Great article!
Per NSHOFs rules, nominees must be American citizens, 55 years of read more, In the following excerpt from Wild Seas to Greenland A Sailing Adventure with Ocean Racer Ross Field, veteran mariner Rebecca Hayter, recounts how Field prepared the aluminum-hulled Rosemary, which he bought in France, for a try at the Northwest Passage People often ask: why read more, The Coast Guard says that the best life jacket is one you will wear, so comfort and function are important considerations when picking out a life jacket that suits your needs. The refrigerator compressor basically does two things: it raises the pressure of the refrigerant vapor used in the refrigerator and helps to maintain the vapors flow rate. This is usually achieved by screwing in the handle on the top of the valve assembly to pierce the can, but follow specific instructions supplied with your equipment. As a general rule refrigeration systems do not lose gas unless there is a leak so topping up is probably not the solution without repairing the leak first. 4 After opening the dispensing and manifold valves just long enough to purge air out of the hose with refrigerant, I turned off the manifold valve and connected the hose to the Schrader valve. Unfortunately, its poorly [read more], As most RV owners know, RV absorption refrigerators can sometimes be very finicky. Another 5-second blast brought the pressure up to 10psi. Many small boat refrigeration systems use one of the small Danfoss compressors to power their system.
This ensures the contents of the refrigerator get cold sooner. All manufacturers have detailed spec sheets of their refrigerators online. Truck Camper Adventure is an emagazine offering truck camper news, reviews, travel tips, and more. It works through a process called absorption.
I sat down with a fridge specialist and learned how to charge the fridge but that was some time ago and my memory is rusty. Too much refrigerant in the system will result in liquid still evaporating back to a gas past the end of the evaporator and inside the tubing going back to the compressor. Virginia Vermont Whats its purpose? Personally, weve found that having a 340 watt solar power system and a 220 amp hour battery bank is more than large enough to run our compressor refrigerator and meet all of our other electrical needs. By following the channels in the evaporator, one can determine the path the refrigerant follows and the end of the capillary tube can be easily identified. -------- All items needed for correcting the charge are readily available online or from a refrigeration supplier. Various experts on web forums warned direly of the dangers of getting air into the system, failing to purge the refrigeration gauges, overcharging with refrigerant and blinding oneself with escaping gases. Ive had an absorption the last 5 years. Although mobile air conditioning (automotive) systems are excluded, the regulations will make the purchase of R134a without oil impossible to an unqualified user.
Louisiana Surely, if any doofus can top up a cars AC system, any doofus should be able to top up a marine fridge? I think refrigeration guys sometimes use a dye to help find leaks. 1 Charging hose for R134a. Do you know what the process port is used for? The adaptors are available from Ebay traders and from Kooltech. He currently rolls in a 4WD Ram 3500 outfitted with a SherpTek truck bed with a Bundutec Roadrunner mounted on top. Well I managed it in the end anyway but I'd still be interested in getting hold of a good guide on this subject.
At this point, you may be wondering what this compressor does. Again, it pays to do some research ahead of time.
If additional insulation has been added, it may be concealing this symptom and should be removed.
Iowa A communications expert and licensed ham radio operator, he retired from the U.S. Navy in 2004 as a CWO3 after 24 years, worked in project management, and now runs Truck Camper Adventure full-time. Run the system long enough for the symptoms of an overcharge to exist and then remove the valve cap from the suction side service valve. At start up, turn the temperature knob to the maximum setting (for older Dometic CR-1110 models this is 7, newer models maximum). We are conducting trials at present to establish this. These guidelines are intended for use by operators of R134a marine refrigeration systems in the UK prior to introduction of the new regulations, and laws covering the use of HFC refrigerants may vary in other parts of the world. you can get these here.
In some cases, for access reasons, an extension hose will also be needed to attach the canister. 2 The fridge is recharged via a valve mounted at the end of a short stub on the suction side, clearly identified by the green shrink-fit tubing. More than likely, this would have required the services of one of those elusive professionals. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Prepare the can of R134a for charging. However, if you boondock for extended periods of time in cold, predominantly overcast areas like the Pacific Northwest then having a generator as a backup to a solar power system or as the primary means of keeping your batteries topped off will probably be needed. New Mexico If you are unable to positively identify the suction side service valve, consult a marine refrigeration specialist. 1 I ordered a single gauge and hose combo from great-water.comit was expensive, but cheaper than paying a fridge mechanic (had I been able to coax one out to the boat), and it came with clear instructions.
Such extremes are rare though. West Virginia That suggests you have a leak to find and fix before you add gas which would otherwise follow the last lot.
