Freezers - How Do They Work?

outlander on 02/03/2017 - 00:24

Its a mystery

My freezer is busted and I need a new one, but there seems to be a critical lack of information out there. Unlike AC's which tell you the input/output power ratio freezers seem to be blind. No data on the compressor COP whatsever

How I am I supposed to know which is the good one, and which is the cheap one that just needs a little extra insulation?

Freezers consume ~$150 per year, so its no small amount if you can reduce it

Should I buy a second hand one, or will the efficiency increases of new models render the savings meaningless? As I struggle with these questions, they struggle with me. What does OzB use to freeze stuff?

Home & Garden

Comments

  • supnigs super skids on 02/03/2017 - 00:34
    +1

    There's a star rating for comparisons between similar units. Use the stars

    • outlander on 02/03/2017 - 01:16

      This is somewhat true, but the stars can change from year to year, and the equation takes into account multiple factors.
      How am I supposed to compare that to second hand models? We are unaware of the factors and thus unable to properly account for them. What about moisture impregnation on second hand models? A problem or not?

      Should we buy a new unit, a second unit, or modify?

      • supnigs super skids on 02/03/2017 - 09:11
        +1

        Even if you got all those metrics you wouldn't even make sense of it all. There's too many variables. Just stick to the star ratings..

        What I do understand is

        Freezer's efficiency and reliably diminishes with age.

        Freezer's are more efficient when stored with as much food as possible.

        Higher ambient temperature reduces freezing efficiency too.

        • cloudy on 02/03/2017 - 10:53
          +1

          I agree with most of what u say, except maybe the point about storing as much as possible.

          I think the manuals recommend a certain amount, so u don't block off the vents, so don't literally shove as much in as u can.

    • Diji1 on 02/03/2017 - 11:48

      The star rating system is also well and truly gamed (legally) by now.

  • Axelstrife on 02/03/2017 - 01:20
    +10

    There like a fridge only alot colder.

    • outlander on 02/03/2017 - 01:24
      -2

      When you lie you make Jesus cry

  • outlander on 02/03/2017 - 01:40
    -1

    I never learnt what log values mean. Once again the nerds have the last laugh

    • supnigs super skids on 02/03/2017 - 09:18
      +1

      which is why there is no need in asking for tech data which you cannot comprehend.

  • moo on 02/03/2017 - 02:38
    +16

    Shame! Shame! Shame! Your thread title is rather misleading. I came into this thread out of curiosity to improve my knowledge on the science behind the workings of a freezer. Clearly disappointed, I went searching and came across the following:

    Evaporation is the key process to freezers. It’s not that freezers blow in cold air, freezers actually remove heat.

    The gas ‘refrigerant’ goes into the compressor and the process of compression makes the gas hot. That hot gas moves through the system getting colder and colder. By the time it reaches the valve – and is pushed through the very small opening – it has turned into a cold mist.

    As the mist goes through the coils under the freezer compartment, it starts to evaporate and turn back into a gas. This evaporation process takes the heat from the freezer compartment with it and as the refrigerant starts to warm up, it is sent back to the compressor to start the process all over again. Eventually the process is completed and there is no heat left in the freezer meaning that all your food is frozen.

    Hopefully this will satisfy the curiosity of my (disappointed) fellow OzBargain science enthusiast.

    • supnigs super skids on 02/03/2017 - 09:22

      Just to add to this defrost systems are just a periodic thing where the heating coils heat just the walls of the freezer - enough to melt the ice on walls. The water is then feed to a pool which gets evaporated by the heated condenser motor

  • IMFrugl on 02/03/2017 - 08:10

    Apart from the usual marketing blurb about changing your freezer every 10 years due to 'improvements' you'll see the real science behind developing a efficient freezer here: http://www.sunfrost.com/all_efficient_refrigerator_models.ht…

    By choice, manufacturers will not manufacture to this standard because of planned obsolescence. Using this as a guide, go find the best possible freezer design!

    My suggestion - find one with thick wall insulation and a good quality seal, get a chest design, ensure the compressor has ample space and airflow to cool down.

    • cannedhams on 02/03/2017 - 12:06

      Lol at the wood panel fridge

  • DavoW on 02/03/2017 - 10:08

    A lot like magnets, nobody knows.

    • cloudy on 02/03/2017 - 10:55
      +1

      With a bit of work I can work out the magnetic strength of the poles, but I will never work out the mood of my wife.

    • Diji1 on 02/03/2017 - 11:50

      Correct, freezers work by magic!

    • IMFrugl on 02/03/2017 - 14:25

      Wikipedia knows! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_refrigeration
      Yep, it's like magic!

      • supnigs super skids on 02/03/2017 - 14:29

        this tech was obtained from aliens for sure. WTF.. see that differntial equation?

  • sillysam on 02/03/2017 - 13:36

    If you have $1000, buy the $1000 fridge.

    If you have $2000, buy the $2000 fridge.

    etc.

  • iratepirate on 02/03/2017 - 13:50

    Anyone with a choice magazine subscription willing to put the outlander out of his/her misery?

    If not most library's have a a copy - freezers reviewed Jan/2017.

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