Refrigeration: replacing a Glacier Bay?

[ardoin]

My Glacier Bay has died for the last time. I'm looking for recommendations on a replacement. The old system is water cooled. The system is a freezer with two plates and a refrig next to it with a vent fan to circulate cold air in from the freezer side. Normally I only run it in the day, and shutoff at night (the Glacier Bay is very noisy). Also i would like to avoid hauling out the make the change.
Any suggestions?


Thanks
Cy

[camaraderie]

Ardoin...Suggest you look at the sea-frost BD-XP system...they have both air and water cooled options. I did an install with 2 plates and airflow to the refrig eration compartment and it worked out well. They will work with you over the phone and make everything up to your measurements. I was very happy with the installation and had an even larger one installed on my own boat.

[ardoin]

Thanks, checking into it and will report final results.
cy

[negrini]

Interesting Ardoin, I was just considering Glacier Bay for my next project, due to efficiency, reduced noise and ... reliability. What a mistake ! My previous Alden Barbour was never well efficient, but gave us 15 year plus of trouble free cooling. Let us know your project ...

[erps]

I think most of these small refer units are based on the same dDanfoss compressors. From what I've read, the efficiency comes from matching the compressor speeds to the evaporator plates and that's secondary to the insulation you have in your box. Also depending on the ambient temperature of your environment Robert Kollmann doesn't recommend water cooling with the Danfoss pumps. Here's a great resource for refrigeration questions on boats:

KollmannMarine Boat Refrigeration Specialist

[agoodman]

Take a look at a product called Tropikool. It uses C02 like the cartridges from your inflatible vests. It is a 12 vold system very effecient.

[ianhlnd]

Ardoin, you didn't mention the size of your boxes nor whether you are now with evaporator or cold plates. I guess what you're replacing is a unit with two evaporator plates in the freezer area with a blow-hole into the refer?

The Danfloss used in the "super cold machine" is purported to be appropriate for up to 12 cu ft. Downside is that if one machine is running both compartments, expect a 80% running time at around 40 watts, or roughly around 77 amps per 24 hr period.

Water cooled vs. air cooled is a big question. With air cooled, expect warmer interiors. If like me you're in 100 + degree outside temperature and 85 degree water, heat in the cabin can make a difference in both comfort and the unit's efficiency. Although, for those chilly mornings, a little heat is welcome.

I'm really happy with my cold plates with an engine compressor. It brings the freezer down to 17 degrees in about 45 minutes, and holds a temperature below 32 for about two days.

[ardoin]

Did the replacement with a Sea Frost. 14 cu ft (about 60/40 freezer/frig) and it is very quite. Draws about 8DC Amps (12V) at max and about 1/2 that once the box is cold. Cycle is about 30 min off, 20 min on. Dual cold plates set at 1 deg F. This is keeping the freezer at 18 deg F and the frig good and cold (still adjusting the fan overflow).
Currently using the air cooled version (but have to option to add H2O).

Been running for 2 months now without a problem.

FYI the cold plates are much thinner, thus more run time to keep the freezer cold, but lower Amps. Also much less frost on the plates. And oh, so quite!

[camaraderie]

Thanks for the update Ardoin...glad the advice worked out!