How to convert an ammonia refrigerator from frost to gas. The principle of operation of a gas refrigerator. The difference between an absorption refrigerator and a compressor refrigerator

How to convert an ammonia refrigerator from frost to gas.  The principle of operation of a gas refrigerator.  The difference between an absorption refrigerator and a compressor refrigerator
How to convert an ammonia refrigerator from frost to gas. The principle of operation of a gas refrigerator. The difference between an absorption refrigerator and a compressor refrigerator

A fairly long history of the development of refrigeration technology is marked by the appearance of various types of household refrigerators. Among the existing designs you can find a household absorption apparatus - a gas refrigerator.

Models of gas refrigerators are made both stationary and mobile. Their relatively simple design does not exclude the possibility of creating a device with your own hands. To make a gas refrigerator, you need to study its structure and operating principle, don’t you agree?

The article describes in detail the design of a propane unit and the technical cooling cycle, and also provides step-by-step instructions for assembling and converting various modifications of gas refrigerators.

The absorption principle of operation is the basis of refrigeration equipment that could run on propane.

Considering a gas refrigerator and the principle of its operation, it should be emphasized: in an absorption refrigerator, propane is assigned a modest function as a gas heater. The main components of the absorption process in the designs of household refrigerators are usually ammonia and water.

This is what the back wall of an absorption refrigerator looks like. This is one of those old models of devices that are suitable for modernization - conversion to gas fuel instead of electric energy

Ammonia acts as a refrigerant, and water acts as an absorbent substance.

The simplified gas model contains the following technological modules:

  1. Gas heating module.
  2. Generator (more precisely, a boiler).
  3. Capacitor.
  4. Absorber (absorber).
  5. Evaporator.

A gas heater heats the contents of the generator. The generator module is designed to produce ammonia vapor and supply a weak ammonia solution to the absorber area.

The condenser module is used to cool the ammonia vapor to the condensation temperature. A module called “absorber” functions as an ammonia absorber. The evaporator of a gas refrigerator serves as a cold generator.

The principle of operation of a gas refrigerator

The technological cooling cycle begins with heating a concentrated ammonia-water solution with a gas burner. Due to the lower boiling point of ammonia, this substance boils faster than water. The process of formation of concentrated refrigerant vapor begins, which enters the condenser.

Here the ammonia vapor condenses, and the liquid ammonia rushes to the evaporator, where it boils due to the removal of heat from the products, forming a vapor-liquid mixture.

The absorption refrigerator circuit also provides for the operation of a device called a “reflux condenser.” This module is installed at the outlet of the boiler and is designed to obtain a weak ammonia-water solution in the process of partial condensation of saturated vapors.

This weak solution is collected in the absorber. The saturated vapor-liquid ammonia mixture from the evaporator is sent there, where it is absorbed. Then the cycle repeats.

Most absorption household refrigerators are equipped with electric heaters. For example, such models include refrigerators "Sadko", "Morozko" and others.

But it is quite acceptable to replace an electric heater with any other heat source, including a propane burner, a heating radiator, and even chimney smoke.

Therefore, it is theoretically quite possible to use the mentioned models of absorption technology to create a gas refrigerator with your own hands that operates in constant mode.

How to make a gas refrigerator

A relatively simple way to manufacture a gas refrigerator, as already noted, is to use an exhausted absorption apparatus as the basis. To bring the same “Sadko” or “Morozko” model to “mind”, it is enough to exclude the electric heaters installed in the system from the design.

Instead of dismantled heating elements, it will be necessary to introduce gas heating by installing a heat exchanger and a propane burner in the structure.

Option for manufacturing heat exchange modules for internal placement of a gas burner. Such a module is attached tightly to the siphon tube of the refrigerator instead of a dismantled electric heater

The manufacture of a gas heating system necessarily involves the organization of a complex of protection against overheating. The operating temperature range for heating the siphon of the Sadko refrigerator is 50 – 175°C. Based on these values, you should consider a scheme for turning on and off the gas supply during heating.

