How Do Propane Refrigerators Work?

Why Propane Fridges?

Propane fridges are refrigerators powered by propane fuel as a way to make them run without the need for electricity. Many times propane fridges are placed in campers and other recreational vehicles where an outlet is not available. The interesting feature about propane fridges is that in order to create the fridge's cooling effect, propane fuel needs to be burned.

Features

A propane refrigerator is made up of five main parts that allow it to operate. These parts include a generator, separator, condensing unit, evaporator and absorber. Water, gas and ammonia are cycled through a propane fridge in order to allow the unit to operate properly. The generator makes ammonia gas while the separator divides the gas from the water. Within the condensing unit, the gas is cooled in order to create liquid ammonia. The liquid ammonia is then put through the evaporator in order to evaporate the substance. This evaporation gives the propane refrigerator a cold temperature. The absorber soaks up the ammonia gas in water.

Effects

Within the generator is an ammonia and water solution. By turning on propane, heat is applied to the generator. The ammonia and water reach a boiling point and, once boiled, flow into the separator. This is where the ammonia and water are separated. Once separated, they make their way to the propane refrigerator's condensing unit. The condenser uses metal coils to cool down the gas in order to make a liquid coolant. The evaporator contains hydrogen gas. Once the liquid coolant arrives here, it evaporates due to the gas and causes cold temperatures within the main unit of the refrigerator. After the coolant has evaporated, the cycle is not complete for the propane refrigerator. The ammonia and gas flow into the absorber in order to reform a solution with the water that has gone through the condensation unit. This solution is recycled back into the evaporator of the propane refrigerator.

Considerations

One of the main differences between propane and electric refrigerators is that the propane units don't require Freon to operate. Some propane can be operated with electricity, but it's not energy efficient. Propane refrigerators burn cleaner than kerosene gas models. Kerosene refrigerators require weekly maintenance in order to clean soot that has built up. Propane models require refueling and utilize standard propane tanks that can be found at any home improvement store.