I will add a disclaimer that you should hold a refrigerant handling qualification to carry out this work and recommend that if you are unsure how to charge a system you should contact a professional. Washington, D.C. Here are some things to consider when picking out the right PFD. Alabama On a slightly overcharged system you should see the frost line on the tubing move back towards the evaporator or disappear completely. Those are the pros, now lets look at the cons. I would recommend that if you are removing the schaeder valve and refilling you should really vac out the system with a vac pump but if it runs ok down to the temperature of cutting off on the thermostat you have probably got away with it.
The 12 volt option and ability to adjust fan speeds according to ambient temperature make it ideal for applications [read more]. When the charge in the system is correct according to the conditions described in Section 1, remove the charging hose from the suction side service valve while the system is running.
Good luck.
Pennsylvania On the other hand, I knew that topping up the charge in a cars AC system is such a simple DIY task that the refrigerant and hoses are readily available in auto-supply stores.
Unlike the Danfoss compressor refrigerator or the refrigerator found in your home, the ammonia absorption refrigerator neither uses a compressor, nor does it have any moving parts. Then I connected one of the two valves on the charging kit to the refrigerant canister, making sure the other onethe manifold valvewas closed. North Carolina They all use the Danfoss DC compressor, so generally speaking, they all offer the same performance and reliability.
Working with refrigerants involves potentially dangerous pressures and temperatures and precautions must be taken to avoid injury. Logic (not knowledge) tells me if you need to re-gas, your gas has gone somewhere(? Idaho Make sure that the valve on the can of R134a is firmly closed after adding refrigerant.
Having gone through the failures of an absorption unit myself and having to throw food out was such a waste. There will probably be some oil that is released with the refrigerant and this is normal. Do not remove the valve cap from the discharge side service valve or connect anything to it. In this type of system, the temperature of the evaporator is directly related to the amount of refrigerant in the system. Manufactured in Denmark, the Danfoss BD35F is a brush-less, variable speed, hermetically sealed compressor. Several months later, after having been repeatedly let down by not one, but two different professionals, and suffering a summer of having to tote heavy coolers on boardthe very thing Id hoped to avoid by installing a fridgeI decided it was time to man up and do it myself. In this condition there will probably be a constant hissing sound from the evaporator. Arkansas Connecting to the refrigeration system.First, you need to confirm that undercharged condition exists, and not a seriously overcharged one, as described in Section 1. New regulations in UK (Seehttp://www.acrib.org.uk/MG7OLH18285)will make the recharging of marine refrigerators more difficult or impossible for the DIY owner. In Dec 2013 I installed a CR-1110 in my own camper and have never regretted it. Do not open the high-pressure service valve on your system, or connect anything to it. The source of this heat comes from either a propane flame or from electricity (110 volt AC or 12 volt DC). The following is intended for the use of a boat operator with average mechanical skills. It doesnt matter if its a slide-in or a chassis-mount, a hard-side or a pop-up, if its a truck camper and its carried on a truck, we cover it. Read the product reviews and Internet forums to get a feel for user satisfaction. 7 Holding steady at 6psi, but I figured a bit more refrigerant would not hurt.
This is when the fridge temperature is close to the required temperature but the compressor is still running. If you cannot positively identify the suction side service valve, consult a marine refrigeration specialist. If the system has been installed correctly, a short length (approx 15cm) of insulation supplied with the system should be positioned on the tubing starting where it exits the refrigerated box. Photo by Charles J. Doane. I have a suspicion that there may actually be one of them that is correct. Finally, I take it that I don't need to crack the discharge port, just pressurize the suction side a bit? All that changed with the arrival of the Danfoss BD35F compressor.
His cell phone number is 360-305-9573. Basically, the ammonia absorption refrigerator uses heat to operate. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. Minnesota
This means you can run a compressor refrigerator while driving without having to worry about the pilot light blowing out. New Brunswick Michigan Thanks in advance! Had there been an unidentified leak, the repair would have involved tracing and repairing it, then sucking air and moisture out of the system with a vacuum pump before recharging. Top manufacturers include Dometic, Norcold, Vitrifrigo, IsoTherm, and Nova Kool.
Holding plates will show a higher initial pressure, 10-15psi, and then drop to under 10psi. South Carolina All content is copyright of Mello Mike and Truck Camper Adventure 2011-2022. Another benefit, of course, is that theres no pilot light. New Hampshire Indiana There should be enough refrigerant in the system so that the last of the liquid is evaporating back to a vapour at the very end of the evaporator, and just as it enters the suction tube back to the compressor. Well I'm not sure how much help this will will help as I bought my gear when I was in Yemen, but a friend of mine has just bought the same gear here in India so I'm guessing it's easy to find the refrigerator gauge set.
