Marine Refrigeration Sizing
Calculate refrigerator/freezer compressor requirements for boats
Refrigerator Box
x
x
Length x Width x Height
Operating Conditions
Cooling Requirements
Cooling Load
--
Compressor Size
--
Box Volume
--
Surface Area
--
R-Value (total)
--
Heat Leak
--
Power Requirements
Run Time (daily est.)
--
Power Draw (running)
--
Daily Energy Use
--
Solar to Offset (4h sun)
--
Insulation R-Values
| Material | R-Value/inch | 3" Total |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Panel | R-25 | R-75 |
| Closed-Cell Foam | R-6.5 | R-19.5 |
| Polyurethane Foam | R-6 | R-18 |
| Styrofoam/EPS | R-4 | R-12 |
| Fiberglass | R-3 | R-9 |
Marine Refrigeration Guidelines
Insulation: Minimum 3" of polyurethane foam for refrigeration, 4"+ for freezers. Top-opening boxes are significantly more efficient than front-opening.
Compressor Sizing: Select compressor capacity 20-30% above calculated heat load to ensure adequate cooling in hot conditions.
Holding Plates: For engine-driven systems, holding plates should have capacity for 8-12 hours of cooling between engine runs.
Efficiency Tips: Pre-cool food before loading, minimize door openings, add cold packs when possible, and ensure proper ventilation around condenser.