Umair Gaines
There are several ways to run a fridge without electricity. One way is to use a kerosene fridge, which has been a reliable option for many in remote areas. Another way is to utilise a zeer, a time-tested and sustainable design that has been used for food preservation for thousands of years. A zeer uses clay or terracotta pots, sand, and water to create a cooling effect through evaporation. Additionally, the Mitticool fridge from India operates without electricity, using only water. For those seeking a more energy-efficient option, a chest freezer with an external thermostat can be powered by solar energy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Kerosene fridge, Propane fridge, Mitticool (water-based), Clay pot cooler (zeer) |
| Materials | Kerosene, Propane, Water, Clay pots, Sand |
| Mechanism | Kerosene/propane as fuel, Water evaporation through clay, Sand and water wicking and evaporation |
| Suitability | Remote locations without power grids, Temporary cooling needs, Long-term food preservation |
| Advantages | Low cost, Environmentally friendly, Portable, Energy efficient |
| Disadvantages | May not be as effective as electric refrigerators, Limited capacity |
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What You'll Learn
Use a kerosene fridge
A kerosene-powered refrigerator is an option for those without a reliable source of electricity. This type of refrigerator uses kerosene as its heat source for refrigeration and can be used for food preservation and drink refrigeration. It can be used outdoors, for example, when camping, and in homes.
The kerosene-powered refrigerator is also known as an absorption refrigerator. It uses a vapour absorption system and has no moving parts, instead using two working fluids to achieve its purpose. This is similar to a regular compressor refrigerator in that refrigeration takes place by evaporating a liquid with a very low boiling point.
The Dometic Servel RK400 is a non-electric kerosene refrigerator and freezer. It is important to note that this unit is not designed for use in a mobile home, boat, or recreational vehicle. Kerosene is particularly dangerous in a moving vehicle or boat in motion. When stationary, the unit must be level and stable for correct operation.
It is also important to note that you should never try to cool an empty gas/kerosene fridge. This confounds the thermostat, and the same advice applies to electrical or gas refrigerators. It is recommended that all foods are pre-frozen before being placed into the freezer compartment of a kerosene refrigerator.
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Try an Indian water-based fridge called Mitticool
If you're looking for a way to keep your food cool without electricity, consider the Indian water-based fridge called Mitticool. This unique refrigerator is made from terracotta clay and uses water to keep its contents cool. Here's how it works and why it might be a great option for you:
Mitticool is a natural, eco-friendly way to keep your food cool. It's made from 100% natural clay, which has alkaline properties that help neutralise the pH level of water. This process also helps to naturally cool the water, and the clay adds a unique flavour to it. The clay refrigerator is designed to store water, milk, fruits, and vegetables, and it does not require any electricity to function.
To use the Mitticool fridge, start by filling the top water tank with water. After 12 hours, empty the tank so that the clay can adjust to the water. For the first three months of use, fill the tank with no more than one litre of water to prevent leakage due to the high porosity of the clay. After this initial period, you can gradually increase the water volume up to ten litres. It's a good idea to place a tray under the fridge to catch any water that may leak.
The performance of the Mitticool fridge depends on the external temperature and humidity. It works best in dry and hot climates, where evaporation can occur more effectively. To enhance its cooling performance, keep the Mitticool in a well-ventilated area and regularly clean its outer body every two to three days to keep the clay pores open.
The Mitticool fridge is a great option for those seeking a more natural and environmentally friendly way to keep their food cool. It's durable and provides efficient cooling without the need for electricity. With proper care, it can be a long-lasting solution for your food storage needs while also adding a unique touch to your lifestyle.
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Solar thermal technology for passive refrigeration
Solar thermal technology is an effective method for passive refrigeration, especially in hot climates. This technology harnesses solar energy and converts it into cooling energy, which can then be used for refrigeration.
The core component of a solar thermal cooling system is the absorption chiller. This chiller removes heat from a circulating liquid via vapour compression or an absorption refrigeration cycle. The chiller is supplied with hot water from solar panels, which is then used to produce the required amount of cooling. The size and type of solar collector are determined by the operating temperature of the chiller and the available solar energy. There are two main types of solar collectors: stationary and tracking collectors. Tracking collectors are often used for larger-scale projects that require more heat input.
Solar thermal cooling systems can be classified as either open-cycle or closed-cycle. In an open-cycle system, the refrigerant is in direct contact with the atmosphere and is discarded after use, with new refrigerant supplied in an open-ended loop. On the other hand, closed-cycle systems do not have the refrigerant in direct contact with atmospheric air. Both systems can be further distinguished by the type of sorbent used, which can be in liquid or solid form. The three main designs of solar thermal cooling technologies are solar adsorption, solar absorption, and solar desiccant.