For the circuit with electric heaters in absorption models, the T-120 series is used. But this device regulates the operation of the heaters taking into account the temperature of the evaporator.

Gas burner flame regulator, which can be integrated into the design of a gas heating module. This is just one of several automation devices that will need to be equipped with a gas refrigerator (+)

A gas burner together with an automatic control device is a slightly different system. If a propane refrigerator is made with long-term use in mind, full-fledged automation will have to be made.

That is, for example, to control not only the heating temperature of the heat exchanger, but also to control the flame and monitor the gas pressure. We must not forget about the fuse system.

Homemade assembly examples

It was not possible to find examples of home-made designs of gas-powered absorption refrigerators that would be noted for long-term operation. There are only experimental options, often started but not completed.

There are also examples of assembly where a gas refrigerator was assembled with your own hands using a simplified method.

One of the successfully implemented homemade propane refrigerator designs. Similar “homemade” products can be found in sufficient quantities on the Internet.

In a simplified version of the assembly, it was used, the output of which was connected with a hose directly to a direct-action burner. The burner was fixed to the chassis of the absorption refrigerator, and the working nozzle was directed directly to the siphon tube.

The burner was ignited manually. Also, without any automation, using a purely “touch test” method, the heating temperature of the siphon was controlled.

The results are disappointing. During operation of the manual heating gas installation for 12 hours inside the freezer, the maximum temperature of the lower threshold was obtained - not lower than +3°C.

Thus, tests of a propane absorption refrigerator, made by hand using a simplified scheme, showed the extremely low efficiency of the gas apparatus. Moreover, judging by the gas consumption, this option for obtaining cold (Sadko-G) is unreasonably expensive.

DIY design alternative

The meaning of assembling a gas structure is also lost because there are practically no old factory structures of this kind in domestic use. Gas refrigeration equipment with an absorber (Russian production) is basically an industrial installation, large-sized, heavy, equipped with complex gas equipment.

An example of an industrial absorption gas plant. With relatively low gas consumption (in industrial terms), this absorption refrigerator shows high operating efficiency

Therefore, an alternative for homemade gas refrigeration equipment is considered more attractive. These are modern mobile compact cooling systems from a series of thermal containers and similar developments. Any of these systems covers the need for cold that burdens lovers of outdoor trips.

It is for the purpose of cooling and storing food in outdoor recreation conditions that people try to assemble gas refrigerators with their own hands. The range of modern mobile refrigeration equipment is huge

A more than successful alternative to homemade gas refrigerator designs. Convenient, mobile, compact Waeco-Dometic Combicool device, operating from three different heat sources

Finally, there is an opportunity to buy an imported industrial refrigerator that actually runs on propane. A good example is a universal device from a German manufacturer, produced under the brand Waeco-Dometic Combicool.

The design of the mobile refrigerator ensures that cold is obtained when operating from one of three energy sources, including a gas cylinder.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Advantages and disadvantages of a mobile refrigerator that can run on both electricity and gas:

A short video review of a Dometik brand car refrigerator:

The conclusions from the whole story with the construction of refrigeration equipment that is “free” in all respects are clear. The only reason to assemble a gas refrigerator on your own is the desire to do something yourself.

Often the pleasure from one’s own success overshadows any innovation on a global scale. However, modern factory models are more reliable and safer.

Do you have experience creating a gas refrigerator? Or do you use a purchased absorption type unit? Please share your opinion and leave comments. The contact form is located in the lower block.

This refrigerator is considered environmentally friendly. It is equipped with one or two cameras. Runs on gas and electricity. This purchase will be useful when living in a trailer, or in a place where there are problems with electricity.

How do gas refrigerators work?

During operation, condensation forms in the device. Manufacturers took care of this and placed a special drain into a hole that goes into the back cover. This allows you to avoid defrosting the unit for 2-3 weeks. In addition to the main chamber there is a freezer.

