Refrigerator Uses Solar Energy (Aug, 1935)
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.
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
It is an interesting design.
I would like to know if the item has been further developed either in the U.S.A. or elsewhere for regular production. If so, can I have the details please ?
I am B.S.Murty from India.
The design is indeed very interesting and useful.
I would like to know if it has been further developed and engineered for regular production either in the U.S.A. or elsewhere ?
If so, I would like to have the particulars. Thank you.
I am B.S.Murty from India.
The design is indeed interesting and useful.
I would like to know if it has been further developed for engineering and regular production either in the U.S.A. or elsewhere. If so, I would like to have the details.
I am B.S.Murty from India.
[...] least complex is just water/ammonia and just add heat, but the high pressure is too dangerous. Refrigerator Uses Solar Energy Crosley IcyBall http://crosleyautoclub….…meBuilt-sm.JPG RV propane refrigerator is [...]
Here is Otto Mohr’s patent http://www.google.com/p…
Wasn’t this the type of cooling used to make ice in the book (and movie) “The Mosquito Coast”?
Is there a company that produces these devices today. If not where can I get the plans to build a home coling system.
[...] refrigerator Otto Mohr made an ammonia closed loop refrigerator way back: Refrigerator Uses Solar Energy Modern day type of concept: Solar powered ice maker – Hack a Day Ammonia is probably easier and [...]