Solar thermal energy can be used to drive a thermal heat pump or modern adsorption technology to produce coldness for refrigeration or air-conditioning purposes. This is particularly useful in areas with abundant sunshine, where the demand for cooling is high during periods of intense solar radiation. By combining solar thermal energy with these technologies, it is possible to create a sustainable and renewable cooling or refrigeration system.
Overall, solar thermal technology offers a promising approach to passive refrigeration, utilizing the sun's energy to provide cooling without relying on electricity. This method can help reduce energy consumption and provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional refrigeration systems.
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DIY mini-fridge with ceramic pots, sand and water
In some parts of the world, this clay pot cooler is called a "zeer". People in the Middle East and Africa have long used similar contraptions to keep food from spoiling in hot, dry climates. To create your own DIY mini-fridge with ceramic pots, sand and water, follow these steps:
- Get two unglazed ceramic pots—one that will fit inside the other—plus some sand and water.
- Fill the bottom of the larger pot with a couple of inches of sand.
- Place the smaller pot inside the larger one.
- Fill the space between the pots with sand.
- Pour water into the sand until it is saturated.
- Cover the pots with a ceramic lid or a wet cloth.
- Your homemade cooler is now ready to store food. Remember to add water to the sand daily to ensure efficient evaporation and cooling.
The cooling effect of a Zeer Pot relies on the principle of evaporation. As the water within the sand evaporates through the porous clay, it releases energy into the air, cooling the space inside the pots. Zeer pots are generally durable and can withstand regular use. However, care should be taken to avoid rough handling to prevent cracks or breakage.
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Propane-based thermal absorptive refrigerators
These refrigerators use propane as a heat source to drive the cooling process, without the need for a mechanical compressor. The refrigerant used in these systems has a very low boiling point (less than -18°C or 0°F) and evaporates easily, providing the cooling effect. The evaporation occurs at the lower end of a narrow tube, and the bubbles of refrigerant gas push the refrigerant-depleted liquid into a higher chamber. The hot gaseous refrigerant then passes through a heat exchanger, transferring its heat outside the system, and condenses at a higher place. This mechanical circulation of the liquid occurs silently and without the need for a pump.
There are several benefits to using propane-based thermal absorptive refrigerators. Firstly, they are inexpensive to operate in the long term. Depending on the size of the refrigerator, you can power it with just 50 to 100 gallons of propane per year. The price of propane varies but is typically between $1.50 and $3.00 per gallon, resulting in an annual cost of $150 to $300 to run the fridge. This is competitive with modern AC-powered refrigerators and matches solar refrigerators when repair and replacement costs are considered. Propane refrigerators are also independent of solar energy, which can be unreliable during cloudy or winter months due to reduced battery charging capabilities.
Some popular propane-based thermal absorptive refrigerators on the market include the Smeta Compact, the Superior upright propane refrigerator, and the Smad upright refrigerator. The Smeta Compact offers 3.5 cubic feet of storage space, including a small 0.4 cubic foot freezer section. It can be powered by propane, 110 V AC power, or a 12 V DC connection, making it extremely versatile. The Superior upright propane refrigerator provides a generous 10 cubic feet of fridge and freezer space and can be powered by propane gas or 110 V AC electrical power. The Smad upright refrigerator offers 9.3 cubic feet of fridge and freezer space and operates silently on 110 AC power or propane gas.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to run a fridge without electricity. One way is to use a kerosene fridge, which has been a reliable option for many. Another way is to use a zeer, a type of clay pot cooler that uses sand, water, and evaporation to keep the contents cool. You can also use a Mitticool fridge, which is a type of refrigerator from India that only requires water. Finally, you can use a chest freezer with an external thermostat and run it off solar power.
A zeer is a type of clay pot cooler that has been used for thousands of years in some parts of the Middle East and Africa to preserve food without electricity. To make a zeer, you will need two terracotta pots of different sizes, sand, water, and a towel. Put sand between the two pots, layer it, and firm it as you go. Then, wet the sand with a jug or hose. The terracotta pot is porous, so it will wick the moisture from the sand and the water will evaporate, causing heat loss and cooling the inside. Cover the pots with a wet towel to help keep the temperature down.
A Mitticool fridge is a type of refrigerator from India that does not require electricity and only uses water to keep its contents cool.
To run a chest freezer without electricity, you can use solar power. Add an external thermostat to the chest freezer and connect it to a solar power source. This will allow you to run the freezer off the solar power, which is a more energy-efficient option.
