For years, if you wanted to keep your drinks cold during a road trip, you had to bring a cooler filled with ice. While this method still works today, it can be cumbersome and heavy to carry around. That’s why it was exciting when some car manufacturers started installing built-in refrigerators in their vehicles. However, many people have found that these car refrigerators don’t work as well as they expected. So, what’s the issue?
The main problem with in-car refrigerators is that they use a different technology than traditional refrigerators found in homes. Instead of using refrigerant and a compressor, car refrigerators utilize thermoelectric cooling. This technology involves a Peltier element, named after the physicist who discovered it, to cool a plate using electricity. While this is an innovative method, it has its limitations.
One of the drawbacks of Peltier elements is that they are not very effective at removing heat from a space. In a test of a standalone thermoelectrically cooled fridge, the air temperature only reached about 45 degrees after running for 24 hours. The liquid inside the cans was even warmer at 50 degrees. This means that these car refrigerators may struggle to cool beverages to a desirable temperature, especially compared to traditional refrigerators.
Additionally, Peltier elements consume a significant amount of electricity. In fact, the energy usage of a standalone thermoelectric fridge is much higher than that of a regular mini-fridge. This can lead to increased energy costs over time. Despite these limitations, built-in car refrigerators can still be useful if used appropriately. For instance, they can effectively maintain the temperature of already cold drinks. However, they may not be suitable for cooling items from room temperature.
In conclusion, while car refrigerators offer convenience on the go, they may not provide the same level of cooling performance as traditional refrigerators. Understanding the limitations of thermoelectric cooling can help manage expectations when using a car refrigerator. By stocking the fridge with pre-chilled items and being mindful of its capabilities, you can make the most of this technology while on the road.
