A technical information resource for yacht owners. Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. Idaho The Danfoss compressor works in what are called duty cycles, the hourly period when the compressor is actually on and working. Locate the end of the charging hose that has a valve stem depressor, screw the opposite end onto the adapter. A qualified person will need to possess arefrigerant handling certificate that costs 500 to obtain. Run the system for a while, then add a small amount of refrigerant. Mello Mike is an Amazon.com associate. Massachusetts What this means is that your RV will require a minimum of two 12 volt batteries (about 200 amp hours) and a effective way to keep them charged, either a 200 watt solar power system or a generator. If he doesn't have a clue then he is not qualified to work on a Danfoss/capillary tube system. Arkansas It doesnt matter if its a slide-in or a chassis-mount, a hard-side or a pop-up, if its a truck camper and its carried on a truck, we cover it. Do not open the high-pressure service valve on your system, or connect anything to it. As you can see, these numbers are far less than what you would see with a standard, three-way ammonia absorption refrigerator operating on 12 volts DC. I usually start with the gas pressure equalised as you have described however they usually require more refrigerant than this in the system and you may find that the fridge still is not 100% efficient although it will probably run ok. A well charged system should have all of the cooling plate freezing and a bit of the return pipe towards the compressor sweating. The suction side service valve is normally situated on a stub that is attached directly to the top of the compressor. The gas I bought does have a gauge on it, and while I can probably find the pressure in the specs, do you know the range I should target? Washington In a properly charged system, there should be a tinny, gurgling sound from the evaporator. If liquid is released it will immediately evaporate at very low temperatures, so all precautions must be taken to avoid contact between liquid refrigerant and skin or eyes. I will add a disclaimer that you should hold a refrigerant handling qualification to carry out this work and recommend that if you are unsure how to charge a system you should contact a professional. The purpose of this article is to provide a little history about the Danfoss DC compressor refrigerator, how it works, and the pros and cons of owning one. If you own a Danfoss compressor refrigerator, here are a few operating tips. If youre planning to buy a truck camper from the factory, one of the most important decisions youll have to make is which type of refrigerator to have installed in it. At start up, turn the temperature knob to the maximum setting (for older Dometic CR-1110 models this is 7, newer models maximum). A standard car air conditioning top up kit can then be used to top it up. Its a Schrader valve, like those used on common bicycle tires. Exactly how much amperage depends on several factors including the refrigerators temperature setting, the ambient temperature, the available voltage, how well the unit is insulated, and whether the refrigerator is working to get the temperature cold at start-up or working to maintain the operating temperature. If additional insulation has been added, it may be concealing this symptom and should be removed. To learn more about this program read here: Powered by vBulletin Version 3.8.8 Beta 4, R134a Refrigerant Pressure Temperature Calculator. Ocean Voyages Institute, a non-profit organization based in Sausalito, CA, uses read more, The days of multihulls being the weirdos of the sea are gone. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Wyoming New York
Mike, thats a nice clear explanation of both types of fridges. Victoria State/Province: So what are the pros of the Danfoss DC compressor refrigerator? There will probably be some oil that is released with the refrigerant and this is normal.
I love the idea of not caring so much about being level, unfortunately it doesnt sound like its feasible without solar. Powered by WordPress. 2 The fridge is recharged via a valve mounted at the end of a short stub on the suction side, clearly identified by the green shrink-fit tubing. The literature that came with our Dometic CR-1110 lists a maximum current draw of 5.9 amps DC. RV boondocking wouldnt be half as fun without the creature comforts provided by todays modern RV. The only recourse of the boat owner will then be to employa qualified person, at some cost. Typically, weve found that the Dometic CR-1110 doesnt require that much current to operate. When the French company launched its Open series in 2013, it shrunk the saloon and dedicated more space to the cockpit where most catamaran living read more, From cockloons to SmartRooms and innovative nav stations, todays multihull builders are fine-tuning the layouts of their mid-sized cruisers in increasingly interesting ways.
