How do gas refrigerators work?
In most homes, people use electric refrigerators,
as they are most cost effective, more energy efficient, and made for easy
long term use. But when you are living in an RV or you are planning on going
on an extended camping trip, electricity may not be available. That is why
there are also other types of refrigerators available – most notably, gas
powered refrigerators. These (generally propane or butane) gas powered
refrigerators work adequately in situations where electricity is not
available.
How Do They Work?
Gas powered refrigerators have many of the some
basic components as electric refrigerators. The basic components of the gas
powered fridge are a:
·
Generator
·
Separator
·
Condenser
·
Evaporator
·
Absorber
All of these components run together using the gas
as both the fuel and the coolant in order to get the refrigerator to work
even when there is no electricity available. The entire process is fairly
effective, and though it is less energy efficient than the standard
refrigerator, it does effectively get the job done.
Gas Powered Refrigerator Process
1.
Gas is burned for the generator. The gas helps create the energy of the
process, as well as raises the temperature of this combination of ammonia
and water, making it boil.
2.
Once the ammonia is boiling, the combination travels to a separator that
moves the ammonia and the water separately through the rest of the system.
3.
Here is where the process is similar to many of the traditional electric
refrigerators. The ammonia gas flows through a condenser, which uses a
pressure system to move it through coils. These coils keep the ammonia warm,
but turn it into a liquid.
4.
The liquid ammonia than collides with another solution of hydrogen gas. When
it evaporates, colder temperatures are created that help it cool down the
refrigerator.
5.
Once completed, the water combines back with the hydrogen and ammonia
mixture, and the hydrogen then leaves and collects elsewhere, while the
remaining solution starts the process all over again.
The entire procedure for creating refrigeration
from gas is mildly complicated overall, but still extremely effective for
creating refrigeration in areas where electricity is not available. Though
it may not be the most ideal system and certainly is not meant to be used
for extremely long periods of time unless one has little access to
electricity.
How Long Does a Single Gas Tank Generally
Last in a Refrigerator?
How long they last often depends on the type of gas
they use. For example, the average propane refrigerator uses approximately ¾
of a tank each day. Models vary considerably though, with the old ones being
much less efficient. It is best to stock up on propane tanks (as safely as
you can do so) before you leave for your trip, because if a tank runs out it
does not take long for all of the food inside to spoil, and most of the food
you had for your trip could be gone. Otherwise, they are still generally
effective for long camping trips, RV trailers, and whenever else you need
them.
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