Is a Human-Powered Refrigerator Feasible for Off-Grid Living?

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    Human Refrigerator
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the feasibility of creating a human-powered refrigerator for off-grid living. Participants explore the technical aspects of modifying a deep freezer with a human-powered mechanism, including considerations of energy requirements, compatibility of components, and alternative cooling methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using an automotive compressor connected to pedals for a human-powered fridge and questions the compatibility of freon types and pressures.
  • Another participant suggests reconsidering the human power source, arguing that the energy expended by humans may outweigh the benefits, especially in survival situations.
  • Concerns are raised about the compatibility of freon and the potential need for changing lines due to different viscosities.
  • It is noted that human power may lead to uneven energy output, which could affect the cooling system's performance.
  • A suggestion is made to use cold water from a nearby creek to assist in cooling, along with the possibility of using a 12v compressor for temperature regulation.
  • Calculations are presented estimating the energy requirements for running a refrigerator, indicating that a significant amount of human effort would be needed to sustain operation.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the feasibility of the idea based on the energy input required from humans.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of a human-powered refrigerator, with some questioning its practicality due to high energy demands and others exploring technical modifications. No consensus is reached regarding the viability of the proposed system.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various assumptions regarding energy output, compatibility of components, and the practicality of human power in maintaining refrigeration. The discussion remains open-ended with unresolved technical details.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in off-grid living solutions, renewable energy enthusiasts, and those exploring human-powered technology may find this discussion relevant.

neilmkearns
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I make human powered machines for offgrid living and have been getting ready to start on a human powered fridge. The idea is to use a deep freezer and replace the compressor with an automotive one, and connect the shaft to pedals (might require two riders).

1) Are the freon types compatible?
2) Are the pressures compatible, or the compressor modify-able?
3) Due to the surplus power, would like to charge up a large pressure tank of coolant to circulate and cool the system after riding for say 5 minutes.

Any thoughts smart guys/gals?

thanks for any insights into this!
 
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If it was me, I would rethink that power source. Humans basically working out on treadmills in order to keep said food cold are going to consume a lot of the said food. Not good for a survival point either- you need to be able to do other things yes?

As far as I know the freon is not compatible either, not sure if the lines would need changing or not? They have different viscosity so the port sizes are what matter I think, to avoid any plugs.

Those systems don't like start/stop conditions either.. So human power is going to be very uneven.

Assuming a creek is nearby, you could have cold water being pumped through the unit to minimize work on the cooling system. Then run a 12v compressor or belt drive an automotive one whenever the temperature rises too much?
 
http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/refrigerators.html
let's say a fridge uses 200 KwH of power (a very generous rounding)

one joule/second = 1 watt
1000*60*60 j/s = 1 kwh
a 200 kwH fridge needs 1000*200 kw every hour. that's 1000*200/(60^2) = 55 joules/second

http://mapawatt.com/2009/07/19/bicycle-power-watts/
let's say an out-of-shape cyclist can generate 200 watts
that's 200 joules/second

you'd have to ride 6 hours/day to run the fridge (assuming you have a flywheel, or battery, or something harnessing the spare energy)
i guess 3 hours in the morning, and 3 hours before bed seem feasible
it'll probably be closer to 8 hours/day
 
Liked the idea but as the above two posters said, the amount of energy to be put in by humans hardly justifies its feasibility.
 

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