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Date:         Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:50:40 -0700
Reply-To:     Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Vitrifrigo/Truck Fridge power usage
Comments: To: Ian Allan <ian.allan@BMTS.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <145F48F6-D56E-465E-A1A8-D316177DF8E9@bmts.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Since I have an analog ammeter in the system, one that responds fairly quickly, I can say that if there is a current spike on startup, it is neither very large nor very long. It just smoothly swings up to running current with no overshoot. Running current is dead steady. Startup current there may be, but it's insignificant when integrated into the whole shebang.

Mike S also brings up the duty cycle thing.

I tell ya, interpreting specs can be a challenge. Heck, just reading the darn spec sheet is apparently more than I can handle!

I have no numbers to back me up, not having the van equipped with telemetry and a data logging system, but my seat o' the pants feeling is that the Norcold is more efficient in terms of power consumption than the Vitrifrigo. This based on two to three years of operation of both refrigerators.

But and all, depending on ambient temp, I find the battery depleted in the morning somewhere between 28 A/h (80F nights, control set to 7 o' clock [Mrs Squirrel's frozen drinks]) and 11 A/h (32F nights, control set to 6 o' clock, a Mrs Squirrel-less trip).

I like the Vitrofrigo's larger capacity and that is operates more quietly than my Norcold did (YMMV).

-- Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott Bend, Ore. 1984 Westfalia. A poor but proud people. 1971 "Ladybug"-brand utility trailer ca. 1972 from a defunct company in San Clemente, Calif., now repurposed as The Westrailia.

Sent from my kitchen.

On 09/20/2011 03:05 PM, Ian Allan wrote: > I have seen current draw claims, particularly in marine electronic > devices such as autopilots and refrigeration systems that are based on > duty cycle assumptions. For example a 4 amp draw with a 75% duty cycle > becomes a 3 amp. (average) draw if measured over an hour or some > protracted length of time. Also in the case of refrigeration I think > that the start-up current will always be higher that the run current. > > Rocket, did you see that? A Therapist! > :-) > > Ian Allan > > 86 Syncro > 85 Westfalia/Bostig > 84 Westfalia > 02 Jetta 1.8t


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