A heating element is installed inside the unit. It can provide operation from the mains. At the bottom there is a fitting for connecting to a gas cylinder. Heat exchange occurs due to the grille, which is visible from the rear.

The unit operates from a propane cylinder connected to it. On average, one cylinder is enough for a month of use. Externally, such models are similar to ordinary refrigerators. In addition, they maintain the same temperature, equal to +2 to + 4 degrees in the refrigerator compartment and from -15 to -5 degrees in the freezer.

The essence of cooling is to heat the mixture of ammonia and water, which occurs due to gas combustion.

The absorption type model is considered widespread. Ammonia is used as a refrigerant and water is the absorbent material. It works in such a way that the gas heats the water-ammonia mixture to a boil.

The boiling point of ammonia is lower than the boiling point of water. This leads to the process of evaporation of concentrated ammonia vapors, they pass through a heat exchanger, condenser and evaporator. Coming out of the evaporator, the vapors meet the absorbent and cool. The circulation of the solution occurs in a continuous mode.

Structural elements:

  • Generator;
  • Heater;
  • Capacitor;
  • Evaporator;
  • Absorber.

Peculiarities:

  • The temperature regime does not differ from electric models;
  • Operates both from a gas cylinder and from the mains;
  • The design does not include shut-off valves or moving parts.

Gas refrigeration chambers are safe, reliable and durable. The small dimensions of the car refrigerator make it easy to transport and save space in the car.

Pros and cons of a gas refrigerator

  • Able to operate uninterruptedly from different power sources. Includes standard sockets, liquefied gas and the ability to operate from car cigarette lighters.
  • High performance and energy efficiency.
  • Wide range on the market.
  • Quiet operation. The design of a gas refrigeration chamber does not include a compressor or other moving elements. As a result, there is no vibration during operation.
  • After switching off, the unit maintains the temperature for a long time.
  • Durability. Due to the absence of vibrations, wear of all equipment and individual parts is reduced.
  • Economical achieved by working from gas cylinders. Gas is an environmentally friendly product with low cost.

Gas units are created in different sizes and dimensions. This allows you to select them for different conditions. There are capacious samples. There are also small ones that can easily fit in a car. Compared to standard models, they hold fewer products.

How to choose a gas refrigerator

When choosing a gas refrigerator, follow the same rules as when choosing a conventional one.

Gas units are produced in the form of small models, with a volume of up to 35 liters, and in the form of floor-standing models, with a volume of 100 liters or more. Large ones include a refrigerator and a freezer, small ones - only a refrigerator.

The price varies depending on the volume. Compared to models powered only by electricity, gas devices are much more expensive. Car refrigerators are inexpensive due to their small size.

Consider the climate class - this is a parameter characterizing the climatic conditions during operation.

There are classes:

  • N – from +16 to +32 degrees;
  • SN – from +10 to 32 degrees;
  • ST – from + 18 to +38 degrees;
  • T – from +18 to +43 degrees.

Additional functions and equipment:

  • Automatic defrosting;
  • Temperature indicator on the panel;
  • Sound and light signals;
  • Alarm;
  • Antibacterial coating;
  • Wheels for transportation;
  • No Frost function – air circulation prevents ice formation;
  • Super cooling mode for quick temperature reduction (Super Cool);
  • Economical operating modes.

There are mechanical and electronic types of refrigerator control. With their help, the temperature inside the chambers is regulated. The electronic type is equipped with a display that displays information about the operation of the unit.

How to use

The devices are equipped with a refrigerator and freezer, internal lighting, and comfortable temperature conditions.

An absorption refrigerator runs on propane. Activation is carried out using a hose through the reducer to the fitting. The product can be installed anywhere. It is better to stop on a vertical, flat surface. It should be taken into account that the back wall generates heat and heats nearby objects.

Gas models generate more heat than conventional models. Therefore, it is better not to place the refrigerator compartment near the wall.

