shiplee123 said:
Just looking around for a fridge for the camper
There are some lovely fridges out there (12 v ) but just really expensive
I've seen these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Homesun-Hotel-36litres-Mini-Bar-Fridge-Silent-Run-Black-UK-/221275657728" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Any reason this couldn't be used in a camper with a 12v - 240 v inverter ?
Hi,
Nice enough fridge, though uses a Peltier Element http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_cooling" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Not that effiecent at 12V, I reckon at least 50-60W, so 5-6aH, so you standard 80aH (allowing for 80% discharge cycle) will be dead in 10-15hrs max. Factor in some power loss with a mains inverter also...These use juice! I think even my 80W solar panel which takes up the westy roof rack would struggle even in the bright sun we have had, I've only seen just about 60w input to my leisure battery on the really bright days.
Thermoelectric V Compressor
http://www.fridgeandpower.com.au/12v-fridge-basics" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10080" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
DIY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCWYebeJ0Vw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Now, if you are on a hook up, or engine running, wouldn't be a issue, but these type of coolers do draw a far few amps on 12V, which is why a compressor fridge like a Waeco CR50 is much more efficient, much lower run cycle, and only 40W, but not running as often, hence more efficient with the lower power consumption.
Current Consumption (12 volts DC): 1.4 Ah/h at +25°C ambient temperature,
1.7 Ah/h at +32°C ambient temperature,
both at +5°C interior temperature and -18°C in the freezer compartment
http://www.waecofridges.co.uk/cr50.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Spec CR50:
http://www.waeco.com/tmp/CB_RHD_B_10s_09.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
As will all 12V systems, voltage drop is a issue, the longer the cable run, the greater the resistance, and the lower the actual power will be at t'other end...this is one reason why i want the most DC voltage at the other end of my system, so i have very flexible multistrand 25mm2 copper cable to minimise voltage drop, overkill, with my current set-up though, but not if i start pulling some amps through the inverter.
Ohms Law:
http://www.ohmslawcalculator.com/ohms_law_calculator.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Voltage Drop and Wire Size Calculations.
http://www.calculator.net/voltage-drop-calculator.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
If you have access to a westy cooler or suchlike, maybe make your own DIY unit, you could even just buy a 2nd hand cooler on eBay, cut it and use the fan and element into whatever you want? New cool boxs are like £35
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/24L-240V-AC-12V-DC-COOLBOX-COOLER-HOT-COLD-PORTABLE-ELECTRIC-COOL-BOX-CAR-HOME-/360725202862?pt=UK_TravelTickets_Accessories_RL&hash=item53fce5c7ae#ht_3673wt_1255" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Or buy a element, heatsink and heatsink compound, and a PC fan, and do it yourself. You may be even able to use a dead pc power supply.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1311.R3.TR4.TRC0.A0.XThermoelectric+cooler&_nkw=thermoelectric+peltier&_sacat=0&_from=R40" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Or a group buy! :lol:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5Pcs-TEC1-12706-Thermoelectric-Cooler-Heat-Sink-Cooling-Peltier-12V-5-8A-LS4G-/400532017531?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Components_Supplies_ET&hash=item5d4191917b#ht_4522wt_1255" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Anyway, hope this helps!
Cheers,
Alistair
