Reduce compressor running time with up to 50%

Just a heads up on managing energy and compressor rub time more efficiently. I have installed a Smart Energy Control onto my Webasto fridge.   I came across this at the Auckland boat show.

The claims are that significant energy savings are achievable by the smart controller's processor continuously scanning key environmental factors such as internal temp and system supply voltage. The impact of this results in a recalibration of the compressor speed which maximises performance and loads consumption.

Installation was fairly straightforward on my 375 and I haven't yet been able to our a substantive data other than my observations over the last week. Two noticeable differences are; the fridge temperature is now cooler, and the compressor operates with less noise.

It is easy to install but required some minor carpentry to access the back of the compressor control unit.   The tricky part is the installation of the sensor probe near the bottom of the fridge without having to channel wiring inside the fridge wall. I have managed to do this by drilling from within the lower cabinet in the galley and being able to exit The whole inside the fridge at the lower point for the installation of the probe.

The existing control I have not has been left intact are the only impact to this has been the wiring at the back of the control unit on the attached to the compressor. I have installed a new potentiometer where the existing light is fitted. Webasto have a double adapter unit which fits into that slot and allows for the light fitting and the potentiometer meter to be fitted into this housing.

The new processing unit plugs into the back of the existing control unit behind the compressor.

Condensation on the side wall which faces the sqaub is in evidence on my vessel as well.   Speaking to a refrigeration technician and looking at the remediation work done on a another Hanse 375, they installed foil insulation material on the outer wall with the expectation that this will reduce the moisture penetration onto the squab.

Regarding another issue raised in this discussion topic about condensation under the refrigeration unit: solution would be to install a fan in the chamber where the compressor is to draw the fear to allow for circulation this should reduce the incidence of condensation. This could be linked to the compressor so that the firm only operates whilst the compressor is active.

Improving the air flow to the compressor is very easy and cheap to do. 

Hi 

The next step was to cut the box with a knife. I was surprised to see how easily the cured foam was cut and formed. It seems any excess foam will be easily removed when applied around the cooling box.

It was also interesting to see the density of the foam. It will probably work perfectly as insulating material.

Johan



Edited by Johan Hackman - 11 May 2018 at 20:51

Thanks for bringing this up - I need to do the same for my 371.  Perhaps more needed here in South Florida than in the archipeligo.  To give you an example of why the insulation is needed, with an ambient air temperature of +25, half way up the inside of the box the temperature is +13, while the bottom of the box is at -3.