REFRIGERATION

We handle Isotherm, Nova Kool and Evakool brands of refrigeration. Our experience of selling hundreds of these units is that these brands handle the tough Australian climate in tough conditions - both in the harsh marine environment at angles of up to 30 degrees, and in caravans, campers, recreational and RV vehicles on the road in tough outback environments. These units are reliable and can be set up to run from both AC and DC voltage.

Talk to us about your application, we can help advise the best unit for your needs.

Isotherm refrigerators are the product of careful research that combines technological innovation with sophisticated, yet practical design. Marine refrigerators operate under tough conditions: they must withstand violent movement, operate noiselessly, be thoroughly reliable - and perhaps most important of all - consume an absolute minimum of battery power. It is Isotherms mission to design and build high-quality and energy-efficient marine refrigeration systems elusively for sailing yachts, motor cruisers, motorhomes and caravans. Only quality and purpose-designed refrigeration equipment can achieve the high level of reliability required. Leaders in the field of marine refrigeration, Isotherm by Indel Marine has developed the innovative patented ASU, Automatic Start Up system that dramatically improves the efficiency of yacht refrigeration systems. Isotherm leads development in on board cooling!

Isotherm ASU - was the first system which automatically regulated the speed of the compressor by registering the level of refrigeration required and the electrical power available at any given time, a technique which looks likely to become one of the future energy-saving systems even for household refrigerators. It has the ability to determine when a surplus of power is available. The heart in the Isotherm system is the all new Danfoss compressor, for which we have developed a new generation of the patented ASU "Automatic Start Up" electronic control system. Together with an Isotherm holding plate they are an unbeatable combination. The new smaller Danfoss compressors are even more power efficient, still almost silent when running, they work in a mixture of oil and refrigerant this helps contribute to the extremely quiet running and long life expected, a hermetically sealed compressor.

The Isotherm speciality is in that all the compressors are running on a three-phase electric system, as all other high efficiency electric motors. The three-phase current is created in a small microprocessor. In this "computer" we have also been able to programme in a number of functions that check and control many of the units systems thus achieving the lowest possible power consumption. And it is well tested, been on the market since years. The same compressor is used for both 12 V and 24 V systems, and the electronic unit is able to protect itself from an accidental reversal of voltage polarity, however the most advanced part of the system is still the ASU "Automatic Start Up"!

Third generation refrigeration compressors with refined ASU system. The new Danfoss compressor is not only smaller, it is also considerably lighter and more power efficient. In a system without ASU, the power savings could be as much as 20% compared with older compressor types. With ASU and other refinements, power consumption could be reduced by as much as 50% compared to previous models. It is so quiet that we now include a speed control feature for the fan as this created even more noise than the compressor. The new ASU system now runs both the compressor and fan as slowly as possible when running only on battery power.

How much power is needed? This is the most frequently asked question of all. For our complete Isotherm refrigerators and boxes, we can give exact power consumption figures as we know their size and quality of insulation. It is more difficult to quote a figure for our refrigeration systems as we do not know the exact size of the box, or even more important, the quality and thickness of the insulation material used. The power consumption figures given for a particular volume are therefore calculated for an insulation material of medium quality and thickness. The average power consumption is given in Ampere/hour.

Isotherm Refrigeration Hot Tips

• If possible minimize the load on the refrigerator when the engine is not running by loading in food stuffs that are already chilled.
• Because cooling generates heat, good ventilation of the compressor compartment is essential for air cooled systems. If the temperature in the vicinity of the compressor rises above +40°C, ventilation needs to be improved to allow cool air (preferably from the bilge where the air is coolest) to enter at the bottom and the warm air to leave at the top. A few holes the size of a large coin are usually sufficient. All air-cooled Isotherm units with holding plates are equipped with a fan which speeds up the air flow.
• If you have chosen sea water cooled Isotherm SP or Magnum model, high temperature inside the boat is immaterial.
• When the refrigerator is not in use - even for a short period - always leave the door or lid slightly open to avoid unpleasant odours.
• The condensation drain in the box should always be closed when the refrigerator is in operation otherwise the heavier cold air will run out at the bottom to be replaced by lighter warm damp air from the boat.
• It is uneconomical to turn off the refrigerator during the night. In addition to an increase in average power consumption when it is started up again, it is also harmful for the food.

Isotherm and ASU's advantages over other refrigerators:

• Continually senses current refrigeration requirements and level of power available onboard.
• Builds up a supply of cooling energy in the cold-holding plate when a surplus of power is available.
• Takes advantage first and foremost of the cooling energy already stored instead of consuming battery power.
• Recognises the difference between various power sources and regulates the system accordingly:
• When the engine is running and a large power surplus is generated under the 5-10 minutes it takes to leave or enter harbour, Isotherm ASU goes into turbo-charger mode to take full advantage of the short power surge.
• If a solar panel or shore-powered battery charger is producing the charge, this is often of low power but is available for a long period. Isotherm ASU registers the difference and allows the compressor (both compressors in TWIN) to run at exactly the correct speed so that batteries and other power-consuming equipment have first priority, but still charges the cold-holding plate somewhat slower so that the temperature in the box does not become too cold. If the solar panel is in shadow for a while, Isotherm then eases off and reduces compressor speed accordingly.
• Isotherm ASU adjusts itself automatically to suit you refrigeration requirements. Should you load a large amount of warm food into the fridge at the same time, or leave the door open by mistake, the ASU system increases refrigeration capacity only enough to cool the food to a level so that it will not be spoiled.
• Isotherm ASU doesn't dither about! Should the level of power available or refrigeration requirements change, the system first waits 30 seconds to see if the change is stable. It then determines what action is required before carrying out its task. The ASU function is also programmed for a fixed shortest running time and shortest stand-still time so that it doesn't start and stop unnecessarily thereby reducing its high efficiency factor.
• An Isotherm ASU system continually adjusts itself to current surroundings. Whether supplied together with a compressor unit to be fitted in a bilge-cooled space on a boat used in Northern waters, or another in Dubai where it will be installed in a hot engine room, the same ASU system senses the difference. It then regulates the speed of the cooling fan or sea water pump to exactly the level required to remove the heat generated by the compressor. This is important as the sound level of the compressors are so low that even the slight amount of noise made by the fan or pump could be heard.
• Isotherm ASU has low-voltage cut-off and reverse polarity protection, runs on both 12 and 24 volt and has full radio interference suppression.