DIY refrigerator in sailboat
 

In order to achieve an efficiency that will make this work, the box
insulation is of utmost importance. 'Polyurethane' foam is not a
likely candidate, rather *extruded polystyrene* is an economical and
well-suited choice. Available at some (most?) Big Box home
improvement stores as either the Dow 'blueboard' or the Owens pink
'Foamular', Ex-*truded* P. is highly resistant to water absorption, an
absolute prerequisite to any insulating foam in the marine
environment. Ex-*panded* polystyrene, sold as dow 'Styrofoam' - often
white, and comprised of what appears to be small balls compressed
together - should be avoided.

If you're building your own box, and can seal the insulation
completely, polyisocyanurate (also available at the 'home' stores) is
an even better choice (higher 'R' value) - but it will absorb moisture
if not *completely* sealed.

See Glacier Bay's informative site on marine refrigeration, including
their study on insulation:

http://www.glacierbay.com/Library.asp

MW

DIY refrigerator in sailboat
 

When it is reported that styrofoam is less efficient than
polyurethane they are referring to the white generic material used for
disposable items like coffee cups which are really expanded
polystyrene beads and not DOW's controlled density trademarked
polyurethane product. If you were to compare specification sheets of
extruded polystyrene insulation against polyurethane pressed board
insulation you will find polyurethane board has a 30% higher R value
over extruded polystyrene. The disadvantage to polyurethane as
insulation for a boats refrigerator is it is less moisture resistant
over time than extruded polystyrene.

Each boat and each owner's refrigeration needs are different, so one
system does not fit all. No one can answer a question about what is
the best refrigeration for you and your boat without knowing more
about the boat and how and were you will be using the boat. There are
from twenty to fifty different configurations of these new systems to
choose from, study your options then go for price. The slide show on
my web site will help guide you through the refrigeration selection
process and help you determine what will be needed to support it.
http://www.kollmann-marine.com.

DIY refrigerator in sailboat
 

I have been looking at the Frigoboat system. Any body out there use one of these with the keel cooler. I would do a freezer with spillover to the frig.
Tim

I am in the process of installing an underfloor chest freezer and
using the frigoboat keel cooler. So far just the keel cooler fitted
and freezer box built:
http://www.luxe-motor-kei.co.uk/exte...e/image37.html
http://www.luxe-motor-kei.co.uk/inte...e/image16.html
80 litre Freezer box will be lined with 100mm PU insulation foam top,
bottom and sides. Inside that I will make a liner from stiff
modelling plastic sheet welded at the seams.
Will fit either the Danfoss 35F or 50F compressor.
I'll have a separate under counter 24v Danfoss fridge.

DIY refrigerator in sailboat
 

Richard Kollmann wrote:
When it is reported that styrofoam is less efficient than
polyurethane they are referring to the white generic material used for
disposable items like coffee cups which are really expanded
polystyrene beads and not DOW's controlled density trademarked
polyurethane product. If you were to compare specification sheets of
extruded polystyrene insulation against polyurethane pressed board
insulation you will find polyurethane board has a 30% higher R value
over extruded polystyrene. The disadvantage to polyurethane as
insulation for a boats refrigerator is it is less moisture resistant
over time than extruded polystyrene.

Each boat and each owner's refrigeration needs are different, so one
system does not fit all. No one can answer a question about what is
the best refrigeration for you and your boat without knowing more
about the boat and how and were you will be using the boat. There are
from twenty to fifty different configurations of these new systems to
choose from, study your options then go for price. The slide show on
my web site will help guide you through the refrigeration selection
process and help you determine what will be needed to support it.
http://www.kollmann-marine.com.

Richard,

Thanks as always for your contributions to the newsgroup.

What type (mostly the size of compressor) of ice box conversion unit
would you recommend for the following type of refrigerator:

- commercial plastic liner about 2.7 cubic feet
- front opening
- sides, bottom, back all with 6" extruded polystyrene
- top 7" extruded polystyrene
- front opening door with 3" etc.

I want to use the evaporator as a small freezing compartment of 1
ft3 freezer.

- Power for the boat is via lots of solar cells, about 350 watts
- House battery bank is 440 A.hr
- Environment is tropics
- prefer air cooled system, condenser will have ample flow through
ventilation

Thanks,

Evan Gatehouse