If anyone is unsure please contact me via PM. Although mobile air conditioning (automotive) systems are excluded, the regulations will make the purchase of R134a without oil impossible to an unqualified user. This means that there is still some of the refrigeration process going on inside the tubing and there will be a build-up of frost or ice on the exposed section. Most small yacht refrigeration systems are capillary tube systems, requiring a precise refrigerant charge to work at maximum efficiency. If so much refrigerant exits in the system that it raises the temperature of the evaporator above 0C (32 F), the surface will only be sweating and cold to the touch, resembling an undercharged condition. This is important in identifying if the system is undercharged or overcharged. Again, it pays to do some research ahead of time. Why do fools fall in love? As for the installation of the Danfoss DC compressor refrigerator, insulation of the area surrounding the refrigerator is key. If you are unsure about your ability to safely accomplish any of the following procedures or if you cannot positively identify the low and/or high-pressure service valves, consult a marine refrigeration specialist. This ensures the contents of the refrigerator get cold sooner. As a rookie, what is a trimetric 2030? No refrigerant gauges are necessary for these adjustments, their use is not recommended except for major repairs and for evacuating the system No reference will be made to them in this guide. This short length of insulation is installed to prevent any condensation that may occur as the cold tube leaves the refrigerated box and is exposed to hot, humid air. It pays to do some research ahead of time to see if theyre competent installers. It will describe what symptoms to look for in a correctly charged capillary refrigeration system, and how to adjust the charge if an undercharged or overcharged condition exists. During the construction of our camper, we had the choice of installing either a Dometic CR-1110 Danfoss compressor refrigerator or the standard Dometic three-way absorption refrigerator. That suggests you have a leak to find and fix before you add gas which would otherwise follow the last lot. I can't tell you how many times I have attended systems that have been so overfilled that I could not believe it was possible to hold that much refrigerant. Owen holds the necessary qualifications for this activity. Make sure that the valve on the can of R134a is firmly closed after adding refrigerant. After running for a time, there should be a slight coating of frost all over the surface of the evaporator with no condensation or frost on the exposed section of copper tube back to the compressor or condensation on the compressor itself.
Working with refrigerants involves potentially dangerous pressures and temperatures and precautions must be taken to avoid injury. The quality of construction and the amount of insulation, or lack of it, is where the good units separate themselves from the mediocre ones. Sorry about that I have not actually used one of those fittings I have always used standard refrigeration gauges as I have them already.
Hawaii If you hire a technician to work on your Danfoss based system the first question you should ask is "What's the amount of refrigerant in the system"? Surely, if any doofus can top up a cars AC system, any doofus should be able to top up a marine fridge? Doing this will allow you to monitor the refrigerators temperature and will allow you to adjust the temperature setting as needed.
Northern Territory I have a suspicion that there may actually be one of them that is correct. Prepare the can of R134a for charging. Anyone know how to recharge my system? Danfoss was recently bought out by the German company, Secop, but Secop still maintains the Danfoss manufacturing operation in Denmark. Delaware Connecting to the refrigeration system.First, you need to confirm that undercharged condition exists, and not a seriously overcharged one, as described in Section 1. West Virginia Oil-free R134a continues to be available outside UK, where these regulations have yet to be implemented. By the way, its important never to tip the can upside down while youre charging. The evaporator will probably sound the same as a properly charged system.
His cell phone number is 360-305-9573. Rhode Island With todays furlers, an read more, For years, Nautitech Catamarans has been doing things differently from other production cat builders, and it seems to be paying off. Kansas Western Australia. Holding plates will show a higher initial pressure, 10-15psi, and then drop to under 10psi. Once the box was fully cooled down, this would almost certainly drop to 7psi or thereabouts. This does not fit the Danfoss system, for which an adaptor to a. Washington, D.C. Moreover, the Danfoss compressor refrigerator takes only a couple of hours to reach its set operating temperature. Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. This should have a 1/4inch Schraeder fitting with valve stem depressor on the refrigeration system end and adapt to the refrigerant canister at the other. All items needed for correcting the charge are readily available online or from a refrigeration supplier. Initial setup? Most manufacturers recommend at least 2 inches of insulation along the refrigerator compartment bottom, top and sides. I bought the R-134a refrigerant over the counter at an auto parts store. This compressor is able to accomplish both of these tasks and use far less power than its predecessors, which is why its so special.
Refrigerant removal should be done with a reclaim unit as gasses cannot be discharged to atmosphere. How much amperage does the DC compressor refrigerator typically consume? Fan Mod: Giving Your Absorption Refrigerator a Boost, Life on the Road with a DC Compressor Refrigerator, Honda Launches new EU3200i Portable Generator, Breaking: KingStar Camino Updates Include New Dry Bath Slide-Out Option, 5 Best Truck Campers for the Ram Power Wagon, 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R Raises Bar in Off-Road Performance, For Sale: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Duramax Diesel ($29,500), Sold: 2007 Ram 3500 2015 XPCamper V1 Flatbed ($154,900), Sold: Rare 2016 Livin Lite 10 Ford Ed. This power saving measure is especially useful during the night when the door isnt being opened as much as it is during the day. Its a dreadful state of mind that consumes you when your reefer doesnt deliver the goods. Truck Camper ($35,000), For Sale: 2007 Okanagan 117 DBL Truck Camper ($35,000), For Sale: Ford F250 Moto-Hauler Camper ($23,000), Why the Payload Rating is Important for Truck Campers, How to Properly Charge an RV Lithium Battery, A Question About Removing Truck Campers at RV Parks and Campgrounds, Big Power in a Small Camper Going Lithium Cheap, Enjoying 2 Meter Ham Radio on Your Truck Camper Adventures, Truck Bed Mod: SherpTek Food Prep Grill Table, SherpTek Transforms Slide-in Truck Camper Into More Capable Overlander, OEV Aluma Tray a Popular Truck Camper Option, New Tag Axle Improves Truck Camper Hauling Options, Keeping Things Warm: Insulation Upgrades For Truck Campers, StableCamper Installation Report and Review, Going Lithium: LiFePO4 Batteries For the Truck Camper Adventure Rig. Illinois This archaic process of refrigeration works well, but, as we will explain later, it also has its limitations in certain RV applications. Labrador That said, these days they are more popular than ever on cruising boats, thanks to advances in sails, sailhandling technology and boat design in general. I can track with most of that, but when you say "purge the fill line", how is that done? These cycles can run as high as 100 percent at start-up in warm weather or 0 percent at night when the refrigerator door isnt being opened and when ambient temperatures are below freezing. The gas/electric absorption refrigerator plays a big role in these comforts. Thanks, Owen. But the copper lines leading back to the compressor, and maybe even the compressor itself will be also be cold and sweating.