Before deciding which condition exists in your system, please read all of the following thoroughly. I don`t think it wears out or naturally diminishes. More out of fear than knowing what I was doing, mind! He also does some RV consulting, repairs, and inspections on the side. Im going to monitor it with a trimetric 2030 and then its solar time! I had to make a level spot in my yard so I could cool it down before a trip. Locate the end of the charging hose that has a valve stem depressor, screw the opposite end onto the adapter. Another issue to be aware of relates to the faulty installation of these refrigerators. Theres really only one. Keep the can of R134a in an upright position while adding refrigerant so that no liquid is allowed to enter the system. Ocean Voyages Institute, a non-profit organization based in Sausalito, CA, uses read more, The days of multihulls being the weirdos of the sea are gone. You dont want to release R-134a into the atmosphere, which is one reason to avoid overcharging by topping off the charge in small increments. Wearing gloves, eye, and skin protection, and with the system running, cover the top of the valve with a rag or paper towel, holding it there with one hand. Once the refrigerator is operating at the temperature you want, back off the setting a bit (we like to turn down the temperature to 4.5) to reduce compressor duty cycles. Neither Danfoss nor Secop make refrigerators. 1 16oz (or similar size) can of R134a refrigerant. In a properly charged system, there should be a tinny, gurgling sound from the evaporator. Buy a refrigerator thermometer and place it inside your refrigerator. The amount of oil present in these cans may be harmful for small refrigerator compressors, although this is currently unknown.
Kentucky simply open the valve while the compressor is running and the gas will be sucked in by the compressor. http://www.ryanairconspares.com/refco-m-10.html, http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/EZCHILL-AUTO-AIR-R-134A-REFRIGERANT-NEW-49-99_W0QQitemZ320636772767QQcmdZViewItem, http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400028657105&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_4082wt_1139, http://coxengineering.co.uk/Documents/Recharging%20a%20simple%20R134a.pdf. This also means you can run it while fueling up at a gas station without concern of an explosion. Doing this can cut the refrigerators duty cycles and power consumption by half.
This short length of insulation is installed to prevent any condensation that may occur as the cold tube leaves the refrigerated box and is exposed to hot, humid air. This is backed up by the very poor instructions that comes with my gauge kit. If anyone is unsure please contact me via PM. On a seriously overcharged system it may take repeated releases before the symptoms of a slight overcharge appear. Once the box was fully cooled down, this would almost certainly drop to 7psi or thereabouts. 5 With the compressor running, I opened the manifold valve and let the compressor suck in the gas for five seconds or so until the gauge indicated 20 psi. Truck Camper ($35,000), For Sale: 2007 Okanagan 117 DBL Truck Camper ($35,000), For Sale: Ford F250 Moto-Hauler Camper ($23,000), Why the Payload Rating is Important for Truck Campers, How to Properly Charge an RV Lithium Battery, A Question About Removing Truck Campers at RV Parks and Campgrounds, Big Power in a Small Camper Going Lithium Cheap, Enjoying 2 Meter Ham Radio on Your Truck Camper Adventures, Truck Bed Mod: SherpTek Food Prep Grill Table, SherpTek Transforms Slide-in Truck Camper Into More Capable Overlander, OEV Aluma Tray a Popular Truck Camper Option, New Tag Axle Improves Truck Camper Hauling Options, Keeping Things Warm: Insulation Upgrades For Truck Campers, StableCamper Installation Report and Review, Going Lithium: LiFePO4 Batteries For the Truck Camper Adventure Rig. Oklahoma As you can see, these numbers are far less than what you would see with a standard, three-way ammonia absorption refrigerator operating on 12 volts DC. Doing this will allow you to monitor the refrigerators temperature and will allow you to adjust the temperature setting as needed. This should have a 1/4inch Schraeder fitting with valve stem depressor on the refrigeration system end and adapt to the refrigerant canister at the other.
It helped that I knew why my fridge needed a charge: soon after installing the Isotherm fridge unit I had undone one of the Danfoss BD35 compressors quick-fit couplings to make room for the galley sink drain hose, and heard a distinct hiss as the gas made good its escape. Not only that, but the Danfoss compressor refrigerator doesnt require a fossil fuel, like propane, to operate, so when set-up with a capable solar power system, you can run one indefinitely. Refrigerant removal should be done with a reclaim unit as gasses cannot be discharged to atmosphere. Last but not least, the Danfoss DC compressor refrigerator requires only minimal ventilation. This compressor is able to accomplish both of these tasks and use far less power than its predecessors, which is why its so special. This is a huge plus for overlanders and boondocking enthusiasts as getting a perfectly level campsite can sometimes be difficult. Whatever your choice, and as long as you have a capable battery charging system, youll be sure to enjoy the benefits that the Danfoss DC compressor refrigerator offers. Its a dreadful state of mind that consumes you when your reefer doesnt deliver the goods. Thanks, Owen. This is usually achieved by backing off the handle on the top of the valve assembly, but check your specific instructions as some equipment may differ. Ever had refrigerator angst? Nova Scotia Oil-free R134a continues to be available outside UK, where these regulations have yet to be implemented. Mello Mike is an Arizona native, author, and the founder of Truck Camper Adventure.
