Build an ultra efficient fridge

Step 7

Congratulations, we are now ready for cheap winter time fridge cooling! You can now move on to the other the next section if you want to have the switching from the outside air, to fridge compressor controlled by an external thermostat.
Do to the cost of external thermostats, I left this out, to keep this project as cheap as possible. But I am planning on doing this to my main fridge, and using an external thermostat for that so it's all automatic.
Everything that was performed above applies to a larger fridge with the exception of where the input and output duct work goes. You can add an external thermostat to switch the outlet that the push pull fans connect to. This will allow you to have the fans turn off and on automatically during the fall and spring when temperatures go above the desired fridge temperature.

I have also thought of using solar panels to power the fans since they only us half an amp! This way you can be completely off the grid.

Comments

[Blofish]

This is EXCELLENT !

[anotherone]

nice job!

[kunalg]

The hot air outlet duct is facing downwards just above the cold air inlet. This can cause exhausted hot air to get sucked in along with the cold air. If the hot air outlet duct is turned so as to face upwards, the hot air will be able to escape up instead and will not mix with the cold air. This will increase the efficiency a wee bit more !

[kokla]

that's a good idea, perhaps if the inlet and outlet where facing 180 degrees opposite left to right. I imagine in it's summer and your vent faces upwards, a water and dust ingress is compromised.

[dexusno]

And will let rain fall into the hot air outlet...

[proacguy]

The Idea is great!! The only thing I can caution anyone on is the bigger fridges have coils in the sides, back, and or top. So be careful when cutting the holes.

[arirang777]

I cringe every time I hear the word "mini-fridge" which for me sounds rather like "maxi-waste", but this one actually made me smile. The more of this ideas, the better for all of us. Thanks!

[LancePenney]

Excellent Job. I was thinking about turning my fridge off altogether in the winter and just keeping it stocked with buckets of ice from outdoors. I might try that when it starts getting cold again.