A refrigeration unit works like a fridge. A compressor compresses a gas that creates cold as it expands. This cold is then sent to a room, a cabin on a boat, via a fan. Note that if they know how to make cold, reversible air conditioners can also be used as heaters.
Older generation air conditioners
Up to now, air conditioners operate on an "all or nothing" basis. 0 or 1! Each time the unit is switched on to lower the temperature, the full power is required. This operation has two drawbacks: it requires a high electrical intensity at each start (peak intensity) and always runs at full power.
In order to provide sufficient power and to withstand the starting peak, the generator set must be strongly dimensioned (30% to 40% more than the operating power). In addition to the fact that it is not always running at full speed, the cooling unit is noisy, causing noise and vibrations that are always unpleasant when you are trying to sleep.
The performance of the Dometic DFV
To solve this problem Dometic launches for the 1 er quarter 2018 a new generation of compact air conditioner: the DFV (Dometic Frosty Var). Unlike other air conditioners that run at full speed, the DFV starts and gradually builds up. Once the set temperature has been reached, the compressor reduces speed by regulating the temperature.
Even though the compressor runs longer, it runs at a lower speed and noise level, no longer disturbing the occupants of the cabin.
Savings in perspective
The DFV incorporates variable speed converter technology, which allows unlimited modulation of the compressor speed, and thus allows continuous temperature control according to demand. Variable speed eliminates the peak starting current of the 230V compressor by starting at 0 Hz. The DFV includes an ECO mode for limited power or low load requirements, reducing energy consumption (generator fuel or shore power).
Without any start peak, the generator size can be reduced by 20-30% (thus cheaper to purchase) The generator should be sized to match the actual running load rather than the start load.
A compact and very quiet system
Very compact, the DFV can be installed on motor boats as well as sailboats from 35 feet. If an air conditioning is often thought of when buying a new boat, it can also be easily retrofitted.
With an exceptionally low noise level, the DFV operates under 50db at low speed in its soundproofing cocoon. Very quiet, it also offers a low vibration level.
A comparison between a DFV and a conventional DTU shows a decrease of about 10 dBA between the two products. Decibels that can be heard in the silence of the night.
DFV available in 3 powers
The DFV range includes 3 models up to 18,000 Btu, all 230V - 50/60 Hz.
- DFV8: 3000 - 8000 Btu
- DFV12: 5000 - 12000 Btu
- DFV18: 10000 - 18000 Btu
