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Running a refridgerator on Solar PV | 13 comments (13 topical, editorial)
Re: Running a refridgerator on Solar PV (3.00 / 0) (#4)
by scottsAI (user name at eml dot cc) on Sat Sep 20th, 2008 at 11:27:19 PM MST
(User Info)

gotwind2,

Above would be my first recommendation. With a caution:
Have not seen ANY collaboration of that project, everybody references it.
Checking the math suggest it's not right. Freezer insulation is a little over twice as thick, heat loss should only be cut to 1/2, 0.1Kwhr/day is better than a 5:1 improvement.
Did not consider the size of it in my comments above. Someday.

If this is a one day party then buy lots of ice and many coolers.
MUCH, MUCH ... MUCH cheaper.
Or a quiet generator with a long cord to keep noise away and/or a big muffler.

If solar fridge is a requirement then:
Buy the best fridge of size you need. Often times the best is not cost effective.
Study it, see if you can add several inches of foam insulation all over.
If fridge is in the sun, cover it with reflective mylar or something like it.
Make sure it has good air flow around the heat exchanger.
Most have the heat exchanger on the bottom leaving the sides/front/top/back free to add foam.
Make it look nice!-)

For Power use two inverters.
Inverter sized to start motor has large quiescent running currents. (7X should do it.)
Split the wiring between control and motor, small inverter on control, large inverter turns on only when the motor needs to run. Many inverters have on/off switch, connect to this. Ask for help...
The large inverter quiescent currents can equal the motor running currents in one day.
Pick out the equipment I will show you the math. (if somebody doesn't beat me to it:-)

Calculated the energy cost to open a 24 cuft fridge/freezer with 15 cuft fridge area is 2.4 watts at 34F in 72F room. Door open 30 sec to 1 minute.

Let us know what you did!

Have fun,
Scott.




Re: Running a refridgerator on Solar PV (3.00 / 0) (#5)
by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Sun Sep 21st, 2008 at 07:10:07 AM MST
(User Info)

If this is a one day party then buy lots of ice and many coolers.
MUCH, MUCH ... MUCH cheaper.

many coolers not too much ice and done a couple
of hours before the party....its a waste to get
beer too cold.....numbs the taste buds and you
can't really enjoy the true flavor of beer and if
you're drinking the stuff just to get inebriated
wouldn't matter if its luke warm or ice cold.
  (hik)

( :>) Norm
[ Parent ]


Re: Running a refridgerator on Solar PV (3.00 / 0) (#8)
by ruddycrazy on Mon Sep 22nd, 2008 at 03:21:06 AM MST
(User Info)

Norm over here in Oz if ya hands dont stick to the beer can then it aint cool enough.

Sheesh don't tell me the yanks are just like the poms warm beer YUK

Cheers Bryan
( About to crack a beer thats been in the freezer for 3 hours)


[ Parent ]



Re: Running a refridgerator on Solar PV (3.00 / 0) (#9)
by scottsAI (user name at eml dot cc) on Mon Sep 22nd, 2008 at 01:33:18 PM MST
(User Info)

Oh yes, the Europeans fascination for warm beer!
Missing my friend's in Ireland this year, they make fun of Americans and their beer COLD. And poring the beer without a head...

I like ruddycrazy's idea, just after opening the bottle if the beer doesn't have some ice in it's not cold enough. Difficult to get just the right temperature to get the ICE without freezing the whole bottle then exploding in the freezer! Yuck what a mess. Frozen mugs helps. Have not done this in a while, sounds good for tonight!!

Have fun,
Scott.


[ Parent ]



Running a refridgerator on Solar PV | 13 comments (13 topical, 0 editorial)

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