Method and system for cooler conversion to a refrigerator
View Patent ↗A method and system for converting a conventional cooler to a refrigerator. A heat transfer module is disposed within the cooler for cooling the contents therein, while an external cooling module includes refrigerant in a closed loop configuration that stays outside of the cooler. The heat transfer module includes a closed loop chilling fluid that extends outside the cooler through a drain port to perform a heat exchange with the refrigerant loop.
1. A modular retrofit unit for retrofit into a cooler with a body having a drain port on the exterior of the body to allow for liquid to drain from the cooler therethrough, the retrofit unit comprising:
a. an internal heat transfer module placed inside of the cooler, the internal heat transfer module processing a closed loop liquid for cooling the interior of the cooler, the internal heat transfer module comprising a radiator, a liquid pump, and a liquid reservoir;
b. an external liquid cooling module external to the outside walls of the cooler, the internal heat transfer module being separate from the body and movable and adjustable during operation relative to the external liquid cooling module, the external liquid cooling module processing a refrigerant contained within the external liquid cooling module for heat exchange with the closed loop liquid for supply to the internal heat transfer module, the external liquid cooling module comprising a condenser, a refrigeration compressor, an evaporator, and a throttling device;
c. at least one inlet conduit and at least one outlet conduit for moving the closed loop liquid between the external liquid cooling module and the internal heat transfer module during the refrigeration process, wherein the at least one inlet conduit and the at least one outlet conduit pass through the drain port; and
d. a power source connected to the external liquid cooling module to drive the internal heat transfer module and the external liquid cooling module.
2. The modular retrofit unit of claim 1 , wherein the power source includes a DC power supply.
3. The modular retrofit unit of claim 1 , further including a temperature control unit and wherein the interior heat exchange module further includes a sensor, the temperature control unit connected through the drain port to the sensor to provide a user temperature control for the refrigeration.