Propane Refridgerator

Yes, you are absolutely right. I am going to go off-grid with solar only and a propane refrigerator would really lessen the amount of solar panels I need to purchase. So, either I get more panels with a conventional refrigerator or less panels and import a RV fridge?

 

I used to work on R.V.'s, and have 25 years plus of experience with them, which includes repairing and overhauling ammonia based R.V. refrigerators that run on 12v D.C., 120v A.C., and propane. The older one made in the 60's and 70's by Electrolux, and sold by Dometic Corp. are the longest lasting and heaviest. The older ones WILL last 30-40 years with minimal maintenance, which includes keeping the burner and flue clean, and the gas pressure at 10-12" W.C. The newer ones will, on average last only 10 years, and are electronically controlled, and have a lot more things that can go wrong with them, and are expensive to repair. They are also VERY expensive, even 10 years ago a 7 cubic foot unit was over $1000 U.S. I'm sure they are more costly now.

In a remote area, with no electricity, and no other choice, I can see their use, but a 100% electric, freon based refer, is cheaper to buy and use in the long run. Even if the ammonia based refer is being powered by 12 volts through batteries and solar panels, the payback period compared to running the same refer on gas, makes it a poor investment.

The main problem is not letting the heat they expel escape through proper ventilation, and not keeping the unit level. If not kept level, they will die a premature and costly death, which, in order to repair, necessitates replacement of the cooling unit, which I have done a lot of!

 

Propane refrigerators use ammonia as a refrigerant, and this was discontinued for many reasons, except for costs (logistically speaking), mainly and mostly because of the caustic properties of ammonia. A leak in the system could be harmful, though in refrigerators, the volume is almost negligible compared to air conditioning systems, especially chillers.

 

Discontinued? Where? It is still widely used around the world and the U.S. as a refrigerant, even on a large scale, in commercial operations, like meat packing plants.