The installation corresponds to the gas stove installation diagram. The hose with the reducer is connected to the fitting. To switch from cylinder power to electricity, the refrigerator is connected using a cord to a standard outlet. Remember to disconnect the gas cylinder first.

Models powered by electricity are equipped with a gas shut-off system. It works automatically and is triggered when problems with the burner flame are detected.

There are LED lights inside the refrigerator for illumination. They run on batteries that can withstand a load of 1 year. If the battery runs out, you can switch to powering the lamps via the network. At the same time, the unit itself operates from a cylinder.

There are models that have a temperature control function. It operates on gas and electricity.

Do not use powders or acids for cleaning. This will scratch the inner surface and rust will then form in these places.

If you load food carelessly, the surface is damaged, and parts of the chipped enamel can get into the food. When defrosting, do not use sharp objects to clear ice and snow from the evaporator. The gas unit must not be covered during operation. Make sure the door closes tightly.

Precautionary measures:

  • Install the refrigerator in a well-ventilated area;
  • Do not install in damp or dusty places;
  • Do not install near open sources of fire;
  • Keep away from direct sunlight and water (rain);
  • Do not place the refrigerator in the area of ​​heat sources; it is better to place it in a cool place;
  • Carefully move the gas cylinder;
  • Use only specialized gas cylinders;
  • Before starting work, check the serviceability of all hoses and other connecting elements; they must be sealed and not leak gas;
  • When connecting a gas stove to the electrical network, make sure that one power supply is connected to the same power supply. Do not overload the system to avoid wiring problems;
  • Do not use a connection cord that is cracked or damaged;
  • Do not store a lot of things on the top lid of the refrigerator;
  • Do not store volatile or flammable substances or liquids inside the refrigerator;
  • Ventilate the room periodically and monitor air ventilation;
  • Do not place water on top if the refrigerator is connected to the mains.

In order for the refrigerator to work for a long time and smoothly, immediately after purchase you need to wash the internal doors and shelves with warm soapy water, wipe dry and ventilate. At the beginning of operation, it is recommended to ventilate the unit at intervals of 2 weeks.

Malfunctions

Most often during operation they are faced with the problem of raising the temperature in the combustion chamber. This happens when connected to the cylinder. Failures in the operation of the main mechanisms are eliminated by replacement.

The fastenings of the shelves and doors may fail. Problems with sound and light alarms can be resolved by replacing the faulty part.

Popular malfunctions relate to burner ignition - after inactivity, the device simply does not turn on. Continuous operation causes the temperature in the freezer and refrigerator compartments to rise.

There may be a refrigerant leak from the evaporator. To neutralize the problem, a complete diagnosis is carried out.

The thermostat breaks down due to non-stop operation. Ice and snow appear in the freezer if the door is not closed tightly. In this case, the seals on the door are replaced.

Gas equipment is dangerous to life, so it is better to entrust the repair to professionals.


Refrigerators have long been a must-have device in any home. Thanks to the convenience of a gas-powered refrigerator, country houses and cottages, and in some situations even cars, are equipped with such devices. For our compatriots, a gas refrigerator is a very profitable solution, because prices for natural gas are quite low.

A refrigerator of this type is very practical due to the fact that:

  1. It works in offline mode for quite a long time.
  2. Suitable for using it in cars or buildings that do not have electricity.

The only obvious disadvantages are that it is expensive to repair and works a little slower.

This type of refrigerator is called an absorption refrigerator. This is because it involves the principle of absorption, that is, the absorption of refrigerant by heating it with a burner, thereby producing cold.

How it works

The sizes of such equipment vary. Currently, refrigerators with a volume of 33 liters and up to 100 are produced. The volume, which is close to the first value, is suitable for those people who need a portable, compact refrigerator that they can put in their own hands, for example, in a car.

The larger version is intended for stationary use. Such a device has a difference in temperature (internal and external) equal to 30 degrees. Refrigerators of this type are equipped with a built-in freezer, because their main purpose is to store food.

