Outside the box- refrigeration/ refrigerator experts?

[MatBirch]

I have very odd situation-
Several years ago, I built my wife a small trailer to serve as a vending unit for her cupcake business. I built a plexiglass display case, and it all works beautifully. .. until the sun hits it. It heats pretty quickly, and that’s not to good for buttercream. Or so I’ve been told... I tried to get clever and built a system of a fan pulling air through the cabinet over ice blocks, but it really didn’t help. She’s losing out on many events in the summer, because it’s just too hot.
I got to thinking today- what about gutting a small fridge or freezer and using the components to cool the case? I know it wouldn’t be the most efficient, but if it lowered the ambient even 20 degrees, it could be the make or break. I could re design the case to help insulate it better. Sun hitting it is the worst part. Maybe a 2nd layer? Risk breakage, but switch to Low-e glass?
As long as it’s a small unit, her genset or shore power will run it just fine. She already runs a freezer. It would be a viable trade if she needed to run the case.
Have I got a chance??

 

[SALIV8]

I think you’re on to something and I’d look for commercial retrofit kits if those exist.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Double pane with air gap might help.
Try a computer fan ducting air from the freezer through it.
Or a glycol cold plate if you feel tricky

 

[Yankeefarmer]

Not knowing just what the unit looks like, is there any way you can start by shading it from the sun?

 

[TRWham]

Your heat gain is mostly solar, not conduction, so insulation is of limited benefit. What you describe is basically reinventing the refrigerated display case, which was done originally well over 100 years ago. You might find some sort of eutectic tray to hold the cakes- I know this is done for buffet lines. Eutectics are common in mobile refrigeration where you freeze them ahead and they slowly thaw during use just as a cooler ice pack works. Small dairy and ice cream trucks work this way with on-board refrigeration that refreezes the plates overnight.

 

[ripperd]

Will the trailer fit under an EZ-up shade tent?

 

[MatBirch]

Shade is paramount. The trailer has a 5’ swing up door that creates a huge awning, but even at 40 degrees at a Valentine’s Day event, as soon as the sun touches the glass, problems start. Long days, the sun gets low, or moves to the side... she can’t always pick a and choose where she sets up. It’s often dictated by event organizers. She’s had events where she’s even moved the trailer a couple times as the day goes on to keep it out of the sun. Even in the shade, a 95 degree day is just not feasible.

 

[MatBirch]

 

[dmcintosh]

Would some sort of UV film for the plexiglass work? Thinking something to eliminate or at least reduce the heat gain initially.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Aluminet shade cloth is your best first line of defense, and can create a comfortable place to hang right in front of our shop if desired.