Andrew Pace
Refrigeration is an essential part of boating, and there are many different types of refrigeration systems available for boats. Refrigerators and air conditioners do not create cold, but they remove heat from one location and move it to another. This process is achieved through a closed system, which includes a thermostat, a compressor, heat exchanger pipes, an expansion valve, and a nontoxic fluorinated-ethane chemical called the refrigerant. The refrigerant is converted from a gas to a liquid and back again to a gas, and while undergoing this change of state it releases and absorbs heat. The type of refrigeration system that is right for your boat will depend on how much time you spend on your boat, its size, whether it is a power or sailboat, and the climate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How it works | Refrigerators and air conditioners do not create cold, but they remove heat from one location and move it to another |
| Components | Compressor, heat exchanger pipes outside the unit (condenser), an expansion valve, heat exchanger pipes inside the box with your food (evaporator), and a nontoxic fluorinated-ethane chemical (R-134a) called the refrigerant |
| Thermostat | Controls the system |
| Refrigerant | Gets converted from a gas to a liquid and back again to a gas, and while undergoing this change of state it releases and absorbs heat |
| Power source | Most electric front-loading refrigerator/freezers and portable compressor cooler/freezers operate on "universal voltage" and can automatically switch between AC shorepower and DC batteries |
| Power supply | Ensure compatibility between your chosen unit and your boat's electrical system |
| Power availability | Powerboats generate electrical power constantly while underway, so their only limitations occur when anchored and away from shorepower, operating on the House batteries |
| Duty cycle | The refrigerator box heats up and the compressor cycles on, cooling it down, running typically about 20 to 30 minutes of every hour |
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What You'll Learn
- The duty cycle: the refrigerator box heats up and the compressor cools it down, running for about 20-30 minutes of every hour
- The thermostat controls the system
- The refrigerant gets converted from a gas to a liquid and back again to a gas, releasing and absorbing heat
- The compressor: a pump that sucks the cold gas back around
- Power source flexibility: select units compatible with 12v DC, 120v AC, or engine-driven power systems
The duty cycle: the refrigerator box heats up and the compressor cools it down, running for about 20-30 minutes of every hour
The duty cycle is the process by which a boat refrigerator maintains its temperature. The refrigerator box heats up and the compressor cools it down, running for about 20-30 minutes of every hour. This cycle repeats as long as the compressor is running. The rate at which the box heats up depends on the size of the box, the efficiency of the insulation, and the ambient temperature. The thermostat controls the system, keeping it cycling on and off. The refrigeration demands will differ depending on how much time is spent on the boat, its size, whether it is a power or sailboat, and the climate.
The refrigeration system includes five components: a compressor (essentially a pump), heat exchanger pipes outside the unit (the condenser), an expansion valve, heat exchanger pipes inside the box with the food (the evaporator), and a nontoxic fluorinated-ethane chemical (R-134a) called the refrigerant. The refrigerant gets converted from a gas to a liquid and back again to a gas, and while undergoing this change of state, it releases and absorbs heat.
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The thermostat controls the system
A boat refrigerator works by removing heat from one location and moving it to another. The system is controlled by a thermostat, which regulates the temperature by cycling the refrigerator on and off. The thermostat's cycling rate depends on the efficiency of the insulation and the ambient temperature.
The thermostat controls the conversion of the refrigerant from a gas to a liquid and back to a gas. During this process, the refrigerant releases and absorbs heat. The compressor, which acts as a pump, creates a vacuum that sucks the cold gas back around, and the cycle repeats as long as the compressor is running.
The refrigerator box heats up at a rate dependent on the size of the box, the efficiency of the insulation, and the ambient temperature. The compressor then cools it down, typically running for about 20 to 30 minutes of every hour. This is known as the duty cycle.
The refrigeration demands of a boat will differ based on factors such as the amount of time spent on the boat, its size, whether it is a power or sailboat, and the climate. Boat refrigerators are available in various brands and models, with different power sources and configurations, to suit the specific needs and electrical setup of the boat.
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The refrigerant gets converted from a gas to a liquid and back again to a gas, releasing and absorbing heat
A boat refrigerator works by removing heat from one location and moving it to another. This is achieved through a closed system that includes a compressor (a pump), heat exchanger pipes outside the unit (the condenser), an expansion valve, heat exchanger pipes inside the box with your food (the evaporator), and a nontoxic fluorinated-ethane chemical (R-134a) called the refrigerant. The refrigerant gets converted from a gas to a liquid and back again to a gas, releasing and absorbing heat in the process. The vacuum from the compressor sucks the cold gas back around, and the cycle repeats as long as the compressor is running. The refrigerator box heats up at a rate depending on the size of the box, the efficiency of the insulation, and the ambient temperature. The compressor then cycles on, cooling the box down. This cycle is called the duty cycle.
The type of refrigeration you choose for your boat will depend on a number of factors, including how much time you spend on your boat, its size, whether it is a power or sailboat, and the climate. Power availability also varies depending on boat type. Powerboats generate electrical power constantly while underway, so their only limitations occur when anchored and away from shore power, operating on the House batteries. It is important to ensure compatibility between your chosen unit and your boat's electrical system, as well as proper airflow clearance around the unit for efficient operation.
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The compressor: a pump that sucks the cold gas back around
The compressor is a pump that sucks the cold gas back around. The vacuum from the compressor sucks the cold gas back around, and the cycle repeats as long as the compressor is running. The refrigerator box heats up and the compressor cycles on, cooling it down. This is called the duty cycle. The compressor runs typically about 20 to 30 minutes of every hour. The duty cycle depends on the efficiency of the insulation and the ambient temperature. Most refrigerators draw about 5A when the compressors are running.
The compressor is one of the five components of a refrigeration system. The other components are heat exchanger pipes outside the unit (the condenser), an expansion valve, heat exchanger pipes inside the box with your food (the evaporator), and a nontoxic fluorinated-ethane chemical (R-134a) called the refrigerant. The refrigerant gets converted from a gas to a liquid and back again to a gas, and while undergoing this change of state it releases and absorbs heat.
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Power source flexibility: select units compatible with 12v DC, 120v AC, or engine-driven power systems
Boat refrigerators are available with power source flexibility, allowing you to select a unit that is compatible with 12v DC, 120v AC, or engine-driven power systems. This ensures seamless integration with your boat's electrical setup.
Most electric front-loading refrigerator/freezers and portable compressor cooler/freezers operate on "universal voltage" and can automatically switch between AC shorepower and DC batteries. Dometic and Norcold refrigerators include electronic control modules that automatically switch between 12V and 24V DC operation.
The power availability of your boat will depend on the type of boat you have. Powerboats generate electrical power constantly while underway, so their only limitations occur when anchored and away from shore power, operating on the House batteries.
When selecting a boat refrigerator, it is important to consider the size and layout of your boat. You can choose from built-in, portable refrigerators, and modular compressor options. Drawer units are ideal for maximising space in tight areas, while traditional refrigerator and freezer configurations are suitable for larger vessels.
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Frequently asked questions
A boat refrigerator works by removing heat from one location and moving it to another. It does this by using a closed system that includes a compressor, heat exchanger pipes, an expansion valve, and a refrigerant. The refrigerant is converted from a gas to a liquid and back again, releasing and absorbing heat in the process.
The duty cycle refers to the amount of time the compressor is running. Boat refrigerators typically run for about 20 to 30 minutes of every hour.
Boat refrigerators can use different power sources depending on the model and brand. Some common power sources include 12V DC, 120V AC, or engine-driven power systems.