For an evaporator system like this, the pressure will drop to 3 to 7psi as the box cools down. Once the refrigerator is operating at the temperature you want, back off the setting a bit (we like to turn down the temperature to 4.5) to reduce compressor duty cycles. British Columbia Mike has allowed me to post a link to my install video in my Lance 815. He currently rolls in a 4WD Ram 3500 outfitted with a SherpTek truck bed with a Bundutec Roadrunner mounted on top. Queensland This is usually achieved by backing off the handle on the top of the valve assembly, but check your specific instructions as some equipment may differ. Before deciding which condition exists in your system, please read all of the following thoroughly. you can get these here. It was now the moment of truth. Doing this can cut the refrigerators duty cycles and power consumption by half. Me, I think the prudent move would be to find a guy to do it for you. Don't get any air in the system, purge the fill line before tightening the connectin to the compressor. Ive had an absorption the last 5 years. This will do it but you need an adapter from the R134a car type connector to a 1/4 inch schraeder valve. The suction side service valve normally will be on a stub of tubing that is connected directly to the top of the compressor. Nearly all AC/DC compressor refrigerators in the RV and marine industries use the Danfoss compressor with the BD35F and BD50F (a larger version of the BD35F) being the most popular models. You should see the frosted area on the evaporator increase after adding some refrigerant. Thanks in advance! After 45 days at sea, the sailing cargo ship KWAI has docked in San Francisco with 96 tons of recovered plastic, including ghost nets and derelict fishing gear from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. According to a Dometic representative, the disparity between the two figures is due to the other components in the refrigerator that require power to operate like the condenser fan and light. Too much refrigerant in the system will result in liquid still evaporating back to a gas past the end of the evaporator and inside the tubing going back to the compressor.
More out of fear than knowing what I was doing, mind! Read the product reviews and Internet forums to get a feel for user satisfaction. I have kept these very basic for emergency recharging but will also work on a more in depth document for those with all the correct tools. South Australia Newfoundland Photo by Charles J. Doane. Nothing illustrated this better than the 2021 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), which departed Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (in Spains Canary Islands) in November and wrapped up in December on the island of St. Lucia read more, There is, of course, nothing new about bowspritssailing ships have been using them for centuries. Truck Camper Adventure is an emagazine offering truck camper news, reviews, travel tips, and more. Replace the valve cap firmly. This is a huge plus for overlanders and boondocking enthusiasts as getting a perfectly level campsite can sometimes be difficult. He does nothing but marine refrigeration and comes to Anacortes one day a week. In Dec 2013 I installed a CR-1110 in my own camper and have never regretted it. Per NSHOFs rules, nominees must be American citizens, 55 years of read more, In the following excerpt from Wild Seas to Greenland A Sailing Adventure with Ocean Racer Ross Field, veteran mariner Rebecca Hayter, recounts how Field prepared the aluminum-hulled Rosemary, which he bought in France, for a try at the Northwest Passage People often ask: why read more, The Coast Guard says that the best life jacket is one you will wear, so comfort and function are important considerations when picking out a life jacket that suits your needs. Refrigeration compressors are designed to compress gas only. 3 Following instructions, I ran the compressor for 15 minutes to warm it up, with the thermostat set to the lowest temperaturethis keeps the compressor running at a constant speed. A simple guide (bullet point like mine) would be really useful. This also means you can run it while fueling up at a gas station without concern of an explosion. 6 After a few minutes, the pressure dropped to 7psi and then down to 3, so I gave the system another 5-second charge. It was time to find out. After releasing some refrigerant, let the system settle down for approximately 15 minutes, then visually check the system. Another benefit, of course, is that theres no pilot light. Ontario Theres no doubt about it. At this point, you may be wondering what this compressor does. California Whatever your choice, and as long as you have a capable battery charging system, youll be sure to enjoy the benefits that the Danfoss DC compressor refrigerator offers.