It may seem like a problem that the price for such equipment and its repairs is a little high. This is explained by the fact that there are no moving elements in it, and this practically eliminates the possibility of breakdown. Basically, only the burner breaks down, which you can replace with your own hands. Although it costs more, it pays for itself through very long use.

The functions of gas refrigerators are practically no different from their analogues. They keep the temperature inside low in the same way, but they do it not from electricity, but from a gas cylinder.

The operating principle of such a device is the low boiling point of a substance called refrigerant. This is a substance that has a fairly thick consistency. It is heated to boiling point using a burner and evaporates, in a liquid state it moves to the evaporation unit, where it evaporates again, but at a low temperature, which draws heat from the refrigerator.

Installing a gas refrigerator at home follows the same principle as installing stoves or ovens. An important condition here is the condition of the burner. It must be protected from moisture for the combustion process to take place effectively. It is highly recommended not to store materials that ignite quickly near the burner. It is also undesirable for the burner to be exposed to direct sunlight.

Popular manufacturers

It is worth noting several “giants” in the production of gas refrigerators on the modern market.

Exmork

It produces absorption refrigerators that use propane as fuel, eliminating the need to use electricity. Exmork also made sure that the lighting in the refrigerator was also economical. Only LED light bulbs are used, powered by simple batteries.

A popular absorption model from this company is Exmork XСD-95. Capacity is 90 liters. In this case, a sixth of the volume goes to the freezer. The color is usually light gray, like most refrigerators. On average, such a model can cost between 50-60 thousand rubles.

If you are a supporter of those devices that will be needed for installation in a car, then the above-mentioned company provides you with a traveling option - “XC-50”. It takes up a small space and has a capacity of 50 liters. The XC-50 does not have a freezer, which is a definite disadvantage compared to the previous model. It is possible to work from the mains, shut off the gas if necessary and the thermostat. The average price of such a device is about 25 thousand rubles.

Vitrifrigo

This technique looks stylish. The company offers a range of absorption refrigerators from 40 liters – traveling options and up to 150 liters – stationary ones. They can operate from almost all basic batteries, such as electricity (12V, 220V) and gas.

Gas refrigerators for cars

This kind of equipment is needed not only for installing it at home or in the country. It is very convenient for truck drivers who need to store provisions so that they do not spoil. We will talk about the automobile version.

This camping refrigerator does not consume energy from the car battery, but runs on a burner. The silent nature of this refrigerator allows it to be used not only in a car, but also in various places that are intended for relaxation, and therefore those in need of silence. Among such establishments one can note dachas, hotels, recreation centers, etc.

The only downside of car refrigerators is that they cannot operate at the same power as regular ones. Their productivity is less than that of stationary options. But they are small in size, which makes them portable.

Disadvantages of gas-powered refrigeration devices

Despite many advantages, absorption refrigerators also have disadvantages:

  1. They freeze poorly and very slowly. This, in turn, is due to the fact that the refrigerants suitable for this technique do not have the lowest boiling point under atmospheric pressure. The average temperature in an absorption freezer is around −6°C. For example, ice cream will melt easily in it.
  2. The most common refrigerant is ammonia, and its diluent is water. From this we can conclude that we have a very strong ammonia, which is much stronger than that used in medicine. The release of this substance in the event of a breakdown may adversely affect others and the environment.

When to fix broken equipment

No equipment can last forever without some failures or breakdowns, so it is often necessary to repair it. Before you begin to get acquainted with possible breakdowns and their elimination, you need to understand that fixing gas refrigerators with your own hands can be dangerous to your health and property. The danger of DIY repairs is that gas refrigerators use propane, which is explosive.

The risks of careless repair include not only physical injury to the owner, but also breakdown of the device, which will further aggravate the situation. But repairing such refrigerators in the service is quite expensive, so some craftsmen perform it themselves at their own peril and risk.

