Smart Refrigerator Controllers?

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williwaw

New member
I recently ran across the "Isotherm Smart Energy Controller" product that claims to significantly reduce refrigerator energy usage. I'm not exactly sure how it works but it appears the key is that it tries to reduce the temp (essentially storing energy) when energy is readily available then tries to optimize compressor operation when it's not.

Here it is at WM: http://www.westmarine.com/buy/isotherm--isotherm-smart-energy-controller--14015747

Anybody have any experience with this? Practical Sailor reported on it in the Oct/2013 issue but that's paywalled.
 
No experience with this specific product--but the Danfoss compressors are variable speed/power usage. I suspect that when the sensor sees higher voltage (alternator or battery charger), it turns up the speed of the compressor (and increased current draw). Thus you are removing more heat from the box, when there is more power available.

The best way to use energy with limited resources is with eutectic "holding plates". These plates contain a solution which has a freezing point well below what the temperature you want in the freezer/refer. You run a compressor off the engine, or a 110 V compressor when power is available (shore or generator). These are available for small built in units, but very costly and not practical for an outboard boat, unless you use 110 V power. There are eutectic plate systems for 12 volt and 110 systems, and could be used on a boat like the C Dory, but again, more expensive. If you have a built in system, a controller like the above, may be of value. Or , you can just turn down the temperature when the the engine is running, a battery charger is on, or when hooked up to 110 volt shore power.

One of the most important features of a good freezer/refer on a boat is insulation--unfortunately most of not all of the commercial units are sadly lacking in insulation. Units I have built for larger boats had 4" to 6" thick insulation, would hold ice for weeks, not days. Lids were thick, and double seals, and positive latches, which lock.
 
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