How did/do natural gas powered refrigerators work?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Natural gas powered refrigerators operate using absorption refrigeration technology, which does not rely on traditional compressors. Instead, they utilize a heat source, such as natural gas, to drive the cooling process. This method allows for silent operation, as there are no moving parts like fans or compressors. While modern absorption refrigerators are rare, they are still manufactured, with some models available from companies like Taver, which has been producing them for over 30 years.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of absorption refrigeration technology
  • Knowledge of natural gas as a heat source
  • Familiarity with the components of refrigeration systems
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of absorption refrigeration systems
  • Explore the history and development of natural gas powered appliances
  • Investigate modern manufacturers of absorption refrigerators
  • Learn about the environmental impact of using natural gas in refrigeration
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, appliance manufacturers, and anyone interested in alternative refrigeration technologies will benefit from this discussion on natural gas powered refrigerators.

bluemoonKY
Messages
130
Reaction score
16
My father told me that when he was a child in the 1950s, his parents owned a natural gas powered refrigerator. He said that the refrigerator made no noise when it was running. I can't fathom how a natural gas powered refrigerator would work. I mean, it would make no sense for natural gas to power the evaporator/condenser fans on the refrigerator. If natural gas powered the fans, it would entail natural gas powering a generator to generate the electricity. I think maybe natural gas powered the compressor on the refrigerator. My father thinks that maybe the refrigerator did not have any compressor at all. He thinks maybe the refrigerator cooled food in another way, but neither he nor I have any idea how it would work.

I am not sure, but I don't think that any natural gas powered refrigerators are made any more.

How did/do natural gas powered refrigerators work?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Today, small absorption refrigerators are comparatively rare, but they are still being made. Here is a Spanish manufacturer that has been making two models for over 30 years. Most of them for export:

http://www.taver.es/eng/frigorificos.php
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

The reservoir of refrigerant between condenser & metering device
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
How to estimate enthalpy change across a compressor in simple vapor compression cycle
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
798
Why did the superheat go up as I added refrigerant?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
8K
Undergrad Heat pumps: Questions about compressor pump refrigerant gas and evaporator
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
Designing an Actual Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
How does a metering device on an A/C lower the pressure?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Could we make a practical solar fridge?
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
Need Help figuring out this gas cylinder volume issue
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Refrigeration - Work done by evaporator, condenser, expansion valve
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
15K
I have a few questions about refrigeration and AC units
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K