We too have a single volume refrigerator compartment cooled mostly by an
Adler Barber Cold Machine. We thought of changing it to some other system
but found that the A-B is better understood and supported (at least in
Mexico) than other systems. We improved it by installing small 1" fans that
run when the compressor is on (a simple relay connection) and by using a
variable resistor in the thermostat line, which controls how fast the
compressor runs - faster speeds for warmer weather. The compressor allowed
for water cooling so we plumbed it to our fresh water tank (no extra
thru-hulls or corrosion issues, can also use it on the hard). The fans
actually do help in distributing the "coolth" with very little amperage -
about .01 amp per fan. Just to be on the safe side, we also built a DC
refrigerator cold plate system as backup or when we want to cool down the
box quickly. Another modification was to install a Carel digital thermostat
on each unit, which keeps the evaporator box and/or cold plate at a constant
temperature rather than relying on air temperature with the normal
thermostat. We also put an "insulator" blanket over the hull side of the
icebox to keep down heating from the sun - it gets hot, Hot, HOT in Mexico.
A great place for parts and ideas on the net is RParts, a mailorder
refrigeration parts vendor who carries parts for many different models at
substantially cheaper prices.
A fiberglass wall in an icebox sounds like the perfect insulator for keeping
only one side cool...
Michael & Elizabeth
S/V Cambria
Sonora, Mexico only we are presently in SF, CA

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Received on Thu Aug 17 20:47:03 2006