Kimberley Karavan Cooking and Heating System
Virtually all Caravans rely solely on LPG and many rely on site power or generators for electrical energy.
Reliance on LPG can cause many annoyances. When LPG is burned, one of the by-products is water vapour, which contributes to excessive humidity and condensation inside the caravan. LPG can be difficult to find in remote areas, and it's difficult to top off a partially full cylinder.
Kimberley Karavans are supplied with multiple energy sources to get the most efficient use out of each energy type.
In addition, LPG is provided for an outside Burner/BBQ. This is a practical requirement if there is a ban on open fires or simply for a quick “bacon and eggs” in the morning.
The diesel technology is an application partnership with Webasto in Australia.
Summary of Cooking Appliances available in Kimberley Karavans (some of these items are options)
Cooking Appliances Inside Karavan
Inside Diesel Cooker with Ceramic plate
The cook stove is a ceramic cook-top, catalytic diesel stove. It burns less than 0.19 litres of diesel per hour at the highest heat level, burns cleanly, exhausts to the outside and only draws 1.5 amps of 12-volt power. With no open flame it is safe, and the smooth cook-top is easy to clean.
It is good for Vegetables, Pasta, Rice, sauces
The 12 litre diesel tank will give 20 Days operation of all diesel applinaces before refill
(typical. - see calcs below)
Microwave Oven
The microwave oven is a standard 800W output oven that can operate from the Inverter or 240V site power or generator.
It is good for Vegetables, Pasta, Rice, sauces
Approx 2 hours on 70% power from Inveter with 350Ah of Batteries Toaster on Ceramic Plate
The toaster is an option to the diesel cooker and places the toast on the face of the ceramic cook top.
20 days - see above Breadmaker
Panasonic Sd 251 used in TestThe breadmaker did a superb job of a loaf of bread in 1hr and 55 mins using the quick cycle.It used only 53Ah for the complete cycle which means at least 3-4 days from the Inverter and 350Ah battery system
3-4 days Cooking Appliances Outside Karavan
Outside LPG Burner
The outside LPG burner is a high energy 14.5Mj single burner suitable for a WOK or large cast iron pan or large pot. It is housed in a stainless steel surround with an adjacent stainless steel sink and faucet.
It has a quick connect gas fitting.
It is good for Water, Vegetables, Pasta, Rice, sauces, Bacon & Eggs, Meat, Fish
The 4 kg gas bottle will give 20 Days operation before refill
(typical. - see calcs below)
Outside Sovereign BBQ
The outside Sovereign Bravo BBQ is an all stainless BBQ with integrated wind protectors and hood.
It has a quick connect gas fitting.
It is good for Bacon & Eggs, Meat, Fish
The 4 kg gas bottle will give 22 Days operation before refill
(typical. - not at the same time as the outside LPG burner above)
Summary of Heating Appliances available in Kimberley Karavans (some of these items are options)
Heating Appliances
Hot Sink Water
Hot Shower
Space Heat
Diesel Hot Water System
Webasto furnace with 4.2kw output. Furnace burns diesel in enclosed burner head. Coolant is pumped through the water jacket, heated to 80deg and sent via hose to water tank. Heat is transferred to these components and the coolant is returned to the furnace to be reheated. Furnace consumes 22 watt for fan and pump.
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Calorifier/Hot water Tank
Webasto tank is all stainless steel with very good insulation properties. Hot coolant is circulated internally via a stainless steel coil transferring its heat to your (potable) water which is sent to shower, galley etc by the existing fresh water system. A240volt element is also supplied as standard if AC power is available. In this case the diesel hot water would not need to run.
Space Heater connected to Diesel Hot Water heater
A compact room heaters. Fan radiators similar to what you would find under the dash of yourcar. Produce 1.6kw of heat. Air flow is 100m3/h. Very low power silent fan (10W)
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Cooking and Heating Energy Capacity in a Kimberley Karavan (some of these items are options)
Kimberley Karavan
Diesel & LPG Energy UsagekW
Typical
Hours/
DayNo of Days with tanks
on boardCooker
1.90
2
20 days
Hot Water
4.20
2
Hot Water (Electric switch over)
0.80
Space Heater
1.60
2
Outside LPG BBQ Burner
4.03
1
20.78 days
FOR Competitive COMPARISON IF LPG ONLY Heating Systems used
Energy Usage
IF ALL LPG ENERGY
kW
Typical
Hours/
DayMJ of Gas Required
Cooker
1.90
2
13.68
Hot Water
4.20
2
30.24
Hot Water (Electric switch over)
0.80
0
Space Heater
1.60
2
11.52
Outside BBQ Burner
4.03
1
14.5
Total
69.94
Conclusion is that the combination of both Diesel and LPG in the Kimberley Karavan
saves the need for carrying up to an additional 23.75kgs of LPG for every 20 days typical use
Common Energy Terms
Explanation
Piezo Ignition
A device which produces a spark from two crystals to ignite gas.
Gas Consumption
The amount of gas (normally in grams or kilograms) used by an appliance when in use for one hour at maximum flow. All gas consumption figures stated are approximate only and will vary depending on ambient conditions.
Propane
Liquefied Petroleum Gas is a mixture of hydrocarbons which is predominately propane. Often called bottled gas.
LPG Input
Energy input into an appliance normally described in kilowatts/hour or megajoules/hour.
kW
Kilowatts which equates to 1000 watts. (Metric)
BTU
British Thermal Unit is another form of energy measurement (imperial). Often applied to heat.
MJ
Mega Joule is the metric equivalent of BTU.
High Pressure Appliance
An appliance designed to operate directly from a gas cylinder or with a high pressure adjustable regulator, i.e. over 6.9kPa.
LowPressure Appliance
An appliance designed to operate using a low pressure regulator attached to a gas source, usually pre-set to 2.75kPa.
Common Conversions
1kW = 3.6MJ
I kg LPG = 49.7Mj
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