Vitrifrigo Solar Powered Fridge

The article was produced in association with Penguin Refrigeration, who supplied the 62 litre Vitrifrigo fridge and Actionvan who provided their rental Campervan with 55W Solaris Solar panel already fitted to the roof.  The article runs guides you through the best way to specify and install a solar powered fridge, to ensure maximum efficiency and that everything is sized correctly.  Over the period of the test the fridge was run constantly and the only source of power was from the 55 Watt solar panel fitted to the roof of the motorhome.

The System in Practice

The installation was completed in May 2011 and initially the weather was hot and sunny with average temperatures during the day well above 25 degrees C. However, towards the end of the test, the weather deteriorated with more cloud cover and several exceptionally humid overcast days. The solar powered ridge was used on a daily basis, with the thermostat set midway giving a constant measured temperature of 6 degrees C inside. Over the weekends there was also occasional use of the stereo and the LED lighting. Over the 36-day test the only source of charge for the battery was from the 55W solar panel, which comfortably kept the battery condition well above its minimum (50 per cent), putting in more charge than the average daily discharge of 14.9 amp hr.

Did the Solar Powered Fridge Work?

Undoubtedly yes! This truly was a solar powered fridge. The test proved that a correctly installed and ventilated DC compressor fridge can run constantly for well in excess of a month from a battery powered solely from a solar panel. To achieve this required a quality fridge cabinet, with single evaporator and an efficient condenser, combined with a deep-cycle AGM battery and a rigid solar panel.

For more details of the fridge featured in this article follow the link to the C62i www.penguinfrigo.co.uk/shop/#c62i

Certified and Energy Efficient 12 Volt Fridges

The type approval process that all UK motorhome and campervan manufacturers are currently working through with the VCA requires many tests and vehicle safety checks.  The conformity of the 12 volt fridges is required to ensure there is no electrical interference from the fridge compressor or electrical thermostat while the vehicle is running.  Vitrifrigo use the Danfoss BD35 compressor as standard throughout their range of 12 volt fridges, which combined with their unique aluminium finned, forced air condensers ensures that their 12 volt fridges are the most efficient possible.

Manufactured exclusively in Italy, Vitrifrigo 12 volt fridges are built using the best standards of manufacture and quality control with the range catering for all sizes of motorhomes from the C39i, C42L & C51i fridges ideal for the VW t5 Transporter, Mazda Bongos or Nissan Granvia’s through to the C85i, C115i or DP2600i fridge freezers for the larger panel van and horse box conversions.  For more details of the range available follow the link to our

12 volt fridges

WHY ARE ALL THESE LEADING COMPANIES USING 12V COMPRESSOR FRIDGES OVER THREE WAY FRIDGES?

1. Efficiency.

Compressor fridges are far more efficient when run on electricity 12v or 240v.  A 3 way fridge running on 12v will draw approx 9A plus continuously (+9A per hour).  A compressor fridges power requirement can be as low as 0.4A per hour for a 40 litre fridge.

2. Provides a truly independent fridge system

12V compressor fridges will run on solar power. Our tests suggest that as a rule of thumb for Vitrifrigo cabinets is that approx 1W of solar panel will provide enough power for a litre of refrigeration, (UK summer), giving you total freedom and ability to go truly ‘wild camping’.

3. Fast cool down

3 Way fridges take a long time to get cold because the cooling system relies solely on convection and gravity to make the ammonia flow.  12v compressor fridges will reach temperature within 15-30 minutes of turning on.

4. Greater Reliability

3 Way fridges will not work on a gradient due to the gravity required to make the process work. 12v compressor fridges will work on an angle of up to 30°!

5. Lower heat output

3 Way fridges generate significant heat due to the heating fundamental to the process and do not perform well in higher ambient conditions.

6. Easy to install

12V compressor fridges are easy to fit, you do not need a Corgi approved gas fitter, just a good source of 12 volt power and correctly sized cables.

7. No external vents required

No unsightly exterior vents required.  A good installation will ensure good air flow past the condenser of the 12v compressor fridges cooling unit, but does not require external vents.

What are the disadvantages of 12V compressor fridges

1. They are not silent in operation.

The compressor is extremely quiet, but the cooling fan is quite audible on standard compressor fridges.  However, following some recent work carried out with UK motorhome builders, Vitrifrigo have introduced new quieter fans across their range of 12v compressor fridges.  Cutting the noise of the fan by half means that they are now barely audible from 1m distance or when built into the kitchen furniture of the motorhome.

