Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Lazy Daze Forums => Lazy Daze Technical => Topic started by: tedeboy on July 10, 2019, 11:07:41 pm

Title: Refrigerator on and A/C and on propane
Post by: tedeboy on July 10, 2019, 11:07:41 pm
I've noticed my fridge runs cooler on A/C than it does on propane.

Is this typical?
Title: Re: Refrigerator on and A/C and on propane
Post by: Joan on July 10, 2019, 11:26:23 pm
Contrary to my experience; the refrigerator in my 2003 runs colder on propane than on AC.
Title: Re: Refrigerator on and A/C and on propane
Post by: Jane on July 11, 2019, 06:20:08 am
We are like Joan, a little better on propane. 

Others have said there is not supposed to be a difference.....
Title: Re: Refrigerator on and A/C and on propane
Post by: colddog on July 11, 2019, 08:57:52 am
It's not the source of energy production its the time of applied energy that mades the difference.   A watt of power is a watt of power no matter.  I.E.  an equal amount of carioles from propane equals an equal amount of calories from electricity. 

My guess is there can be a difference in applied power at different times.  I.E. the propane source is putting out less/more calories then the A/C source or vis versa.  

glen
Title: Re: Refrigerator on and A/C and on propane
Post by: Jane on July 11, 2019, 10:26:27 am
Yes, Glen that is what I read into it.  If some people showed the propane system gave more output or the A/C did.
I wonder if something like outside temperature affects how efficiently the propane source output works vs the AC source output?  Or age of fridge or ......

Title: Re: Refrigerator on and A/C and on propane
Post by: Steve on July 11, 2019, 12:45:40 pm
With your older fridge, it is possible different temperature sensors are used for the different modes. Newer fridges use the same sensor, because a single processor controls all modes.

Steve
Title: Re: Refrigerator on and A/C and on propane
Post by: Eric Greenwell on July 12, 2019, 06:16:09 pm
We are like Joan, a little better on propane.  Others have said there is not supposed to be a difference.....

The heating available can vary with elevation with propane (higher elevation, less heat from the flame), and with voltage when using 120VAC (low voltage = less heating available; eg, when it's hot and everyone in the campground has their air conditioner running). Propane heating can also suffer from a clogged jet, partially blocked flue, and corroded flame nozzle. Both forms will suffer from cooling fins that are frosted over.

My experience is two little fans blowing on the fins inside the refrigerator improve operation much more than any differences between propane/120VAC; ditto for a fan(s) blowing air across the external fins. With the internal and external fans, my refrigerator works well under all conditions, whether it's 100+ degree heat, high altitude, or low campground voltage.
Title: Re: Refrigerator on and A/C and on propane
Post by: Jules on July 13, 2019, 01:23:13 pm
Eric,

“ a fan(s) blowing air across the external fins.”

Where might I find that external fin?  I want to replicated your idea in my rig.

Thanks,

Jules
Title: Re: Refrigerator on and A/C and on propane
Post by: Joan on July 13, 2019, 01:28:05 pm
"Where might I find that external fin..."
---
I think that Eric may mean the coils (zig zag cooling tubing) on the back of the refrigerator?
Title: Re: Refrigerator on and A/C and on propane
Post by: Eric Greenwell on July 13, 2019, 02:30:50 pm
"Where might I find that external fin..."
---
I think that Eric may mean the coils (zig zag cooling tubing) on the back of the refrigerator?
My Norcold has fins along the tubing (condenser) at the top rear of the refrigerator. I thought that was standard for most refrigerators of the size we use.

I should clarify that the external fans are mounted at the bottom rear of the refrigerator, and blow air up the entire back side of the unit, and not just on the external fins. The installation is based on what bumper reported he did for his LD a few years ago.
Title: Re: Refrigerator on and A/C and on propane
Post by: Joan on July 13, 2019, 04:10:12 pm
Ah, OK, I looked at the schematic; the condenser coils. This link may be helpful to see the parts for some models of Dometic refrigerators:

http://www.nancyemmert.com/region6/Resources/NewDometicRefrigeratorManual.pdf