The physics have worked fine for other frunk users:Given the frunk is to be water resistant, which mean no airflow, this isn’t going to work. The old physics question: if you leave a refrigerator running with the door open in a sealed room, does it cool or warm the air. Fact is, you introducing BTU through use of 12v system (50w let’s say) which is 150btu of heat. In a small enclosed space, you’ll burn the compressor out running full duty cycle. You would need to drill in an intake/outtake ducting to allow movement of air. If you were to do this project, might I suggest building a drop in, plug and play, replacement tub that can accommodate this. Preferably with ventilation on the rear to prevent risk of pushing water in when traversing or driving in rain conditions. Add a vent fan to this as well with a temp sensor to trigger to cycle when temps are above 90°F.
Current design just won’t work with reality of physics. Add in the equipment under the tub will generate additional heat and the tub itself isn’t currently insulated as another user noted with their warm wine. There are motors, heat pumps for the trucks AC, etc all near/under this. Custom tub will be an absolute requirement.
Lastly, have the temperature gauges be accessible where they are visible. Your prototype photo would prevent from setting or visualizing the temps once it is loaded inside the frunk. Too heavy and high to have to lift to see/made adjustment.
The metal element in the center is not optimal either. Take a look at how Dormatech, Alpicool, or Massimo sets up their coolers. Still can be serviceable minus the line runs. Generally the compressors fail, not the lines. Serviceability of the lines is not a concern. Connection to them would be more so.
I’m betting true OTD profitable price would be $900-1200 with custom tub replacement.
https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/vehicle-fridge-temperature-impact-in-frunk.5074/
The metal center section serves several purposes and EVERY single component in the system is easily accessible for repair/replacement. That includes the evaporator and all of the lines. EVERY single component.
The tub would require injection molding which is much much more expensive than the tooling for roto-molding used on this design. Unfortunately I don't have $200k + to invest just for the tub tooling. I also don't think there would be enough people interested in a $1,500 cooler to justify that CRAZY risk.
Anyone over say 4' 6" can easily see and adjust temperature settings as needed.
My wife is 5 feet tall so I always try to design for the tiny but mighty =)
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