Refrigeration, Engel users, and others.....

[AdriftAtSea]

If you figure the unit uses 30 Watts in Freezer mode, per s/v Faith's numbers, and that it runs about 25% of the time, you get a daily use of 30 W x 6 hours or 180 WH...

If you have a 130 W fixed mount solar panel, working for five hours a day at 50% efficiency, you'll get 130 W x 2.5 H or 325 WH, even accounting for conversion losses due to the charging system, you'll probably be able to power the refrigerator off of the solar panels for a very long time, and I am being fairly conservative in my estimates of how much power an 130 W panel will/can generate... and probably a bit conservative on the power the Engel M27 will use, since mine will start to freeze things at any setting above 1.5 (out of 5), and probably uses less than the 2.5 Amps that s/v Faith has quoted.

[Lynx]

Thanks, I do not think that I have enough space for 130 w of solar panel. The 2 - 20 watts take up quite a bit of deck space when deployed. I may have to put this off for some time.

[AdriftAtSea]

Lynx-

You could probably get by with a 60W panel.  :D Or add another 20 watt panel to the two you've already got. 

[Lynx]

I may do that. The only thing that I want the frig for is to keep meat in. That would mean freezing temps and a little more power usage. I could also get by with a smaller unit.

[Mr. Fixit]

So often we hear sad stories about suppliers, I to have had my share of "experiences", however sometimes we hear of suppliers who go the extra mile so to speak. I had an experience this week of that nature. Last week I ordered an Engel ref/freezer for the boat. It arrived yesterday, The cardboard box had a black mark in one area (perhaps a forklift truck tire mark) when I opeoned the box there was damage to the unit in that area, rear -side corner of the unit pushed in approx 1/2 inch. I called Compact Appliance (supplier) and spoke to "Kelly". We live in a rural area and we are usually not around to sign for things when UPS makes their deliveries. I told her  about the damage and that I did not know if this would effect operation of the fridg, as I had not plugged it in. She told me I had two choices, I could reject it and they would immeditally ship another unit and have UPS pick up damaged unit at the same time, or if I was satisified with the operation of the unit they would give me a price adjustment for the damage. There are still suppliers that care about their relationship with customers, and they deserve recognition--thanks Compact Appliance.

[s/v Faith]

I also ordered my Engle from Compact appliance.  I was very happy with the service, and the unit is great!

  Which model did you go for?

 

[AdriftAtSea]

Just make sure that the tubing hasn't been damaged at all.  If the tubing is kinked in the least, it will leak coolant, and the system will stop working. I don't think that will be a problem, but it would depend on where the damage is and what unit you have.

[Mr. Fixit]

not sure of the model#(I'm at work) it is the 43 quart size. I am not too concerned  about the damage it appears  to be cosmetic only---- however when I ordered it I was promised a 5 year extended warrenty. along with free shipping I could not refuse!!!!

[Freesail]

I have an Engel 45 on my 30 foot boat. I installed a davit and I am placing 2 - 130 watt solar panels on top of the davit. Yes it will take up most of my stern and I will need to board my dink from the side of the boat.

[AdriftAtSea]

Freesail--

Welcome to Sailfar.net. :) Where do you normally sail???

[Frank]

I purchased my 1st engel @ compact appliance. Had good pricing and service. Seems they no longer carry them. Any leeds as to a new (cheap ;D)  supplier?

[jotruk]

I've been thinking about useing one of the conversion kits like this one http://us.binnacle.com/BBQ-/-Stoves-/-Heaters-Portable-Freezers-Refrigerators/c7_307/p5682/WAECO-COOLMATIC-COOLING-KIT-(DIY)/product_info.html to change my ice box over, has anyone had any experiance with these?

[LooseMoose]

We have been super happy with our Coleman Stirling engine cooled fridge/freezer. While Coleman is no longer selling them you can still get them from Global Cooling ...Or Twinbird
In one word..AWESOME
http://www.globalcooling.com/products.html

Bob

http://boatbits.blogspot.com/
http://fishingundersail.blogspot.com/
http://islandgourmand.blogspot.com/

[polecat]

Loosemoose - Not much info --Price-- availability --- etc. on the globalcooling website.  Sent them an e-mail.  How would you rate them against say the Engle 40 qt marine model?  Best price I've found is $641 on the engle.  I second Frank - know of a cheaper source - I know where to find a cheaper buyer....
jim

[LooseMoose]

I paid about $425 for our Coleman which is this model http://fpsc.twinbird.jp/en/sc_c925_box_e.html I believe the Global Cooling Price is around $700.

We have had flawless performance... Three years running and never  problem.

I have been told that some of the Coleman outlet stores still may have these at super deep discount...

Bob

http://boatbits.blogspot.com/
http://fishingundersail.blogspot.com/
http://islandgourmand.blogspot.com/

[matt195583]

we have 3 engel fridges in the family, a 22l 30l and a 42l . we also have an 80l waeco. the 30l engel was purchased in the early 80's and has traveled millions of kilometers in an interstate prime mover. The 30l was only replaced by the 22l because of size restrictions in the prime mover my father purchased in 1996. it also has traveled in excess of 1.5 million kilometers in its time. On substandard Australian roads. neither have given any trouble in all that time.  testament to the brand   :) also there is an insulated bag/cover thing available for the engels . they make a big difference.

here is an article on fridge consumption done by an Australian 4x4 magazine ..... scroll down about half way to see it

http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=cf4d82845d4a1bd252a439a7accf4799&t=34490&page=3

[Auspicious]

Matt,

Thanks for breathing life into this thread. As it happens I have been contemplating adding an Engel cooler to use as a supplemental freezer. I think there is room under the aft berth.

On my recent cruise in the Bahamas I discovered that freezer space was of greater value than reefer space. I had to take a bunch of frozen veg to Janet's house (and to her sister's!) and replace it with canned. It put a bit of a crimp in some of my cooking. Edible, but not up to usual standards.

So I'm thinking I can squeeze a small Engel in under the bunk between the battery box, A/P controller, an A/C, and the steering gear box. I've got to go in there to run some wires anyway so I may as well measure.

[AdriftAtSea]

Auspicious?

If you're going to install an Engel under the berth, make sure it has decent ventilation, as that will make the refrigerator more efficient. :D  Adding a small 12VDC muffin fan and a louvered opening might be a good idea.

[CapnK]

Grog for the input, Matt. :) I hope to be able to get my own Engel this year, and join the happy family. ;)

[Greenman]

Okay, I am confused.

Looking at the Engel Specs, they say it draws .7 - 2.5 amps. My question is; does that mean .7 - 2.5 amps over a 24 hour period for a total of 60 amps? Or, because it's temperature controled, does it only run 25% (shot in the dark number) of the time drawing between .7 and 2.5 based on ambient temperature? I know there are more than one variable, but there has to be some ideas out there.

It seems too vague to me when trying to figure out how much capacity/charging capacity is required.

If someone can explain that to me, it would be much appreciated.