2. Compressor fridges do not run on gas.

This is also an advantage if you want your motorhome to be gas free or are conscious of the cost of buying gas to run your fridge compared to the equivalent cost for the electricity to run 12v compressor fridges

Vitrifrigo 12V compressor fridge fitted to Vantage Neo

Distributed through Penguin Refrigeration in the UK, Vitrifrigo provide the most extensive range of 12v compressor fridges in both front and top opening configurations.  For more details visit the Penguin Refrigeration website www.penguinfrigo.co.uk/vehicle

UK’s first Mini Bars for Hotels with Silent Compressor Technology

By using the latest silent compressor operation ensuring excellent performance at the lowest power consumption Vitrifrigo have achieved the highest energy rating, A+++ for this new stylish minibar range. This means a hotel installing 10 Vitrifrigo Next-D minibars in place of their standard absorption minibars will reduce their energy bill by approximately £200 per annum. 

Extensive Range with Options on Door Finish and Styles

Available in two sizes, 30 or 40 litres capacity, the Vitrifrigo Next-D mini bars can be free standing or mounted behind furniture doors using a sliding hinge kit.  Available with either a replaceable black panel or glass fronted door, all feature an internal LED light and door open indicator as standard.

Minibars for Hotels available from Penguin Refrigeration 

Vitrifrigo Next-D mini bars are distributed by Penguin Refrigeration in the UK. For more details and pricing on the new Next-D range or any other mini bars for hotels from Vitrifrigo visit the Penguin refrigeration website www.penguinfrigo.co.uk/hotel or email sales@penguinfrigo.co.uk.

The new facility will allow Penguin to further develop their refrigeration and air conditioning products and services supplied to the marine, superyacht, motorhome and caravan industries.

The new HQ at Unit 2B Alexandria Park, has more than doubled both their office and warehousing/production capacity.  The move did not come a moment too soon as the old warehouse was full to busting with stock, taking more than three articulated lorries to move the bulk of Penguins fridge, freezer and air conditioning products the short distance from their old premises to the new site in South Havant.

Crucially the additional office space will provide Penguin with the opportunity to develop a full design office with aftersales service and support for the increasing sales of their luxury and superyacht ranges. The additional warehousing and workshop space also ensures Penguin continue to maintain high levels of stock for their core marine and vehicle products on which the business is built.

Penguin Refrigeration’s new contact details are:

Unit 2b, Alexandria Park

Penner Rd

Havant

Hampshire

PO9 1QY

Phone, fax and email stay the same:

Tel: 02392 453430 Fax: 02392 453293

Email: sales@penguinfrigo.co.uk

During the recent London Boat Show the Penguin team spent a lot of time discussing best practice when specifying marine airconditioning – below are the two key points to get right.

1. Correct air flow

Retrofitting marine airconditioning inevitably means you will end up sacrificing some of your existing storage and locker space to run the ducting and grill back boxes.  If you want your finished system to work effectively don’t cut corners on this.  The aim is to project the cold, dense air from the airconditioner’s blower up and across the ceiling of the cabin.  So, air distribution grills should be as high up as practically possible, for example positioned at the top of a wardrobe.

Never try and share your marine airconditioning outlet with an existing heater outlet as these are generally positioned way too low and you will just end up freezing the floor of the cabin and little else.

Given the restrictions in space and the ability to run ducting, especially on smaller yachts, delivery grills are often positioned in the back of saloon seating.  If this is the only available position ensure that the grill is positioned so it does not simply freeze the back of the neck of the person sitting in front of it.  This can often be done by mounting it on an angled plinth to help projct the air up.

Equally important to good air delivery is getting the return air back to the marine airconditioner effectively.  All airconditioning works by dehumidifying the air as well as cooling it.  To do this you must ensure that the air in the cabin is recycled via a clear unobstructed route back to the marine airconditioner.  If a return air grill is fitted it must be large enough to provide sufficient area for efficient operation.  See our guide chart for further details.

2. Ensure Sufficient Cooling Water Flow and that the Pump will Prime Properly

Make sure the flow rate of the pump matches the required water flow of the marine airconditioning unit.  Fit a fine gauze strainer and make sure that this is cleaned as part of your regular maintenace on board.  See the product technical specification on our website or email us for confirmation of sizing and flow rates.

