Nova Kool Fridge/freezer

Submitted: Thursday, Feb 13, 2014 at 17:42

ThreadID: 106223 Views:2249 Replies:1 FollowUps:3

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scruffy

Having a small problem with my side by side fridge/freezer. The temp inside the fridge only gets down to 4 or 5 degrees and the freezer temp only gets down to -10 degrees. There is a small fan working near the motor and blows air over the motor. The fridge/freezer work on 12volt only. One problem I think is that the vents are the tin ones that screw on the outside of the van. The van is a Windsor Statesman and has a timber frame so getting a plastic vent to fit with larger air holes is proving a problem. Have also taken both vents off the van with no difference in the operating temps.
It seems like the thermostat is freezing up as if it is set to half way it gets to the temps as stated and the temps don't change when the thermostat is turned to the coldest setting. The fridge/freezer has a danfoss 35 motor.
Thanks for your replys. Bob

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Reply By: Ross M - Thursday, Feb 13, 2014 at 20:35

Thursday, Feb 13, 2014 at 20:35

Is the heat being pumped out of the cabinet getting away, or is the fridge just sitting in a pool of it's own hot air which is being circulated by the fan, therefore not much ability to cool lower is happening.

The gap at the sides and top of the fridge/freezer should be stuffed with foam sheet to give further insulation and the keep the hot stagnant air from just soaking back into the fridge cabinet.

In recent hot weather and situated inside the wall of a van, the fridge would be working to make cool at around it's maximum ability.
To further insulate and also ensure the hot air leaves the Building ( like elvis) should allow the lower setting to make it colder where it matters

Possibly you may need an additional fan to either drive more fresh air in OR extract the hot air out.

Many caravan fridge installations are very poor with no attempt to ensure proper operation can take place. Ok in winter though, but that's not when the environment is most hostile.

Cheers
Ross M

AnswerID: 526383

Follow Up By: scruffy - Thursday, Feb 13, 2014 at 21:06

Thursday, Feb 13, 2014 at 21:06

Hi Ross, The temps reached in the frig is 5 degrees and the freezer is 10 degrees with the air con on all day and most of the nite. The vents on the outside of the van are of the metal type so possibly not letting enough air to circulate. Have tried it with no vents in place and only 1 or 2 degrees cooler. Bob

FollowupID: 808575

Follow Up By: Ross M - Thursday, Feb 13, 2014 at 22:46

Thursday, Feb 13, 2014 at 22:46

If the fridge is built in, then it probably won't matter if you have the aircon on or off as the environment of the fridge is controlled by its hot air space around it and the ability to get cooling air in and the hot air out.

The aircon air possibly only sees the door of the fridge.

That air space around the sides and top of the fridge must not allow rear hot air to get there so the fridges insulation can actually work, hence the suggestion of filling that gap all around the cabinet.

The hot air leaving the condensor ( hot bits on the rear) must not be allowed to recirculate and be fed through the condensor again and again or the fridge compressor will run very hot and all the time just to achieve temps you are currently getting. Does it ever switch off? It should cycle on and off Maybe 60% on time in any 60 min.

Fit a large computer fan 12v (small millamp draw) so it gets rid of the heat in behind the case.

Only if your fridge was positioned on the caravan table would the aircon be of any use.

FollowupID: 808591