BajaNomad

Solar powered chest freezer question

philodog - 7-30-2011 at 09:30 AM

The solar powered chest freezer info I learned on this site is awesome. My question is can the compressor run OK on cheap non-pure sine wave inverters? And how much power does the compressor need to start up?
It would be great to have a refer while driving. I no longer keep the propane one running while in motion after one caught fire due to a cheap propane hose purchased in Mexico, developed a small leak which eventually found the pilot light.

elgatoloco - 7-30-2011 at 02:55 PM

No help on your question but I think I may like to hear the story about the fire. :saint::yes:

Roberto - 7-30-2011 at 05:04 PM

The electrical needs of refrigeration compressors varies with type, capacity, model, manufacturer, etc. Do you know what the draw is on the unit?

Desertbull - 7-30-2011 at 09:15 PM

I have a few of these FridgeFreeze units and they draw approx. 2.3-3.5 amps running full speed...the same unit(s) run off either 12v or 110..so you can run off an inverter or direct to your vehicle power.

http://www.sportfridge.com/portable-recreational-marine-off-...

DB

CasaManzana - 7-30-2011 at 10:04 PM

I've been running a 43 quart Engle now for two years and totally on solar. They run about $900 delivered. It has been flawless. I put it behind the seat of my Toyota Tacoma as seen here-

It runs off the 84 watt panel mounted on the bed cover as shown here-

The panel feeds into a deep cycle battery with control panel as shown here-

We bring back shrimp from the mainland each year and it keeps 5 degrees without flaw. I bought mine here-
http://www.roadtrucker.com/engel/engel-12-volt-acdc-refriger...

Curt63 - 7-31-2011 at 06:51 AM

Nice set up!

torch - 7-31-2011 at 06:53 AM

I love that set up. That is on my wish list

larryC - 7-31-2011 at 08:04 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by philodog
The solar powered chest freezer info I learned on this site is awesome. My question is can the compressor run OK on cheap non-pure sine wave inverters? And how much power does the compressor need to start up?
It would be great to have a refer while driving. I no longer keep the propane one running while in motion after one caught fire due to a cheap propane hose purchased in Mexico, developed a small leak which eventually found the pilot light.


Motors don't like modified sine wave, and will draw approximately 25% more power on msw, which means they run hotter, than they will on a pure sine wave inverter. That being said, my guess is that the msw probably won't be a problem since the compressor runs such a short period of time while it is being used as a refer. As far as the start up, that is pretty difficult to answer. It depends on a lot of things. How cheap is your inverter and how much does the chest freezer you have draw on startup? I would say just try it and if it won't start then you need a bigger inverter, or maybe just bigger wires to your existing inverter. Lots of variables.
HTH
Larry

bajajurel - 7-31-2011 at 10:21 AM

CasaManzana I love that setup you have. It's great to have a cold beer on hand at all times in Baja.

805gregg - 7-31-2011 at 05:31 PM

I ran a 45 qt Engle for 2 weeks, with no solar just the car battery, we drove almost everyday so the battery was always charged. I had no problems and enjoyed yogurt from SD two weeks into Baja. I have the insulation cover. It's funny the miltary never even looked in the refer.