Convection Basics
When ventilating an enclosed space, consider the facts of natural convection, that cool air falls and warm air rises. The ideal ventilation design will use natural convection and provide a path for cool air to enter below the refrigerator/freezer and warmer air to exit above the refrigerator/freezer. The design of the refrigerator/freezer allows this to occur if there is
a ventilation opening above the refrigerator/freezer. The heat created by the refrigerator/ freezer can then flow freely out of the enclosed space rather than be trapped within it.
Ventilation for Norcold Portable Refrigerator/Freezers
For the maximum cooling efficiency and the lowest power |
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consumption, use the following guidelines. These are |
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especially important when using the refrigerator/freezer |
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under a counter or in an enclosed space. |
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- | Make sure that there are at least 4 inches (102 mm) | 10 | 10 |
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| of clearance [10] from the vents on each side of the |
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| compressor compartment (See Art02218). |
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- | When using the refrigerator/freezer in an enclosed |
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| space such as an RV basement, make sure that |
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there are at least 48 square inches (310 square | Art02218 | |
cm) of ventilation area above the compressor | ||
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compartment. Less than 48 square inches |
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(310 square cm) of ventilation area will result in |
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poor refrigeration performance, continuous compressor operation, and a shortened refrigerator/freezer life.
- The ventilation area should open into the living area of the vehicle
Storage
When storing portable refrigerator/freezers, make sure that there are no obstructions (luggage, etc.) around the refrigerator/freezer while it is operating (See Art02219). Make sure that there is adequate ventilation space to the refrigerator/freezer. Locate the ventilation space in an area that allows natural convection through the refrigerator/freezer condenser coils and around the compressor.
Art02219
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