What is the history of the absorption refrigeration system?
In 1926 Albert Einstein and a former student, Leo Szilard, embarked on a venture to develop a safer refrigerator since the electric refrigerators of the time were known to leak toxic gases through broken seals. Such an incident of a German family killed by fumes caught the attention of Einstein and sparked this project. Einstein insisted that a better refrigerator design must be possible.
Their goal was to design a device with no moving parts or mechanical motion and eliminate the wear and tear factor. They used their knowledge of thermodynamics to produce an absorption refrigerator. This device would drive a combination of safer gases and liquids through three interconnected circuits. It required only a small gas flame as a heat source and was totally sealed and safe. Some experts estimate the sealed system could last 100 years.
Einstein and Szilard applied for and received 45 patents in 6 countries for this type of refrigeration technology. None of their inventions ever reached customers. The introduction of the less-toxic coolant freon and better judgment kept Einstein and Szilard from continuing the project.
Download the FREE Gas Refrigerator and Absorption Refrigeration eBook
