I installed this about 6 months ago and it's been flawless.  Removed the old gas/elec cooling unit from the back of the fridge and installed the new 12v compressor unit (requires a 10gauge wire to the batter which was already done by LD, THANK YOU LD) and it's quiet, very low power and keeps everything at the right temps.

Re: 12v refrigerators....?
Reply #32
"I installed this about 6 months ago..."

What is this 'this'?

How about a photo.   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!


 
Re: 12v refrigerators....?
Reply #34
"Check out my earlier reply in the thread."

Ah ha, I'm up to speed now. Nice conversion!   ;D   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!