How does a solar refrigerator work?

The system simply uses photovoltaic cells instead of coal or nuclear power to generate electricity. It hits the temperature of any other refrigerator (around 38 degrees F, or 3 degrees C, for most people). To supply enough power to maintain that temperature, the unit's solar panel needs about five hours of sunlight a day [source: NASA].

What is a solar thermal refrigeration system?

A typical solar thermal refrigeration system consists of four basic components - a solar collector array, a thermal storage tank, a thermal refrigeration unit and a heat exchange system to transfer energy between components and the refrigerated space. Selection of the solar array depends upon the temperature needed for refrigeration system.

How solar energy can be used for refrigeration purposes?

There are three methods by which solar energy can be utilized for refrigeration purposes. They are as follows- Solar Electric Method, Solar Mechanical Method and Solar Thermal Method. In Solar Electric Method, the solar energy is directly converted to DC current by an array of solar cells known as Photovoltaic (PV) panel.

Does a refrigerator use solar power?

When most of us think of " solar power," we think of panels of photovoltaic cells. A refrigerator introduced in 2009 by British student Emily Cummins used a far more literal version of solar power. Cummins' refrigerator uses no photovoltaics, no electricity, no chemical refrigerant and no moving parts to produce a cooling effect.

What is a solar fridge?

Solar fridges were introduced in the developing world to cut down on the use of kerosene or gas-powered absorption refrigerated coolers which are the most common alternatives. They are used for both vaccine storage and household applications in areas without reliable electrical supply because they have poor or no grid electricity at all.

Does a solar-powered refrigerator have a backup?

Most solar-powered cooling systems come with this type of backup. One solar-powered refrigerator model that does not have such a high-tech backup is the so-called "eco-fridge" developed by a 21-year-old student in Britain. That model has no moving parts at all. Vaccines like the ones above need to stay cold in order to remain fresh.