The instructions for recharging are provided in this link in .pdf form Recharging a simple R134a.pdf, Toilets, holding tanks and associated matters, Bore glazing and polishing in diesel engines, Setting up your masthead standing rigging. If the system is seriously undercharged, the refrigerant may exist in the system only as a vapour, so there will be no frosting on the evaporator, just a slight sweating and cold to the touch. Eye and skin protection must be worn when working on refrigeration systems. For you, however, the choice might not be so easy. It was time to find out. No refrigerant gauges are necessary for these adjustments, their use is not recommended except for major repairs and for evacuating the system No reference will be made to them in this guide.
Australian Capital Territory Repeat the process as necessary until the system shows the symptoms of a correct charge as described in Section 1. The suction side service valve normally will be on a stub of tubing that is connected directly to the top of the compressor. Delaware After reading all of the positives of the Danfoss DC compressor refrigerator, you may be wondering which company makes the best one? Not only that but as the cruising multihull market continues to mature, the new features are not just read more, The National Sailing Hall of Fame (NSHOF) announced its 12th class of inductees.
Hi I will compile a quick guide to filling Danfoss refrigeration systems shortly as if you use this method it does not guarantee a completely full system. The quality of construction and the amount of insulation, or lack of it, is where the good units separate themselves from the mediocre ones. Georgia South Australia Tennessee Western Australia. Initial setup?
Reading assorted treatises on marine refrigeration only elevated my angst. If you own a Danfoss compressor refrigerator, here are a few operating tips. If so much refrigerant exits in the system that it raises the temperature of the evaporator above 0C (32 F), the surface will only be sweating and cold to the touch, resembling an undercharged condition.
Thanks! A refrigeration and AC technician may be very skilled working on larger expansion valve systems and not skilled on small capillary tube systems. Wyoming
I bought the R-134a refrigerant over the counter at an auto parts store.
I can track with most of that, but when you say "purge the fill line", how is that done? Here is the long awaited link for the recharging instructions. If there is too little refrigerant in the system, it will have all evaporated back to a vapour long before it reaches the end of the evaporator. The Danfoss compressor works in what are called duty cycles, the hourly period when the compressor is actually on and working. What this means is that your RV will require a minimum of two 12 volt batteries (about 200 amp hours) and a effective way to keep them charged, either a 200 watt solar power system or a generator.
I love the idea of not caring so much about being level, unfortunately it doesnt sound like its feasible without solar. Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. As a rookie, what is a trimetric 2030? Refrigeration compressors are designed to compress gas only. Charge it through the suction (low pressure side) while it is running. Newfoundland do this in short busts of say 5 seconds then allow a minute or 2 for the system to stabilise. According to a Dometic representative, the disparity between the two figures is due to the other components in the refrigerator that require power to operate like the condenser fan and light. After running for a time, there should be a slight coating of frost all over the surface of the evaporator with no condensation or frost on the exposed section of copper tube back to the compressor or condensation on the compressor itself. British Columbia If liquid is released it will immediately evaporate at very low temperatures, so all precautions must be taken to avoid contact between liquid refrigerant and skin or eyes. Too much or too little refrigerant will result in a system that will have some cooling effect, but will not be working to its full potential. New Jersey
I can't tell you how many times I have attended systems that have been so overfilled that I could not believe it was possible to hold that much refrigerant.
Oregon Owen holds the necessary qualifications for this activity.
During the construction of our camper, we had the choice of installing either a Dometic CR-1110 Danfoss compressor refrigerator or the standard Dometic three-way absorption refrigerator. If the plate has an area that is not totally freezing then you may need to allow some more gas in ( with the bottle upright if it is a bottle with no dip tube inside). Mike has allowed me to post a link to my install video in my Lance 815. There will probably be a sound similar to a mountain stream coming from the evaporator. If there are two service valves, make sure that you attach the hose to the suction valve and not the discharge valve.
Nevada All that changed with the release of the Danfoss compressor refrigerator in 1998.
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