Refrigerator Uses Solar Energy (Aug, 1935)
Filed under: House and Home — @ 12:02 am
Source: Modern Mechanix ( More articles from this issue )
Issue: Aug, 1935
Buy on Ebay
Tags: solar power
Source: Modern Mechanix ( More articles from this issue )
Issue: Aug, 1935
Buy on Ebay
Tags: solar power
Refrigerator Uses Solar Energy
A REFRIGERATOR which requires no energy other than exposure to sunlight for two hours a day has been developed by Otto H. Mohr, California consulting engineer. Larger solar power units requiring up to four hours exposure can be used for heating or cooling entire homes, according to the inventor. A spherical lens catches the sun’s rays at all hours of the day.
This lens gathers the rays, and changes the light into heat which is transferred to the refrigerating liquid, usually ammonia. The cooling operation is similar to that of ordinary gas refrigerators.
There was a portable version of this built called the Crosley IcyBall - no doubt you’ll see it in one of your magazines.
The IcyBall, rather than being heated by the Sun, was boiled in a bucket - this drove off the ammonia inside from the ammonia/water mixture. PLacing it in service (half in and half out of a freezer box) allowed the ammonia to recombine in the mixture, causing the temperature drop.
Solar versions as above are still built in tropical countries - they’re not all that complex and very effective where electricity is not available and cooling is needed.
Comment by mrchurchill109 — July 19, 2007 @ 4:05 am
I am Adoko,residing in Nigeria where I studied electrical engineering.
I will like by way of curriosity request for a compressor,the type displays in this cover page.I mean a compressor which uses thermo to circulate or pump gas.
I will be most greatful if you can react on this inquiry as soon as you can.
Thanking you in advance for your cooperation.
Regards.
Adoko
Comment by ADOKO SAMBWA — August 20, 2007 @ 5:42 am