Compressor fridge battery question (1 Viewer)

[Birtha]

Hi Funsters

Im looking to get a 12v compressor fridge for our camper and would like to know what battery storage you would recomend? I have 2 decent 70ah at the mo hooked up to 2x 180w pv pannels and a ep solar mppt controller, do you reckon this would do or do i need more pv and batteries?

Cheers
Phil

 

[Cal54]

So much depends how you intend to use your MH especially in winter. I have 2 x 100 amp batteries and 2 x 100 wt solar panels. This has been fine this year with me being static and no EHU for 6 days. When your batteries are ready for changing I would recommend you fit the largest that space will permit. I also use the TV for a few hours each night.

 

[ericroy]

You don't say what size fridge you are planning to use but my 60 litre compressor fridge works well with 225ah battery and 240watts solar. We can function off grid from March to September in the U.K. In winter, especially when further north than the midlands, we need to augment the solar from alternator or mains hookup.

If it was me, I would be thinking about adding to the battery capacity but be happy with that amount of solar.

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[Minxy]

Agree with others that you really need a better battery bank than just a single 70amp one - for days when the solar isn't putting much charge in you'll struggle to keep your fridge working - I'd certainly double up, or ideally go bigger as well if you can.

 

[TheBig1]

3x 110amp would be good

 

[vwalan]

hi. i have 6 x 80wt panels and 600amp of batterie use an inverter to power a household 240v fridge . . i,m sure what you have will work for you . if it should get really rainy and dark . just switch the fridge off at night . but keep the door shut .
avoid parking under trees in the day.
more batteries would be nice.

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[Birtha]

Hi All
Thanks for the input.
Im a fridge engineer so my first thought was to try and put an evaporator in the 3 way fridge i have and put the compressor and condenser under the van, but the cost and hassel outweighs the cost of a new fridge. So i will probably buy new.
Not sure what size, i will have to see if i change the kitchen unit.
Has anyone used a 240v fridge using 12v too 240 inverter or is it just a waste of energy ?

 

[Birtha]

Sorry just seen your message vwalan. I will do a few trials with a 240 v fridge and up the battery bank. Cheers

 

[vwalan]

i started using 240v fridges in 2003 it always seemed the best way.
12 v is expensive . bob uses a table top 240v fridge . but they can be noisey and very often well even my new fridge needs pure sine wave inverters . the bigger fridges seem quieter. but a bit big for yours .

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[GeriatricWanderer]

......... and don't forget, much of the time you don't need to run the fridge during the night. Extend the life of your battery charge by keeping 2 or 3 ice blocks in the freezer compartment and when you retire for the night move them into the fridge and turn the fridge off. The fridge temperature should stay pretty constant 'til morning.
The only downside is that you won't be able to keep food fozen in the freezer.

 

[Birtha]

Yes a bit to big for my van, i will keep my eye out for a small 240v.
Thats a good idea G W, i will do that with the 3 way fridge im using at the mo, as i only have one small gas bottle with us for a 2 1/2 month trip and from what ive read i cant get a replacement in spain or portugal.

 

[vwalan]

always ask in any of the gas works you pass they do fill uk bottles .
sometimes they will let you have a local bottle with no fee for bottle .

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[Birtha]

Cheers Dude I will give that a try.

 

[GeriatricWanderer]

If you spend long periods of time on the Continent with quite small UK gas bottles it might pay you to take a Continental regulator with you. In an emergency you could just buy a full bottle. Campingaz is always an option - expensive but can be exchanged almost everywhere, just needs a different regulator.

 

[Birtha]

Cheers, i will do on our next trip.

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[peterc10]

If its gas that is a problem, just get a refillable system and you can refill anywhere in Europe.