A direct-expansion seawater-cooled air conditioning system cools your boat by removing heat and humidity from the cabin. The heat is absorbed by the refrigerant which flows through sealed tubes. It is then given off to raw seawater which is pumped through the system and discharged overboard. When the refrigerant flow is reversed, the opposite is true. Heat is extracted from the seawater and is used to warm the air flowing into the living area.

There are three basic types of systems each with a particular group or size boat where it is best suited. In selecting the type and system to use, many factors must be considered, including capacity needed, access for routing necessary tubes, wires, and hoses, location of furnishings, and the storage space you are willing to sacrifice.

Self-Contained Systems
The self-contained system is normally considered the best choice for a smaller vessel where it is impractical to route copper refrigerant tubes, and there is no space for an air conditioner unit in the engine compartment. These systems are typically found in boats up to about 40 feet and are available in either cooling only, or in a reverse cycle heat pump unit.

Remote Condensing Systems
The second type of system is the remote condensing unit, which has the compressor, condenser and other mechanical components mounted on a chassis and installed in the engine or equipment room. The cooling/heating unit (evaporator and fan) is mounted in the living area, with
copper refrigerant lines connecting the two components. Normally this type of system is found on boats up to 75 feet in length. A remote system offers more flexibility in that the cooling unit can be selected to take advantage of the limited space available in the living area and provide the most effective use of the capacity of the system. This system also allows the motor noise of the compressor to be moved to the engine room and out of the living area.
Tempered Water Systems
For boats 75 feet and above a tempered water system is generally the best option. The length of the plumbing circuit is virtually unlimited, providing the proper diameter piping is used. Also, fewer larger units weigh less and present a lighter electrical load than many smaller DX systems. A tempering unit, installed in the engine room, chills or heats water which is circulated through the hoses to air handlers in the living areas.
From custom ice boxes to low voltage ice-makers and a large range of marine refrigeration units, All Marine Solutions can supply & install top brand product including Vitrifigo, Novakool and EvaKool to ensure efficient vessel refrigeration
The layout of your boat will dictate not only the number of systems you will need to effectively cool your boat but also will determine the location of the systems. If you have an aft stateroom, it may be desirable to put a separate unit there, along with a larger unit for the salon and forward areas. Contact All Marine Solutions to arrange an on-site inspection on 07 5665 8166.
 
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