Adding insulation to the Vitrifrigo

Updated 2016-05-31 : First version

Introduction

After adding a quieter fan to the Vitrifrigo C60i (see here) I ran into at least one situation where the fridge did not deal well with hot temperatures (this was literally in Death Valley). Based on behavior I believe the compressor may have overheated and shut down, due to too little airflow. I was using a 7V fan speed, and decided to go back to 12V which provides more airflow but is only a tiny bit more noisy.

The C60i design is interesting in that the compressor and heat exchanger are located under the fridge; since heat rises one would expect the areas inside the fridge to be warmed slightly by this, which is what I found.

As a result, I decided to add some insulation panels, which is the topic of this post.

Notes:

For my original writeup on installing the C60i, see Installing the Vitrifrigo C60i in a Eurovan
For my writeup of changing to a quieter fan, see Upgrading the fan on the Vitrifrigo C60i in a Eurovan

Parts:

Rigid insulation sheeting (1/2 inch thick) (any brand will do)
Foil HVAC tape (any brand will do)

Tools:

Knife

Step-by-Step:

(click each picture for full size)

Remove the mechanical unit:
Turn the fridge on its front and squeeze the four white plastic grommets on the bottom to release the mechanicals. Once the feet are released, you can wiggle the entire unit out of the compartment. The copper tubing is flexible, but don't over-do it.
Add insulation to the top and back of the area where the compressor is mounted.
Using 1/2 inch panels there is still room for the compressor assembly to fit.
(Not shown) Add some foil tape to keep everything in place.
Add insulation to the back of the fridge
I used a single piece which was cut in half, with some additional cutouts as shown.

Performance:

I have yet to test the fridge in weather hotter than 90F, but so far, the indications are that this makes the fridge much more efficient: on the latest trip, I could keep the fridge thermostat on setting 1 or 2 (the lowest two settings) and it would keep sub 40F temperatures in the 90F heat of the day. At night it was pretty cold (40F ambient) and with the dial at the lowest setting ("1") the fridge stayed close to 32F inside, but did not freeze my food, which was good.

I will report back with more details after testing in hotter temperatures.