Einstein developed an ecological fridge with Leo Szilard in 1926. By that time, the refrigerators used toxic gases and refrigerants. The use of these gases such as methyl chloride, ammonia and sulfur dioxide, caused more of one death in many homes. For this reason Einstein along with Szilard, decided to create a refrigerator for absorption, which we will discuss below.
How it works the refrigerator of Einstein
Based on the knowledge that water boils at a lower temperature to 100 Celsius degrees, Einstein and Szilard used ammonia, butane, and water to make work their fridge. The advantage of this invention is that it does not need electricity to operate, in addition to being a secure system that eliminates the loss of gas.
It is for this reason that we are interested in developing the principles of this invention with the objective of investing in their improvement. Take up to households this type of cooler will not only save on electricity consumption, but also, we will be betting on appliances clean and respectful with the environment.
But let’s see how it works the refrigerator, the process is as follows: You enter the ammonia in the evaporator, then add the coolant, which is the butane. The butane evaporates, and this gas mixture passes through the condenser where it comes into contact with water. The water absorbs the ammonia, and butane assumes the pressure inside the condenser, resulting in liquefaction. That is to say, the butane passes into the liquid state, and in that state passed back through the evaporator to repeat the whole process. In the meantime, the ammonia goes to another part where water is separated by the action of heat, and from there back to the evaporator.
All the above process takes place by the action of an electromagnetic pump created by Einstein and Szilard. This electromagnetic pump generates an electromagnetic field, which in turn moves a piston which compresses the refrigerant. And from there starts the entire process explained above during a repetitive cycle.
The basis for the invention of this electromagnetic principle is due to Szilard, who in 1929 published a work in this regard. This work has as its object the explanation of the operation of the Engine Zsilard, which breaks with the second law of thermodynamics. This research on thermodynamics is what led Zsilard and Einstein to focus on one type of cooler by absorption.
Any refrigerator is not a closed system, as it is subjected to a constant flow of energy, which is what makes it work in a continuous manner. In this sense, the Einstein uses a heat source to lead the process of absorption and release of coolant, instead of using a mechanical compressor. In turn, the source of heat comes from the combination of liquid and gases through several circuits interconnected.
As we can see, the idea is very effective, and the fact that you do not use freon or other toxic gases for its operation, turn the refrigerator of Einstein in a bet for the future. In fact, many universities have been interested in rescuing the design of Einstein to improve it and make it operational.
In particular, the University of Cambridge has worked on the use of magnetic fields on the cooling system. On the other hand, Malcolm MacCulloch, a professor at the University of Oxford attempted in 2008 to build the compression pump designed Einstein and Zsilard.
It is obvious that the advantages of the Einstein’s fridge are more than enough to dedicate time and investment. If we remember that it does not need electricity and uses waste heat for your operation, we understand that there is a need to recover this invention.
Climate change is increasingly worrying, and traditional sources of energy will deplete and pollute. For that reason to invest in clean energy sources and develop ecological appliances is a necessary step in our evolution as humans.
On the other hand, this type of fridge can be used in any part of the world, whether it is a desert, an isolated mountain, or any place where it does not reach the power lines. This would be a huge improvement in the quality of life of many disadvantaged populations.
