Refrigeration is an essential element onboard for the convenience of crew and passengers. Every boat has its distinctive refrigeration needs. From a small boat that carries ice box to the big merchant vessels, that carry cargo.
The need arises due to the availability of food. Food can house bacteria and when this contaminated food is consumed it can be taxing on the health.
Cooling does not kill bacteria in the food. But it significantly slows down its growth. Thus, cooling can decide the life of the food supplies and play a crucial role in survival.
The refrigeration unit of a boat is composed of
Compressor
Condenser
Expansion Valve
The evaporator
The Refrigerant (R-134a).
The refrigerating systems do not exactly give the cooling effect. Instead, it moves the heat from one place to another. When a substance loses heat, it gets cooled. This process is done by the refrigerant that is a nontoxic fluorinated-ethane gas. This gas undergoes the process of conversion from gaseous to liquid and again back to the gas. Thereby, releasing and absorbing heat.
Sailors obviously love waters and their boats. They deep into the seas and cruise in the oceans for days and weeks. The need for fresh food and beverages is felt deeply on such trips. Hence, it is important to select the appropriate refrigerating unit for your boat or yacht.
Analyse
Before you reach the frost shop at the harbour to buy a boat cooling unit you could do some analysis about the trips that you make. It is important to know your requirements as there is an endless variety. Embarking on a journey to the north will require a unit that is robust so that it can function under the worst of climes. Hence, it is important to know what you should buy.
The type of refrigeration is totally dependent on the factor like boat capacity, engine power, and utility.
12V DC Operated Refrigerator
Cold plated System: This can be operated on 12V AC or DC supply.
Holding Plate System: Runs on 12V Dc or 110V AC or engine compressor
Keep energy efficiency the priority while buying a refrigerator as there is a dearth of energy when onboard. The battery of the refrigerator can suck the juice out of the engine. The questions that you can ask the dealer of the unit can be
Is the unit chargeable by solar power? Does your boat has the power to run the refrigerator in case you extend you trip duration? Does the refrigerator fit in the space that you have on your boat?
Answering these questions will make your choices clear. Also, consider working out an installation strategy of the refrigerator. The refrigerator unit come with an installation manual to guide you through the installation process. One can get detailed information on the guarantees and warranty period.