Infocenter cooling systems

The following characteristics distinguish the different systems:
 
- Maximum attainable cooling temperature (e.g., -18 °)
- Type: refrigerator or fridge / chest
- Type of energy: 12V, 24V, 230V, gas
- Cooling technology: thermoelectric, absorber, compressor, vibration analyzer
- Quality of insulation
- Noise in operation of the compressor or fan
- Height of starting current (Particularly critical for 230V units with compressor)
- Maximum tilt angle at which the device still functions
- Cooling capacity

            

Cooling operation can be optimized with the following measures:
 
- Place the cool box so that waste heat can escape unhindered
- Open the lid as briefly as possible, a cool box has advantages over a refrigerator since the cold air does not leak out
- Filling the cool box with "Phase Change" elements acts as an energy store and gives very constant indoor temperature link
- Fill the chilled goods as cold as possible, this saves a lot of energy
- If possible, place the cooler in a cool place, without direct sunlight
- With a time clock, the refrigerator can only be switched on when it must be really cold
- Cool with a timer then when the ambient air is cool and thus the efficiency is high
 
The various cooling technologies:
 
Thermoelectric Cooling Box:
These devices are very favorable in buying, have a small cooling capacity and cool with few exceptions not more than 20 ° C under ambient temperature. The service life is normally relatively long and the noise of the fan is relatively small. The problem is the very high energy consumption. (About 5 x more power consumption than a compressor cooler)
-> normally not suitable for solar panels because of the energy consumption
 
Absorber Refrigerators:
These devices are silent, have a small cooling capacity but do not work any more. The cooling capacity is acceptable in operation with gas, with 12V or 220V but mostly low. The efficiency in electrical operation is poor.
-> Advantageous in gas operation, because of the high energy consumption for solar systems not suitable
 
Compressor refrigerator:
Compressor-type refrigerators have the highest efficiency of all refrigerators and thus the lowest energy consumption. The compressor is audible and at startup it needs an increased current. Oscillating compressors are quieter and have no increased starting current. Compressor refrigerators are also tilted and are therefore suitable for sailing vessels and 4x4 vehicles. 220 V compressor refrigerators powered by an inverter are a viable alternative, but through the inverter the efficiency drops to deliver the starting current, the inverter must be able to deliver about 10 times the current.
-> Very good for solar plants, only swinging piston compressors have additional advantages
 
Reciprocating compressor:
Highest efficiency, lowest energy consumption coupled with very little noise favor this technology for stationary and mobile applications. The cooling boxes of Engel also have a very high power so that they reach an internal temperature of 0 ° C even at ambient temperatures of 45 ° C.
-> Best technology for solar systems, especially for mobile applications