A unique compressor
To make cold, it is necessary to compress a gas (based on freon). It is by relaxing that the gas creates cold. The conventional compressors found on all domestic refrigerators, among others, are like small engines with a piton, a connecting rod, and a crankshaft to run them with an electric motor. All these moving parts wear out and consume energy to operate.
The Japanese manufacturer Sawafuji has imagined a very different compressor with just one piston in motion! It is an oscillating compressor. The piston is clamped between 2 springs and set in motion by magnets (a coil).
Certain advantages
In addition to reducing moving parts and therefore wear, this type of compressor also consumes much less energy. It is considered to consume about 1/3 less electricity for the same efficiency as a conventional compressor.
But also the starting current (for compressor start-up) is very low. There is no peak at start-up. As a result, it is possible to start the compressor much more often without increasing power consumption. This way, a constant temperature can be maintained in a refrigerator by often starting the compressor. With a conventional compressor, as the peak starts are so consuming, manufacturers reduce the number of starts to reduce consumption. The temperature maintenance is affected by this with continuous decreases and increases in temperatures.
The Sawafuji compressor is very resistant and has proven its worth in off-road vehicles. It even operates at heel (up to 30° inclination) and is resistant to vibration.
Coolers and freezers
Very present in 4x4 and motorhomes, the Engel brand is now entering the boating industry in France. There are portable coolers from 14 to 80 litres, some of which can also be used as freezers. All these coolers operate at 12 or 24 V, but also at 220 V (with priority given to the 220 V connection). The Combi versions offer a refrigerator and a freezer in the same cooler. A real freezer that goes down to -18° (and not just a freezer).
A range of built-in refrigerators is also available with 3 models of 40, 55 and 80 litres. These are vertical refrigerators with the door on the front. These models only operate at 12 or 24 V (220 V with external power supply)
