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== Troubleshooting ==
== Troubleshooting ==
This is only how to troubleshoot basic operation. For complex issues, the solution might just say contact ________. It should be a table in this format:
 
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
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|-
|-
| No significant cooling measurable.
| No significant cooling measurable.
| Avoid keeking the door open if not necessary. Check hinges and seal.
| Avoid keeping the door open if not necessary. Check hinges and seal.
|}
|}


== Suggestions for future changes ==
== Suggestions for future changes ==

Revision as of 17:51, 24 April 2014

File:Coldbox1.png
Coldbox front Overview
File:Coldbox2.png
Coldbox outside vents
File:Coldbox3.png
Coldbox vents inside
File:Coldbox4.png
Coldbox inside
File:Coldbox5.png
Coldbox function

This is the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) manual for CCAT project name. Please refer to it and keep it up to date with any O&M changes.

Manufacturer: CCAT (Campus Center for Appropriate Technology)

Contact: Address: 1 Harpst St., Arcata, CA 95521,

Tel.: (707) 826-3551,

Email: ccat@humboldt.edu

Model: Cold Box

Category: Natural cooling

Fridge (inches): Height: 6.5’’, Width: 26’’, Depth: 21’’

Volume: 2.05 cf. (cubic feet)

Exterior Dimensions: Height: 49.5’’, Width: 34.5’’, Depth: 27.75’’ Volume: 36 cf. (cubic feet)

Refrigeration: Natural cooling

Warranty: None, Self made

Insulation: Material: Woolen Insulation

Operation

The idea of a cold box is to create a naturally controlled environment that provides short-term housing for fresh fruits and vegetables. The cold box works best if constructed on the northernmost wall of the home or building, this is due to our location in the Northern Hemisphere. It is designed to take in cool air from the outdoors through a vent, allow the air to rise up through the shelves of food, and exit through a top vent. The air that circulates up and through not only is a method of cooling the fruits and vegetables but also removes any of the odors resulting from the ripening process. Insulated walls inside the box maintain it at a cool temperature. This is a simple project that provides an energy efficient solution to a refrigerator as well as offer proper housing for fruits and vegetables which may reduce waste. (Appropedia, CCAT Cold Box, 04/10/2014)


Maintenance

Cooling effectivity: Measurement conducted on 04/04/2014, 1:30 PM

Room inside temperature: 17.7 C

Outdoor temperature: 16.4 C

Fridge inside temperature: 13.4 C Delta: 3.0 C

1. Avoid keeping the door open if not needed.

2. Vents for supply and exhaust air have to be cleaned once per year in order to ensure proper air circulation

3. Defect hinges and door seals decrease the cooling effect

4. Check annually hinges and door seals

5. Vents inside have to be kept free. Air circulation will be reduced by blocking with object inside the fridge.

6. In order to control if the cold box is properly functioning, ambient temperature, room and the temperature inside the fridge have to be measured.

Schedule

Yearly
  • Clean vents of obstructions.
  • Check hinges for looseness and rust.
  • Check door seals for breaks, tears or incomplete contact between the door and box.

Troubleshooting

Problem Suggestion
Coldbox is not cooling properly. Check if vents outside are clogged.
Coldbox is not cooling properly. Check if vents are blocked by cooling objects inside the Coldbox.
No significant cooling measurable. Avoid keeping the door open if not necessary. Check hinges and seal.

Suggestions for future changes

Vent for cool air can be placed lower.

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