ELECTROLUX REFRIGERATOR (The Fluid Refrigerator)

The arrangement of the components of the system is shown in Fig. The working of the system is
described as follows.
The system is basically an ammonia-water absorption system. The basic principle of operation of
the system is used of partial pressure concepts to evaporate ammonia at a lower pressure while the
total pressure is held high. In addition to water and ammonia, hydrogen is used to create the partial
pressure. All the components of the system are at a constant high, (condenser) pressure. The movement
of the gases is by natural circulation. The movement of the liquid is by the use of bubble pump principle
and by gravity.
The generator contains strong solution. The delivery pipe is immersed into the solution. When
heated, ammonia is separated. The bubbles of ammonia carry with them the weak solution generated.
At the separator the weak solution drops down and ammonia vapour alone passes into the condenser.
The weak solution after passing through a trap drops into the absorber and flows down. Ammonia
vapour and hydrogen from the evaporator move down and pass over the weak solution. Ammonia is
absorbed and hydrogen returns to the evaporator. During the passage through the evaporator hydrogen
is cooled and during the passage through the absorber hydrogen is warmed, thus setting up natural
circulation. The liquid ammonia drops into the evaporator where hydrogen is also present. The partial
pressure of the ammonia is low and ammonia evaporates providing the refrigeration effect. The traps
serve the purpose conditioning hydrogen in the evaporator-absorber circuit. The total pressure in the
system is constant at a value corresponding to the saturation pressure of ammonia at atmospheric
temperature. Ammonia exists at this pressure in the generator and condenser. In the evaporator and

absorber, the total pressure equals the sum of partial pressure of hydrogen and partial pressure of
ammonia. By suitable charge of hydrogen in the system, the partial pressure of ammonia can be
lowered to a level which it will evaporate at 10 or 20C.
The system can be operated by heat and in suitable in locations where electric power is not
available. The system is suitable for low capacities only. The bubble pump generally limits the circulation
rate and the capacity.