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food:refrigeration [2022/01/14 20:52]
princess_fluffypants [compressor refrigeration] 		food:refrigeration [2022/07/01 17:13]
princess_fluffypants
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 Note that many 'dwellers choose to [[food:no refrigeration|use no refrigeration]] at all. Note that many 'dwellers choose to [[food:no refrigeration|use no refrigeration]] at all.
-===== upright vs chest =====+===== Upright vs Chest =====
 **Upright fridges** stand up and have a door that opens off the side. **Upright fridges** stand up and have a door that opens off the side.
   * **Pro** - easier to load and unload for many people.  Fewer "hidden" foodstuffs.  Space above refrigerator remains usable.    * **Pro** - easier to load and unload for many people.  Fewer "hidden" foodstuffs.  Space above refrigerator remains usable. 
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   * **Pro** - Can be filled to capacity.  Items do not fall out.  Possibly better cold retention due to lack of bottom seal and no air "spillage".   * **Pro** - Can be filled to capacity.  Items do not fall out.  Possibly better cold retention due to lack of bottom seal and no air "spillage".
   * **Con** - May have to dig for food.  Space above top door unusable unless placed in a slide-out or similar.     * **Con** - May have to dig for food.  Space above top door unusable unless placed in a slide-out or similar.  
- +---- 
-===== using a cooler =====+===== Using a cooler =====
  
  * **Pro** - low cost, low empty weight, zero power consumption and widespread availability.  * **Pro** - low cost, low empty weight, zero power consumption and widespread availability.
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     * you may be able to harvest ice from trays or an icemaker at work.  If doing this, remember to leave enough ice for others, refilling ice trays, etc.      * you may be able to harvest ice from trays or an icemaker at work.  If doing this, remember to leave enough ice for others, refilling ice trays, etc. 
   * use cold weather to your advantage  (see below)   * use cold weather to your advantage  (see below)
- +---- 
-===== using a refrigerator =====+===== Using a refrigerator =====
 A refrigerator (//refer// or //reefer//) is used to keep items at a given cool temperature, typically <=40F. A refrigerator (//refer// or //reefer//) is used to keep items at a given cool temperature, typically <=40F.
  
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-==== front vs. top loading ====+==== Front vs. top loading ====
  
 **Front loading** refrigerators are square or tall rectangles shaped like residential refrigerators.  Advantages include: **Front loading** refrigerators are square or tall rectangles shaped like residential refrigerators.  Advantages include:
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- +---- 
-==== absorption refrigeration ==== +==== Types of refrigerations ==== 
 +=== Absorption refrigeration ===
  
 Absorption (ie, propane-powered ammonia cycle) fridges were popular in RVs because they used minimal power to run the ignitor, control board, fans if any.     This type of fridge had to to be quite level so the ammonia cycle cooling would work by gravity;  there is no pump.((http://www.doityourselfrv.com/know-rig-level-enough-rv-refrigerator-work-properly/))  Using one out of level could damage the $$$ cooling unit.   Absorption (ie, propane-powered ammonia cycle) fridges were popular in RVs because they used minimal power to run the ignitor, control board, fans if any.     This type of fridge had to to be quite level so the ammonia cycle cooling would work by gravity;  there is no pump.((http://www.doityourselfrv.com/know-rig-level-enough-rv-refrigerator-work-properly/))  Using one out of level could damage the $$$ cooling unit.  
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 Over the last few years RV refrigerators have been going to 12v or, more commonly, 110v residential style units.   Over the last few years RV refrigerators have been going to 12v or, more commonly, 110v residential style units.  
  
-==== compressor refrigeration ====+=== Compressor refrigeration ===
  
 [[lifestyle:words_of_wisdom|Words of Wisdom]]: "Check amps drawn [by the compressor fridge] over 24 hours, much more important when boondocking than purchase price." -- John62CT((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Less-expensive-12-volt-fridge-recommendations?pid=294809#pid294809)) [[lifestyle:words_of_wisdom|Words of Wisdom]]: "Check amps drawn [by the compressor fridge] over 24 hours, much more important when boondocking than purchase price." -- John62CT((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-Less-expensive-12-volt-fridge-recommendations?pid=294809#pid294809))
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 > I store leftovers in pint and quart mason jars, which stand up fine in the [Alpicool] 15L. Longneck beers are slightly too tall. Since glass is heavy and harder to compact for trash removal I buy beer in cans anyhow. 16oz tallboys do fit. <-- the info discerning gentlemen need to know((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/f68tji/lowest_consumption_coolbox/fi3wcav/)) > I store leftovers in pint and quart mason jars, which stand up fine in the [Alpicool] 15L. Longneck beers are slightly too tall. Since glass is heavy and harder to compact for trash removal I buy beer in cans anyhow. 16oz tallboys do fit. <-- the info discerning gentlemen need to know((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/f68tji/lowest_consumption_coolbox/fi3wcav/))
-==== Peltier refrigeration ====+ 
 +=== 120vac Mini-fridge === 
 + 
 +Some have reported good results with inexpensive "dorm" refrigerators, especially when external insulation is added.  
 + 
 +PRO 
 + 
 +  * inexpensive 
 +  * widely available 
 + 
 + 
 +CON 
 + 
 +  * not designed for mobile use 
 +  * typically only available in front-loading 
 +  * typically not optimized for power use 
 +  * typically not well-insulated 
 +  * requires 24/7 [[electrical:inverter|inverter]] use, with inefficiencies while running and parasitic losses while still. 
 + 
 + 
 +Further reading: 
 + 
 +  * [[https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/search?q=dorm+OR+120v+fridge&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all|discussions on /r/vandwellers]] 
 +  * [[https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=site%3Avanlivingforum.com+%22dorm+fridge%22&ia=web|discussions on Vanliving/CRVL]] 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 +=== Peltier refrigeration ===
  
 Peltier cooling doesn't get used much in solar setups because it uses a lot of power and does so 100% of the time.  A typical Peltier cooler might run 4-5A continuously whereas a compressor cooler might run 5A 30% of the time and turn off the rest of the time. The 100% duty cycle issue can be alleviated by wiring in [[https://amzn.to/2WJg4tu|a 12v thermostat]].((assuming it would ever get cold enough to shut off. )) Peltier cooling doesn't get used much in solar setups because it uses a lot of power and does so 100% of the time.  A typical Peltier cooler might run 4-5A continuously whereas a compressor cooler might run 5A 30% of the time and turn off the rest of the time. The 100% duty cycle issue can be alleviated by wiring in [[https://amzn.to/2WJg4tu|a 12v thermostat]].((assuming it would ever get cold enough to shut off. ))
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-=== possible use cases ===+=== Possible use cases ===
  
   * you have a surplus of power: you are hooked up to [[electrical:shore_power|shore power]], have a [[electrical:solar:sizing|large solar install]], or are running your heavy loads on [[electrical:solar:nonessential|an opportunity circuit]].   * you have a surplus of power: you are hooked up to [[electrical:shore_power|shore power]], have a [[electrical:solar:sizing|large solar install]], or are running your heavy loads on [[electrical:solar:nonessential|an opportunity circuit]].
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-===== using nature =====+===== Using nature =====
  
 In low humidity areas with a significant day/night temperature differential you may be able to cool or even freeze cooler packs and water bottles.  Leave them outside overnight and put them back in the cooler in the morning.  In low humidity areas with a significant day/night temperature differential you may be able to cool or even freeze cooler packs and water bottles.  Leave them outside overnight and put them back in the cooler in the morning. 
  
food/refrigeration.txt · Last modified: 2024/05/09 17:07 by frater_secessus

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