Can the car refrigerator be powered on continuously?
2 Answers
Similar to household refrigerators, car refrigerators can be continuously powered on for cooling. 1. Definition: A car refrigerator refers to a portable cooling cabinet that can be carried in a car. Car refrigerators have become a popular new generation of cooling and refrigeration appliances in the international market in recent years. 2. Principle: Car refrigerators are an extension of household refrigerators and can utilize semiconductor electronic cooling technology or compressor-based refrigeration. 3. Classification: There are mainly two types of car refrigerators on the market: semiconductor car refrigerators and compressor car refrigerators.
I've been using a car fridge for many years and found it can operate continuously, but with one major precondition: it must be used while the vehicle's engine is running. When the engine is on, the alternator provides stable power to the fridge, keeping food fresh without issues. However, if you keep it running after parking and turning off the engine, the fridge will drain the car battery rapidly. Within just a few hours, it could completely deplete the battery, leaving you unable to start the car and forcing you to spend money on a new battery. To address this, I installed a voltage protector that automatically cuts off power when the voltage drops below a certain level. Additionally, compressor-type fridges are suitable for long trips but consume power quickly, while semiconductor models are more energy-efficient but less effective at maintaining temperature—I've tried both. In summary, continuous operation is technically feasible, but it's crucial to implement proper protective measures and only use it while driving.