How Does Propane Refrigeration Unit Work?

A propane refrigeration unit is great for places that have no electricity, such as a RV. Propane refrigerators are great for the campers and outdoor type, due to the lack of dependency to electrical power outlets. These refrigerators have no moving parts and use propane as the main source of energy, which works to product cold air within the unit.

A propane refrigerator uses ammonia as the coolant. It also uses water, and hydrogen gas to create a continuous cycle for the ammonia.

The parts of the refrigerator each have an important role:

• The generator generates ammonia gas.


• The separator separates ammonia gas from water.


• The condenser is where hot ammonia gas is cooled and condensed to create liquid ammonia.


• The evaporator is where liquid ammonia evaporates to create cold temperatures inside the refrigerator.


• The absorber absorbs the ammonia gas in water.

How the cycle works:

1. The generator is applied with heat. The heat comes from burning a substance such as gas, propane or kerosene.


2. A solution of ammonia and water is in the generator. The heat raises the temperature of the solution to the boiling point of the ammonia.


3. The boiling solution flows to the separator. In the separator, the water separates from the ammonia gas.


4. The ammonia gas flows upward to the condenser. The condenser is composed of metal coils and fins that allow the ammonia gas to dissipate its heat and condense into a liquid.


5. The liquid ammonia makes its way to the evaporator, where it mixes with hydrogen gas and evaporates, producing cold temperatures inside the refrigerator.


6. The ammonia and hydrogen gases flow to the absorber. Here, the water that has collected in the separator is mixed with the ammonia and hydrogen gases.


7. The ammonia forms a solution with the water and releases the hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas flows back to the evaporator. The ammonia and water solution flows toward the generator to repeat the cycle.