Performance of Solar Power Refrigerator Using Different Materials: A Comparison

Introduction

The refrigeration is an important technology in that, it slows down the growth of bacteria. In doing this, it lowers the risks of diseases. This is because bacteria exist all around us including in the foods that we eat. When the bacteria are supplied with enough nutrients and favorable climatic conditions, they grow rapidly and hence can cause illnesses. Refrigeration technology comes in hard to stop the rapid multiplication of the bacteria and this is a benefit to the society in that its chances of falling ill from bacteria illness.

A lot of advancement happens in our world today, and that includes the advancement in the features of a refrigerator. The first model developed consumes only a small amount of power consumption but today it consumes more energy than usual. Large unit of freezers consumes about 4 kilowatt hour per day. Its energy consumption is even greater when constantly being opened. Hence, simple solar power refrigerators working on evaporative cooling principal becomes an alternative. These Solar-powered refrigerators are able to keep perishable goods such as medicines; meat and dairy cool in hot climates, and are used to keep much needed vaccines at their appropriate temperature to avoid spoilage with less cost.

It works on evaporative cooling principal. In this process when the fridge is placed in a warm environment, the sun's energy causes the outer part of the fridge to 'sweat'. Water evaporates from the sand or wool and heat energy is transferred away from the inner cylinder, which therefore becomes cooler. The design is ideal for use in the developing world because it doesn't require electricity.