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Solar powered frig fan

Started by PM3579, Jul 04, 2009, 01:41 PM

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PM3579

I am considering adding a solar frig fan to help with cooling the condenser coil of our Dometic RM 2193. I've done the baffel mod with coil stock and sealed it in place, but on hot days we still have a problem keeping the frig cool. Since we dry camp most of the time computer fans aren't a good option. Does any one have any feed back on these soler fans?:usflag:

wavery

Quote from: PM3579;207324Does any one have any feed back on these soler fans?:usflag:

Do you have a link or something??? Hard to comment on "these solar fans?" when we don't know what you're talking about.

I had 2 solar roof fans on my yacht. They worked great but we had all day sunlight. I'm not sure how you would mount whatever it is that you're talking about to get enough sun.

It just occurs to me that there may be more to be gained by adding a comparable priced solar panel on the roof top and use a $5 computer fan. Then again.....I have no idea what you're talking about.....:sombraro:

austinado16

The computer fan doesn't use that much and it moves a huge amount of air compared to the solar versions (Valterra brand maybe?)  

The other thing about the solar is that you've got to have it in sun or it won't work.  So depending on campground location, it won't work.

I dry camp too, and I installed 1 of the computer fans from Best Buy, and a little on/off rocker switch from Radio Shack, and wired it right in to the 12v plug connector inside the 2193's cabinet.

wavery

Quote from: austinado16;207336The computer fan doesn't use that much and it moves a huge amount of air compared to the solar versions (Valtera brand maybe?)  The other thing about the solar is that you've got to have it in sun or it won't work.  So depending on campground location, it won't work.

I dry camp too, and I installed 1 of the computer fans from Best Buy, and a little on/off rocker switch from Radio Shack, and wired it right in to the 12v plug connector inside the 2193's cabinet.

That's correct. Most computer fans draw less than .5A.

Here's a solar panel that puts out 5W (~.5A) for $40.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=41144

There are always solar panels of all sizes on eBay. There's a 20w (~1.5A) for $40.

Either one of these would make up for a fridge fan but be [SIZE="5"][COLOR="Red"]*****WARNED****[/COLOR][/SIZE] this is just the start of a very long solar road. The larger panels are more economically attractive.

austinado16

We keep finding campgrounds and campsites where solar would be pretty useless because of all the trees and shade.  So I'm kinda happy I didn't go down the solar path.  Plus, I sort of killed my need for solar by retrofitting the ceiling lights with LEDs, and installing the Wave 6 heater.

Here's a link to all the fridge fans made by Valterra:
http://www.valterra.com/RV/refrigerator_fans.htm

PM3579

Sorry for the vague post Wavery. Austinado16 thanks for the pic, thats the unit I was refering to. I was looking at that unit as we really don't have a problem except on bright, hot sunny days. We have a group 24 batt and don't have a problem with lack of power, but didn't want to tax the power we do have. Our big trip is 11 days in a field in WV over Labor day, with 2000 of our closest caving friends. For the last 18 yrs we have worked out of coolers, but last year we had the pup and tried using the frig. Even with adjusting the frig control morning and night it was almost freezing in the morning, and hot by late afternoon. The reasoning behind my consideration of the Valterra unit was cost and ease of use. The low cfm was a concern which prompted my post. Clearly I need to give this mod more thought. Thanks for the responces. :usflag:

austinado16

Sounds like in your situation, it would be a good choice.  My fridge performs like yours and I really think it's just due to the age of the fridge.

I've packed the cabinet with insulation, filled in with insulation and reflectix and a baffle just above the lower door so that air flow can only go up through the coils, and then added a computer fan.  I don't see that any of it has helped the performance.  

Recently in the mountains at 52*F at night and maybe 70*F in the day, the fridge easily stayed in the low 30's and I had to keep turning the fridge temp control down to keep it above freezing.  That's the first time it's performed that well in the 3 years we've owned the camper.  Last year in the Grand Canyon, by day 4 (with us having been gone for 3 days hiking) the ice in the ice cube tray was melting and I just couldn't get the fridge to stay in the 30's.

I use a digit fridge thermometer that mounts on the outside of the fridge door and has a temp probe inside.