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Technical Information on 12-Volt Coolers

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Refrigeration is the process of pumping heat energy out of an insulated chamber in order to reduce the temperature of the chamber below that of the surrounding air. Thermoelectric refrigeration uses a principle called the "Peltier" effect to pump heat electronically. The Peltier effect is named after a Jean Peltier, a French scientist who discovered it in 1834. He noted that when an electrical current is applied across the junction of two dissimilar metals, heat is removed from one of the metals and transferred to the other. This is the basis of thermoelectric refrigeration.

Thermoelectric modules are constructed from a series of tiny metal cubes of dissimilar exotic metals which are physically bonded together and connected electrically. When electrical current passes through the cube junctions, heat is transferred from one metal to the other. Solid-state thermoelectric modules are capable of transferring large quantities of heat when connected to a heat absorbing device on one side and a heat dissipating device on the other. Switch the Voltage on the 2 plates (reverse the 12 Volt plug) and a 12 Volt Cooler will also heat. Hence the common name, Cooler/Warmer.

The Koolatron's internal aluminum cold plate fins absorb heat from the contents, (food and beverages), and the thermoelectric modules transfer it to heat dissipating fins under the control panel. Here, a small fan helps to disperse the heat into the air.

The system is Totally Environmentally Friendly and contains no hazardous gases, nor pipes nor coils and no compressor. The only moving part is the small 12-volt fan.

Thermoelectric modules are too expensive for normal domestic and commercial applications which run only on regular household current. They are ideally suited to recreational applications because they are lightweight, compact, insensitive to motion or tilting, have no moving parts, and can operate directly from 12-volt batteries.

A 12-Volt Cooler is much better than a regular Cooler full of Ice. Food and beverages are kept cold and dry. No space is wasted for ice (unless of course you want ice, in which case we can help to preserve it 3 or 4 times longer than a plain cooler.

Advantages of Thermoelectric Refrigeration:

COMPACT SIZE: Very little space is required by the cooling system. The thermoelectric module is the size of a matchbook.
LIGHTWEIGHT: A 36 qt. capacity unit weighs only 17 lbs.
PORTABLE: Carries with one hand and is unaffected by motion or tilting.
LOWER PRICED: 20% to 40% less expensive than compressor or absorption units.
LOW BATTERY DRAW: Averages approximately 4.5 amps - less than your cars headlights.
BATTERY PROTECTION: Used in combination with the Koolatron "Battery Saver" you can always be assured of having starting power.
PERFORMANCE: Koolatron coolers maintain "Cool" temperatures in ambients up to 90 degrees F.
HEATING OPTION: Koolatron Coolers can be operated in the heating mode for short periods of time. Specialty Heater ONLY versions of Koolatron insulated boxes are used by Meals on Wheels, other senior hot meal programs, school hot meal programs and by caterers all across the country.
SAFETY: No open flames, propane, or toxic refrigerants used.
RELIABILITY: Thermoelectrics have a 40 year proven track record in military, aerospace, laboratory, and now consumer applications.
EASY SERVICE: Most parts are easily replaced by the end-user with a screw driver.
LOW The only maintenance required with any Koolatron unit is periodic.
MAINTENANCE: "dusting" and Vacuuming to ensure good heat dissipation.

Koolatron 12-Volt Cooler Feature Comparison Chart

Koolatron 12-Volt Coolers	Capacity Quarts	Can Be Used Upright	Wheels	Split Lid	Vent in Lid for Tight Packing	Temp Readout	Also Warmer
Kool Sport	7.5 Quarts	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	YES
Traveler II	8 Quarts	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	YES
Thinline Space Saver	18 Quarts	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	YES
Kool Fridge	21 Quarts	YES	NO	NO	NO	NO	YES
Designer Fridge	21 Quarts	YES	NO	NO	NO	YES	YES
Fun-Kool	26 Quarts	NO	NO	NO	YES	NO	NO
Midsize Companion	28 Quarts	NO	NO	NO	YES	NO	NO
Kargo Kooler Midsize	33 Quarts	YES	NO	YES	YES	NO	YES
Midsize Kool Wheeler	34 Quarts	NO	YES	YES	YES	NO	YES
Kool Kaddy Midsize	36 Quarts	YES	NO	NO	NO	NO	YES
Large Travel Saver	45 Quarts	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	YES
Krusader Ultra Large	52 Quarts	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	YES
Special Applications Temperature Controlled (Set Temp, Set Range & Adjustable)	32, 36, 45 & 52 Quarts	NO	NO	NO	NO	YES	NO
	Capacity Quarts	Can Be Used Upright	Wheels	Split Lid	Vent in Lid for Tight Packing	Temp Readout	Warmer

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Koolatron 12-Volt Accessories 120 Volt AC to 12-Volt DC Adaptor - Battery Saver (No Dead battery)

Engel 12-Volt Freezers Engel 12-Volt Refrigerators

Budget Refrigerator & Heater Boxes: Looking for a nice balance between the 12-Volt Cooler and the 12-Volt Freezer? See Koolatron's 12-Volt Temperature Controlled Digital Precision Coolers.

Have you checked out our 12-Volt Cooking Items?

Small 12-Volt Coolers (7.5 to 18 Quarts)

Midsize 12-Volt Coolers (21 to 36 Quarts)

Large 12-Volt Coolers (45 to 52 Quarts)

Koolatron 12-Volt Cooler Technical

Technical Information on 12-Volt Coolers

Koolatron 12-Volt Cooler Feature Comparison Chart