Freezer Pod for Stationary or Mobile Use

Open Source Freezer Pod (WIF_868)

10/03/2018

We run a grass-fed beef business and really needed on-farm storage in addition to the occasional short-haul to deliver larger volumes of meat. Because we have set-up a shop for participating in the open source movement, we opted to construct our own freezer rather than purchasing one. 

DESIGN GOALS

• Minimum R35 Insulation for reduced energy consumption (Someday this unit will be solar powered!)
• Operate at 240V AC 60Hz. Single Phase

NOTE: There is no engine driven refrigeration component of this system. When used for transport, it is always short-haul, so the box contents will stay plenty cold. If extended remote location operation is needed, a provision for generator mounting would need to be added.

• Sufficient structural soundness and vibration resilience for over-the-road use. All mechanical connections except electrical hook-ups are riveted.
• Weather-Proof

BUILD PROGRESSION

1. Fabricate Main Structure, including Door Insert (See "WIF_868_Main_Structure.pdf")
2. Paint areas of Main Structure to be covered by Sub-Floor Sheet metal
3. Install Sub-Floor Sheet metal
4. Cut and Install Light Framing Members to Main Structure. These provide stiffness and attachment points for the exterior sheet metal skin.
5. Install Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Foam-board Floor Insulation Stack and pressure treated Plywood Sub-Floor.
6. Fabricate Floor Pan and attach to Plywood Sub-Floor
7. Cut and Assemble Light Framing Members (LFMs) to form Interior Structure
8. Fabricate and Install Evaporator-Hanging Structure
9. Fabricate and Install Interior Sheet Metal
10. Hire Spray Foam Contractor to Insulate around Interior Envelope
11. Fabricate and Install Exterior Sheet Metal
12. Fabricate and Install Door
13. Fabricate and Install Condensing Unit Shelf
14. Prep and Paint 
15. Install Refrigeration Components
16. Test
17. Implement