There are two main types of camping fridges: thermoelectric and compressor-based. Thermoelectric fridges use a thermoelectric module to transfer heat from inside the fridge to the outside, creating a cooling effect. They are lightweight, silent, and energy efficient, making them a popular choice for camping and off-roading. Compressor-based fridges, on the other hand, use a compressor to compress and expand refrigerant, creating a cooling effect. They are more powerful and can handle larger loads, but they are also heavier and noisier.
To calculate the overall power consumption of a camping fridge, you will need to know the power consumption in watts and the length of time the fridge will be running. The formula is as follows:
Power consumption (amp hours) = (power consumption in watts x running time in hours) / 12
For example, if your camping fridge has a power consumption of 50 watts and you plan to run it for 24 hours, the overall power consumption would be: (50 x 24) / 12 = 100 amp hours.
What is the formula to calculate amp hours of a portable fridge so I can calculate the perfect size battery and solar panel combination to power the fridge?
The formula to calculate the amp-hours of a portable fridge is as follows:
Amp-hours = (watts of fridge) / (voltage of battery)
For example, if your fridge uses 60 watts and you want to use a 12-volt battery, the calculation would be:
Amp-hours = (60 watts) / (12 volts) = 5 amp-hours
This means that you would need a battery with at least 5 amp-hours of capacity to power the fridge for one hour. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and actual usage may vary depending on the specific fridge and usage conditions.
To determine the size of the solar panel you will need to power the fridge, you will need to know the total amp-hours per day that your fridge is consuming. Once you have that number, you can use the formula:
Solar panel watts = (amp-hours per day) x (voltage of battery)
For example, if you need to power a fridge that consumes 5 amp-hours per day and you want to use a 12-volt battery, the calculation would be:
Solar panel watts = (5 amp-hours per day) x (12 volts) = 60 watts
So you will need at least 60 watts solar panel to charge the battery that can power the fridge.
Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and actual usage may vary depending on the specific fridge, usage conditions, and how much sunlight is available.
To select the correct size battery and solar panels to power your camping fridge, you will need to consider the overall power consumption and the length of your trip. A good rule of thumb is to have at least twice the amp hours of your fridge's overall power consumption, to account for any unexpected usage or inefficiency.
For example, if your camping fridge has an overall power consumption of 100 amp hours, you will need a battery with at least 200 amp hours of capacity. As for the solar panels, you will need to calculate the solar panel’s wattage and the number of hours of sunlight in your camping location, to get the overall power produced. Then you can compare it to your fridge’s power consumption and decide the number of panels needed.
Overall, camping fridges are an essential piece of equipment for any camping or off-roading trip in Australia. With the right calculations and equipment, you can ensure that your food and drinks stay cool and fresh throughout your trip.