Take note of amp hour consumption rates and other ratings. This is why refrigerators that employ vapor compression refrigeration technology typically use a lot of electricity. Personally, weve found that having a 340 watt solar power system and a 220 amp hour battery bank is more than large enough to run our compressor refrigerator and meet all of our other electrical needs. Screw the valve assembly on to the can of refrigerant, then screw the adapter on to the valve assembly. JavaScript is disabled.
Kentucky http://www.ryanairconspares.com/refco-m-10.html, http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/EZCHILL-AUTO-AIR-R-134A-REFRIGERANT-NEW-49-99_W0QQitemZ320636772767QQcmdZViewItem, http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400028657105&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_4082wt_1139, http://coxengineering.co.uk/Documents/Recharging%20a%20simple%20R134a.pdf. Those are the pros, now lets look at the cons. When the charge in the system is correct according to the conditions described in Section 1, remove the charging hose from the suction side service valve while the system is running. This is usually achieved by screwing in the handle on the top of the valve assembly to pierce the can, but follow specific instructions supplied with your equipment. It wasnt that long ago when the ammonia absorption refrigerator was the only choice for RV owners. Charge gas(little can upright) not liquid (can upside down) and only add very little, check operation, then add more if necessary. He's been RV'ing since 2002, is a certified RVIA Level 1 RV Technician, and has restored several Airstream travel trailers. If the plate has an area that is not totally freezing then you may need to allow some more gas in ( with the bottle upright if it is a bottle with no dip tube inside). Unlike the Danfoss compressor refrigerator or the refrigerator found in your home, the ammonia absorption refrigerator neither uses a compressor, nor does it have any moving parts. This setup can be used to recharge any system with a Danfoss compressor.
Vermont undesirably, into the atmosphere). Arizona I have had him do repairs on my cold plate system. If you cannot positively identify the suction side service valve, consult a marine refrigeration specialist. Having gone through the failures of an absorption unit myself and having to throw food out was such a waste. Repeat the process as necessary until the system shows the symptoms of a correct charge as described in Section 1. Maryland Charge it through the suction (low pressure side) while it is running. In this condition there will probably be a constant hissing sound from the evaporator. Ever had refrigerator angst? I would recommend that if you are removing the schaeder valve and refilling you should really vac out the system with a vac pump but if it runs ok down to the temperature of cutting off on the thermostat you have probably got away with it. simply open the valve while the compressor is running and the gas will be sucked in by the compressor.
Key features of this revolutionary compressor include rapid cooling, a low amp draw, and a whisper quiet operation. New regulations in UK (Seehttp://www.acrib.org.uk/MG7OLH18285)will make the recharging of marine refrigerators more difficult or impossible for the DIY owner. You dont want to release R-134a into the atmosphere, which is one reason to avoid overcharging by topping off the charge in small increments. Louisiana If you decide to have someone look at it, call David Lehmann at Sea Freeze in Bellingham. The unit has a suction ("C" in diagram), process ("D") and discharge ("E") connector, and the canister I bought would allow me to connect it to anyone of these. South Carolina New Jersey A communications expert and licensed ham radio operator, he retired from the U.S. Navy in 2004 as a CWO3 after 24 years, worked in project management, and now runs Truck Camper Adventure full-time. Mello Mike is an Arizona native, author, and the founder of Truck Camper Adventure. Buy a refrigerator thermometer and place it inside your refrigerator.
Many small boat refrigeration systems use one of the small Danfoss compressors to power their system. No other insulation is required, and any extra that has been installed will only cause the system to run at less than maximum efficiency and may conceal symptoms of anovercharge. Well, weve just mentioned the biggestit consumes far less amperage than conventional RV refrigerators. If youre hiring this work out, its important to inspect their work before you pay them. Australian Capital Territory 1 Charging hose for R134a. Colorado No special tools are required, but the following items will need to be purchased from an auto parts or hardware store. Some are installed without any insulation, whatsoever. If the system has been installed correctly, a short length (approx 15cm) of insulation supplied with the system should be positioned on the tubing starting where it exits the refrigerated box. If there is too little refrigerant in the system, it will have all evaporated back to a vapour long before it reaches the end of the evaporator. The refrigerant used is R134a, a tertrafluorethane that has lower ozone-depletion characteristics than R12, which it replaced. Whats its purpose? North Carolina With ambient temperatures in the upper 70s and at a temperature setting of 4.5 (1 lowest 7 highest), the refrigerator typically consumes about 30 watts or 2.5 amp hours DC.
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