HOW ABSORPTION FRIDGES ARE DIFFERENT FROM NORMAL KITCHEN FRIDGES

An absorption fridge works differently from a normal fridge that most people have in their kitchens. The former uses the vapour-absorption principle while the latter uses the vapour-compression principle. It pays to understand how these two types of refrigerator work in order to choose the right type that suits your need.

Absorption and compression refrigeration has similarities. Both methods of refrigeration start by employing a refrigerant and letting it get exposed to heat so that it boils. The heat will be carried away and then condenses, producing a cooling effect. Now here come their differences. Absorption refrigerator and compression refrigerator each have their own way of converting refrigerant gas back into its liquid form.

In absorption refrigeration, the gas is converted into liquid by applying heat that comes from electric power. No other moving parts except for the refrigerant gas is involved in the process. The entire cycle can be summarized into three phases. The first phase is when the liquid refrigerant is exposed to heat and evaporates and turns into a hot refrigerant gas. The second phase is when the hot refrigerant gas gets absorbed by a salt solution, turning itself into a hot refrigerant-saturated liquid. It will be heated, then it evaporates and gets converted into a gas again. The heat exchanger will then transfer the heat elsewhere and will cause the gas to be converted back into liquid form and produce a cooling effect.

On the other hand, compression refrigeration needs an electrically powered compression engine to heat up the refrigerant gas. The hot vapour gets converted into liquid, pass through the expansion valve, and converted once again into a vapour with lower temperature. Finally, the vapour will be made cooler as it is being released by the evaporator. Then, the cycle continues. The regular refrigerator follows the principle that compressing gas makes it hot while expanding it makes it cold.

Both types of fridges have advantages and disadvantages. It is true that an absorption fridge may not be as powerful as compression fridges but they are more budget friendly. Compression fridge consumes a lot of energy to function well.

Choosing the right fridge is as important as buying from the right shop. If you opt to purchase online, consider stores that sell different brands of refrigerators. They can give you better insights and advise as to which type and brand should you choose.