A question for a 'fridge-ologist' ??

Submitted: Monday, Dec 21, 2009 at 09:49

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Portable Fridges

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What would be an 'average' cycling (percentage) for an 'average' compressor type 12v fridge??
The fridge in question is an Engel 80l upright (drawing rated at 2.5 amps).

I realize the parameters are broad- from say FNQ in the middle of summer (where I DON'T intend to be), or Tassie in the middle of winter (where I DON'T intend to be).

I'm working out my power requirements at this stage !!

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Reply By: ctaplin - Monday, Dec 21, 2009 at 10:04

Monday, Dec 21, 2009 at 10:04

I also have an 80litre upright Engel and they draw closer to 3.5 amps rather than the 2.5amps that the latest 40litre units draw.
Up here in Gove NT, I reckon the fridge would be on at least 50% of the time but perhaps you could work out you figures based on 30% of the time if you're mostly down south in cooler climate.

Chris

AnswerID: 395912

Reply By: Mandrake's Solar Power- Monday, Dec 21, 2009 at 10:36

Monday, Dec 21, 2009 at 10:36

It also depends on the temperature its set at ... Works harder as a freezer than fridge ... I worked on 8 hours per day at maximum for my Solar Calculator .

Rgds

Mandrake

AnswerID: 395915

Reply By: Grizzle - Monday, Dec 21, 2009 at 12:27

Monday, Dec 21, 2009 at 12:27

I have a Waeco CF50 and do all of my calcs based on 2 amps every hour ie 48 amps per day regardless of duty cycle. This has proved itself during trips etc. My fridge draws around 4 amps when running.

Rough guide but good enough.

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AnswerID: 395928

Reply By: Rod - Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 20:17

Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 20:17

My Evakool 60L fridge/freezer runs 36% of the time in an ambient temp of 28 degrees.

* Contents were prechilled
* Fridge was set quite cool with freezer sitting between -11 and -18
* Test was conducted over an hour period

I now run the fridge slightly warmer and expect slightly less run times.

AnswerID: 396109

Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Wednesday, Dec 23, 2009 at 09:13

Wednesday, Dec 23, 2009 at 09:13

Was that test hour during the hottest part of the day; cool morning; or cold night.

It will make a big difference.

To get an average you really need to run it for at least 24 hours.

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