On sailboats particularly, a badly installed pump will cause major problems with your marine airconditioning.  The pumps are not self-priming so must be sited well below the water line and we further recommend that they are fitted as close to the sea water intake and strainer as possible.  Pumps will push the water far easier than they can suck air so the closer you locate the pump to the sea water intake the better.

Again for best practice and to further improve the performance of marine airconditioning we also recommend that you fit a forward facing scoop on the intake.

To summarise, get the basics right, good air flow and a well positioned sea water pump and your marine airconditioning will work efficiently and effectively from day one!

If you would like Penguin to assist you further with any marine airconditioning related questions or provide advice or a quote to supply for your boat please let us know.

Large Range of Marine Fridges Freezers and Air Conditioning Products on Display
UK distributors for Frigoboat, Vitrifrigo and Climma Marine Air Conditioning, Penguin Refrigeration will be displaying a large range of their 12 and 24 volt marine fridges and freezers as well as 12/24 volt component fridge products, including air cooled, keel cooled and pump water cooled options. Also on display will be the latest Marine Air Conditioning products from Climma including the new Compact 3.5 unit and the MK3 controller.

Technical Advice
Penguin technical staff will be on hand throughout the show to help and assist, offering advice and answers to just about any 12/24 volt fridge, freezer or marine air conditioning question.  So whether you require advice, spare parts or a new fridge system, Penguin will be able to help you.

Special Offers
Penguin will also be running special promotions at the show with up to 20% discount on certain fridges freezers and AC systems.

We look forward to seeing you from 6th to 15th January 2012.

As Veco’s sole UK Distributor for more than 10 years, Penguin has a very close relationship with their Italian manufacturers and a proven track record with the UK’s leading yards for designing, commissioning and supporting custom refrigeration.  Over the past 18 months Penguin have produced custom refrigeration solutions for both refits and new builds at Pendennis, Palmer Johnson and most recently have just commissioned the refrigeration for Oyster’s new 115 at RMK Turkey.

Penguin Superyacht Refrigeration has been setup to provide turnkey solutions in custom refrigeration for any specific fridge or freezer requirement, whether a complete galley system or a unique fridge to suit a VIP stateroom or entertainment area.  The new partnership with Veco gives Penguin the facility to design, manufacture, and support these products globally.

“Penguin Superyacht Refrigeration is a natural development of the long standing business relationship that already exists between Veco and Penguin in the custom refrigeration market,” Commented Carlo Formenti CEO of Veco.  “For Veco, Penguin expanding into Europe and beyond is fantastic as they interpret and confirm exactly what our customer’s want so we can focus on the manufacture, which is our speciality.”

You can learn more about Penguin Superyacht Refrigeration at www.penguinfrigo.co.uk/page/custom-fridges-and-freezers-for-luxury-yachts-and-super-yachts/

Beating off stiff competition from other leading motorhome manufacturers, including VW and Fiat, the success of the Hyundai was attributed, in no small part, to its innovative, well equipped kitchen, which includes not just the usual sink and hob that you would expect to find on a vehicle of this size, but also an oven and grill.  To accommodate the oven, Wellhouse needed to find a lower height fridge than the standard solutions available.  Turning to Penguin Refrigeration for help, we suggested two 12 volt fridge options – the Vitrifrigo C47 or BRK35.  Looking for maximum volume Wellhouse opted for the larger 47 litre C47, with its easy access pull out drawer and adapted their design to suit.

i800 Hyundai Motorhome featuring C47 12 Volt Fridge

C47 12 Volt Fridge fitted to i800 Campervan

The C47 is powered by a remote mounted Danfoss BD35 12/24 volt DC compressor with Vitrifrigo’s highly efficient aluminium finned condenser.  The Hyundai  i800 is fitted with a 90A/H battery providing enough power to run the fridge for 2 to 3 days without charging.  For more information on the C47 fridge go to www.penguinfrigo.co.uk/shop/#c47 or the smaller BRK35 www.penguinfrigo.co.uk/shop/#brk35

For details of the Wellhouse Leisure i800 Hyundai go to www.wellhouseleisure.com

For Vitrifrigo – VITRISPRING11
For Frigoboat – FRIGOSPRING11

Offer now open until 30th June 2011.

All discounts are calculated from Penguin Refrigeration Retail Price.  Spring Sale Offer only applies to products not already on sale or special offer and excludes spare parts.