A recent case study highlights the performance of the Vitrifrigo C51i HP refrigerator, equipped with Secop’s BD Nano compressor, in addressing key off-grid refrigeration challenges in recreational vehicles (RVs). The focus areas included energy consumption, cooling performance, and noise level, critical factors for RV users during extended travel without external power sources.
The Vitrifrigo C51i HP refrigerator, with a total capacity of 51 liters including a 3.6-liter freezer compartment, was tested under high ambient temperatures of approximately 40 °C. The unit integrates the Secop BD Nano (BDN50K) compressor, which is noted for its compact size (93 mm height, 1.5 kg weight), low noise operation (-6 dB/A), and advanced motor technology for fast cooling.
Test results showed the system consumed 78 Wh over 24 hours. In noise measurements conducted in a semi-anechoic chamber at the VAG Refrigeration Laboratory, the refrigerator was found to be quieter than a typical fan during operation. The cooling tests demonstrated that the freezer compartment reached -12 °C in under two hours, while the refrigerator section achieved 0 °C in the same time frame, maintaining uniform temperatures across internal zones.
Additional design features of the refrigerator include a scratch and fingerprint-resistant door with a thin panel (0.8–3.0 mm) for seamless installation. The unit uses R600a refrigerant and is certified for tropical Class T operation, performing reliably in ambient conditions from +16 °C to +43 °C.
“This case study highlights how fundamental it is to make conscious purchasing decisions, especially for 'hidden' but crucial components like the refrigerator and its compressor,” said Giorgio Biggiogero, Sales and Marketing Manager at Vitrifrigo. “Choosing cutting-edge solutions like the Vitrifrigo C51i HP, equipped with the Secop BD Nano compressor, places the product at the top of its category for cooling performance, energy efficiency, quietness, and weight.”