I have seen on the internet somewhere about the instalation of 12 volt fans to increase the efficiency of the chest type 3 way fridges. These fans blew air on to the condenser at the back of the unit. Could some one tell me where it was or tell me how to with picces
I have one installed, it's a 120 mm computer fan available from Jaycar (cat no YX-2518). The fan is attached to the upper vent with cable ties and functions as an exhaust fan. It is wired to the van's battery through a switch and I don't switch it on unless I feel that its going to be needed. It does help when the ambient temperature rises above about 30. Some people wire them through a thermostat but I find just a switch is ok.
Before fitting the fan I bought one of those little solar fans made for the job, caravan accessory shops sell them. They saw me coming! Cost about $70, wouldn't blow the skin off a rice pudding! Mounted the little solar panel on the roof and it failed after about 6 months.
Another thing that helps is if the fridge is well insulated and that no air from the back of the fridge can circulate around the sides.
I have seen on the internet somewhere about the instalation of 12 volt fans to increase the efficiency of the chest type 3 way fridges. These fans blew air on to the condenser at the back of the unit. Could some one tell me where it was or tell me how to with picces
. One thing that I forgot ask is is 1 fan better or is more the merrier better
Start with one and see how you go. Second hand (ex computer power supply) fans will more likely be 80mm units rather than 120 mm. If so two (80mm) may be better.
-- Edited by jimricho on Sunday 13th of June 2010 06:30:55 PM
Jim - I think the OP is wanting to know about fans on the chest type (ie 3 way Waeco/Engle substitute) and not the built in type you are seeming to describe.
__________________
PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
Ooops, should have read the question, thanks Peter,
Obviously the insulation comment is not relevant in this case but maybe a fan is still worth a try however one would need to have a 12volt supply handy, may not be the case if out camping and relying solely on gas. Maybe the comments are of value to others visiting this topic, especially JC's comments about the two 80 mm fans.
Digressing slightly I know, but I recently saw a Bushman (compressor type) fridge with an extra fan installed on condenser. The owner claimed that it increased the efficiency in high ambient temperature conditions, especially in the back of his vehicle. He also had an exhaust fan installed on the rear side window and he only switched both of them on when in high temp conditions, especially when parked in the sun. It was an older style 4wd (Pajero I think) that had sliding rear side windows.
-- Edited by jimricho on Monday 14th of June 2010 07:48:47 AM
The first thing that I want to say is a BIG BIG thank you to all the members that replied to my query. When I do it I will describe hat I do and take some picceys of the proceedure
at the back of the unit. Could some one tell me where it was or tell me how to with picces
