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| Evaluating Refrigeration Claims |
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We base a lot of our knowledge about our boat’s equipment from fellow boaters and in most cases it is valuable knowledge. Let’s look at some of the information passed around about boat refrigeration and try to validate or disprove it. In order to accumulate the analytical data necessary to evaluate most of these comments a test simulator was constructed using an Igloo cooler with monitoring instruments and various boat refrigeration components. The temperature in the test area was maintained at 79 to 82 °F. The instruments used to record these tests were: DATA LOGGER: The Data Logger is a miniature battery powered microchip that records temperature and time was mounted in the test box. When plugged into a computer, 8000 readings can be downloaded and graphically displayed. These tests readings were programmed at ten-minute intervals providing temperature, time and date TEST PANEL: E-Meter-used to monitor Volts, amps and record total amp-.hours used. Cycle meter- to keep track of refrigeration compressor cycles. Hour Meter- to record the number of hours the compressor ran Below is a list of the comments that I have heard or read on the web. I have listed my test results and it's left up to you to decide whether the comment is a true or misleading statement. Click on the comment to link to the test results for that comment. Holding plates are better than standard evaporators True or False? I have heard that the Vacuum Panel Insulation does not perform well in the tropics. True or False? My boat refrigeration system would be the best one for your boat. True or False? Holding plates containing brine solution are more efficient than glycol filled plates. True or False?
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