It is best to carry out repairs in a well-ventilated area, because malfunctions are often caused by problems with the cylinder or gas leak. If this is the case, then you can verify this by simply connecting the refrigerator to the power supply. If it works, the problem is definitely in the gas supply. Then it is better not to try to make repairs yourself, because this is a very dangerous case. You need to close the valve so that gas does not flow into the refrigerator, and wait for the specialists.

The cost of repair will depend on the size of the damage. If you have to replace some parts, then the cost of repairs will be high.

There are also often problems with the burner. Solving them is not so difficult, because a new burner is not very expensive.

There are cases when repairs are impossible. For example, when the heating system breaks down. It is almost impossible to repair it. If such a problem is discovered, then you simply cannot avoid completely replacing this element. If there is a problem with the thermosiphon, trying to fix it is also useless.

Another common problem is the use of low-quality refrigerant. Moreover, such a problem is detected by users very rarely, because it manifests itself in the fact that a slight increase in temperature occurs in the system. This effect is often attributed to hot weather. But the system may not only have a slightly elevated temperature, but there may also be particles that settle on the surface. In such a situation, most likely, repairs will also not be possible. A complete replacement will be required.

Most often the sealed system breaks down. The problem is the connections are worn out. “Leaks” form in them, after which the operation of the device and the efficiency of the coolant deteriorate. And if it comes to the tubes themselves, then the refrigerant can completely leak out, and then the operation of the refrigerator will stop.

There are times when there is no point in repairing a broken gas refrigerator, because it may simply exhaust its service life. The best choice would be to buy a new one, because if you repair the old one, then after fixing one problem, another will follow. In addition, new refrigerators are made using modern technologies, which means that they are more functional.

A gas refrigerator is a good choice for a portable option. It is not very advisable to install such equipment at home, because it has significant disadvantages compared to compression equipment. But for motorists, this is the best option, because a refrigerator of such quality that can be placed in a car is unlikely to be found. Therefore, if you often travel by car, this type of device is just for you.

Let’s agree to call gas refrigerators (including automobile ones) that can operate in the absence of electricity using gas from a gas pipeline or a gas cylinder.

Let's try to figure it out: how, on what physical principle, is cooling carried out in a gas refrigerator when it is not connected to the electrical network?

Today, the most common gas refrigerators that can only operate on gas are absorption type refrigerators. In this case, gas is used in such an absorption gas refrigerator exclusively for heating the water-ammonia mixture of the refrigeration unit, which circulates inside the refrigerator and removes heat in the refrigerator evaporator from the refrigeration chamber to the outside into the environment.

Absorption refrigerators get their name from the absorption process that occurs in them - the absorption of refrigerant vapors generated in the evaporator by a liquid or solid absorber (usually water). Typically, the refrigerant in a gas refrigerator is ammonia. Simply put, ammonia vapor is absorbed by water to form an ammonia-water solution.

The refrigeration unit itself is located on the back wall of the absorption refrigerator, and the evaporator is located inside the refrigeration chamber.

In a gas refrigerator, the burning gas heats up the ammonia-water solution in the absorber, in which, due to heating, the ammonia is dissolved by water and moves further through the tubes to the evaporator. In the evaporator, ammonia is released from the water-ammonia mixture, thereby cooling the evaporator plates, and accordingly carrying out cooling inside the gas refrigerator chamber.

FOR REFERENCE: Ammonia (NНз) is a colorless gas with a very pungent characteristic odor, easily soluble in water. The components of the solution for filling the refrigeration unit in an absorption refrigerator are usually: refrigerant - ammonia, absorbent - double distillate of water, inhibitor - sodium dichromate, inert gas - hydrogen.

The amount of ammonia-water solution to fill the refrigeration unit depends on the volume of the refrigerator and is usually 350-750 cm3, while the concentration of ammonia in the ammonia-water solution is 4-36% of the total mass of the solution. The refrigeration unit of the absorption refrigerator is filled with a water-ammonia solution and hydrogen under a pressure of 1.47-1.96 MPa.

