Types of Ammonia Absorption Refrigerators

Commercial Absorption Refrigerators

• An ammonia-absorption refrigerator is an energy-efficient choice in water-scarce regions, since they don't use water for cooling. Ammonia-absorption refrigeration uses waste heat, helping to conserve energy and reduce waste. It also replaces chlorofluorocarbons, harmful to the ozone. This type of refrigeration is used commercially for freeze-drying foods, food refrigeration, cold storage, dairies, ice-making, ice cream, meat processing and blast freezing.

Consumer Mini-Bar Absorption Refrigerators

• Special ammonia-absorption refrigerators are available on the market for consumers. Small mini-bar absorption refrigerators are used in overseas hotels and consumer homes. They're small, weighing between 35 to 40 pounds, energy efficient -- and because they do not use compressors, they're quiet. These small consumer refrigerators consist of a generator, condenser and evaporator. When the ammonia is heated, it evaporates, passing through the condenser and causes cooling. The cooled ammonia returns to a liquid state, where it returns to repeat the cycle.

Consumer Standard-Size Absorption Refrigerators

• Standard-size absorption refrigerators are also available for consumer usage, and are available in standard sizes for an average-size home. Most are around 180 pounds, 60 inches high, 23 inches wide and 24 inches deep. Offered in French-door, double-drawer and single-door models, they're equipped with all the "bells and whistles" of regular consumer refrigerators -- including LED lighted controls, ice makers and adjustable thermostats.

Solar-Powered Absorption Refrigerators

• Absorption refrigerators run on heat and can use solar energy to power the cooling system. Solar-powered refrigerators use the sun’s heat and ammonia for cooling, no electricity required. These refrigerator units vary in size from small compact models that can be used in remote locations where electricity is not available, to standard home-sized models that cool as well as freeze and make ice. Solar-powered absorption refrigerators have been under research and development since the 1970s and are currently used by large commercial refrigeration plants. Home models are also available for consumers looking for energy-efficient refrigerators.