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Old 10-31-2012, 09:59 AM   #21
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Re: Refrigerators (2-way) 12v & 110v?

Thanks for the info on the coldplates and physics of ice/water. It def helped my understanding.

I just spoke to Isotherm (Indel Webasto) and they told me the CR 130 w/ the ASU (variable speed and cold plate) is offered in 12v only. I'm a bit confused if this is what I want...

If the ASU senses max voltage the compressor will/can run at maximum. As the voltage or load drops it slows down. I'm guessing it would work because I'm going to have an inverter, solar panels, and two 4D batteries. Any help with this is appreciated.

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Old 10-31-2012, 11:53 AM   #22
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Re: Refrigerators (2-way) 12v & 110v?

The cheapest I can find the damn fridge (CR 130 w/ ASU stainless - 12v only) including shipping is $1,808. The Truckfridge same size 12v only but in black including shipping is $699. Both units have the same Danfoss compressor setup.
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Old 10-31-2012, 05:36 PM   #23
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Refrigerators (2-way) 12v & 110v?

Jim

That frozen water jug in he back of the Truckfridge sounds really nice at that price difference. I can think of may ways to spend the difference in cost on other upgrades, in fact did.
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Old 10-31-2012, 05:49 PM   #24
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Re: Refrigerators (2-way) 12v & 110v?

These look sweet, eh.

http://www.sunfrost.com/index.html

$1,800-1,900 & Up !
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Old 10-31-2012, 05:51 PM   #25
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Re: Refrigerators (2-way) 12v & 110v?

Cost is clearly a major factor. How you plan on using the SMB is a factor as well. The Isotherm ASU will help you stay camped in one location for somewhat of a longer time without having to charge back up, depending on all of your other power consumption activities. Probably won't gain more than a day or two however.


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Old 10-31-2012, 07:59 PM   #26
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Re: Refrigerators (2-way) 12v & 110v?

Just to round out the discussion, I have had one of these in my van since 2007 and it keeps on working:



See:

http://www.engel-usa.com/index.php?page ... &Itemid=59
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Old 11-01-2012, 09:20 AM   #27
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Re: Refrigerators (2-way) 12v & 110v?

Quote:
Originally Posted by JimHefner
If the ASU senses max voltage the compressor will/can run at maximum. As the voltage or load drops it slows down. I'm guessing it would work because I'm going to have an inverter, solar panels, and two 4D batteries. Any help with this is appreciated.
Your description about the ASU monitoring the house battery voltage is correct but keep in mind that, when the house battery drops to 12.2v, the ASU simply turns off the compressor and keeps things cold with the gel pack.

We have solar and a single AGM battery and the Isotherm does fine. No real need for an inverter as far as the refrigerator is concerned since it only runs on 12v.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BroncoHauler
The Isotherm ASU will help you stay camped in one location for somewhat of a longer time without having to charge back up, depending on all of your other power consumption activities. Probably won't gain more than a day or two however.
I'm assuming you are talking about not having solar. With solar, you could easily stay put until you run out of water or food.

Price is definitely a factor. I think that the ASU is a major advantage. If another refrigerator continually pulls the house battery below 12.2v (the minimum AGM batteries should be discharged), the ASU might keep you from needing to replace the house battery as often. The ASU option is close to the cost of a new battery...
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Old 11-01-2012, 04:57 PM   #28
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Re: Refrigerators (2-way) 12v & 110v?

Funny, I just did a search for "isotherm" and found 182 matches over at least 13 pages! This topic has been talked about a lot including Isotherm's ASU, but I only learned through this thread that it appears to over double the price of a comparable frig w/o it these days!!!

As I have written in another thread, I do not think the cold plate in an RV application is any better than just keeping a couple of ice cube trays (* see note below) at the ready that you sacrifice and live without iced drinks if power is low or down. After all, the cold plate has to take up space that could be used for something else and cannot be used in drinks. And I also agree with others that whether it is a tray of ice or the cold plate, these "features" don't stretch the use of a refrig much at all. Frankly, it sounds to me like an over-hyped advertising gimmick.

Footnote * for geeks: It is hard to be the heat of fusion of just plain water!
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Old 11-01-2012, 09:08 PM   #29
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Re: Refrigerators (2-way) 12v & 110v?

OK, but once the ice cube tray is just melted ice, you need to start over. The ASU system refreezes the cold plate when alternator, shore, solar power is available and you're good to go again.


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Old 11-02-2012, 09:41 AM   #30
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Re: Refrigerators (2-way) 12v & 110v?

Gosh, is this ASU thing as contentious as what political party is best? What if we practice temperance, don't use the ice cubes for drinks and just let 'em melt and freeze again ?
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