Hydrogen is inert and does not react chemically with ammonia. The purpose of hydrogen is to create back pressure against ammonia steam. Hydrogen is supplied to the condenser at a lower pressure than the pressure of the ammonia vapor before it condenses.

Sodium dichromate (Na2 CrO4) is introduced into the ammonia-water solution to protect the inner surface of the pipes of the refrigeration unit of the gas refrigerator, through which the solution circulates, from corrosion.

An ammonia-water solution is prepared by mixing ammonia with double distilled water.

The refrigeration unit of the absorption refrigerator is made of seamless pipes connected by gas welding. The main components of the unit are:

a generator for generating ammonia steam and raising a weak solution to the height of discharge into the absorber;

condenser for condensing ammonia vapor;

an evaporator for evaporating liquid ammonia to form cold;

absorber for absorbing ammonia vapor with a water-ammonia solution (absorption process);

heater for heating the ammonia-water solution in the generator.

The heater of an absorption refrigerator can be powered by either electricity or gas. This is fundamental for the possibility of the existence of an electric gas car refrigerator.

If the refrigerator heater can only operate when gas is burning, then such a gas refrigerator will only be able to operate on gas, which is not always convenient. It is much more practical to be able to use various power sources for heating - both gas and electricity. This one can be started either from a gas cylinder or from electricity.

This allows manufacturers to create a car electric gas refrigerator that can operate on electricity (12/24V) and gas. With a little modification, this model of a car electric gas refrigerator (installation of a power inverter) can also operate on a 220V AC network.

When an electric gas refrigerator is connected to electricity, the heating of the water-ammonia solution in the refrigeration unit of a car or home refrigerator is carried out not by burning gas, but by the work of electric current.

The essence of the absorption refrigerator does not change. It doesn’t matter what the water-ammonia solution of a car or a simple refrigerator is heated with, gas or electricity, it is important that the solution is heated and circulated in the refrigeration unit, because it is the constant evaporation and dissolution of ammonia in water that provides cooling inside the electric gas absorption refrigerator!

Surely few people know that propane-powered refrigerators have been around for a very long time. For example, Electrolux has been producing such models since 1925. Servel brand refrigerator models are still in production to this day.

Although this technology has been in use since 1925, it has undergone numerous improvements over that time, and as a result, the efficiency of the propane refrigerator, along with increased safety parameters, has increased significantly.

A propane refrigerator has several important differences from a standard one. You can guess from the name that this type of refrigerator uses liquid propane gas. Otherwise it works in the same way as the standard one. It should be noted that since they run on propane, for added safety, there are almost no moving parts.

Here are the parts that allow such refrigerators to work:

  • Generator
  • Capacitor
  • Evaporator
  • Separator
  • Shock absorber

How does a propane refrigerator cool?

A propane refrigerator has a burner, which in turn heats the generator. Once the generator reaches the desired temperature, it brings the ammonia and water mixture to a boil. The heated liquid passes through the tubes into the separator block. Since ammonia and water have different weights, they are easily separated and the ammonia, when cooled by a condenser, is converted into liquid form. The water remains to allow the process to continue. As soon as ammonia turns into a liquid state, when mixed with compressed hydrogen, it greatly cools it.

Propane refrigerators have the ability to function without electricity. The only requirement for this type of refrigeration equipment to operate on an ammonia-water mixture is a constant source of heating.

Since electricity is not required, this makes these refrigerators an ideal choice for RVs and outdoor enthusiasts. A propane refrigerator is also perfect for a summer residence, especially if you have power outages or insufficient voltage in the network.

Video - propane refrigerator

Let's face it: when you go on a trip, there isn't always a source of electricity along the way. But propane refrigerators remain viable in such conditions and, perhaps, we are witnessing their rebirth on the market.

A refrigerator that works without electricity