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Table of Contents

What Is R290 Propane Refrigerant?

How Does a Propane Refrigerator Work?

Key Components of an R290 Refrigerator

Why Choose a Propane Refrigerator?

Safety Considerations

Maintenance Tips for R290 Refrigerators

  1. Resource Center
  2. Repair

How Does a Propane Refrigerator Work?

6 min readUpdated Nov. 22, 2024Lyle WeischwillRefrigeratorAppliance 101
Title image for blog article "How Does a Propane Refrigerator Work?"

With our culture’s increased focus on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, propane refrigerant has now become an innovative alternative to standard fluorocarbon refrigerants in refrigerators. Some refrigerator models are now using propane in sealed refrigerant systems.

Ultra-refined propane used as refrigerant is known in the industry as R290 refrigerant. In this article, we’ll explore the mechanics, benefits, and applications of propane refrigerators.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Eco-Friendly and Energy-Efficient: Propane refrigerants (R290) have a minimal environmental impact with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3 and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). They offer excellent thermodynamic properties, making propane refrigerators highly energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long term.
  • Safe and Regulated Use: Despite propane's flammability, manufacturers use small quantities, sealed systems, and leak detection technologies to ensure safe operation. Propane refrigerators also align with global environmental standards, making them a future-proof choice.
  • Advanced Refrigeration Technology: Propane refrigerators operate using a standard refrigeration cycle with propane as the refrigerant, efficiently transferring heat through compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation, resulting in reliable and quiet cooling performance.

What Is R290 Propane Refrigerant?

Propane is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon. Propane is ultra-refined into R290 refrigerant through fractional distillation during natural gas processing, where the propane is separated from other hydrocarbons based on its boiling point, ensuring a high purity level suitable for use as a refrigerant.

Unlike synthetic refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), propane is environmentally friendly, with a low global warming potential (GWP) and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP).

While R290 is flammable propane, its purity and chemical properties make it safe for use in certain refrigeration systems under highly controlled conditions.

propane-freezer-refrigerant-system-operation

How Does a Propane Refrigerator Work?

The basic operation of an R290 propane refrigerator is similar to any other refrigeration system, relying on the principles of heat transfer and the sealed system refrigeration cycle. Propane quickly absorbs an enormous amount of heat when it evaporates from a liquid to a gaseous state in the refrigerator evaporator.

Here’s how an R290 propane refrigeration system works:

Compression

The R290 refrigerant enters the compressor as a low-pressure gas. The compressor compresses the propane gas, raising its pressure and temperature.

Condensation

The high-pressure, high-temperature propane gas flows into the condenser coils, where it releases heat to the surrounding environment. This process causes the gas to condense into high-pressure propane liquid.

Expansion

The liquid propane refrigerant passes through an expansion valve or capillary tube. This reduces the pressure, causing the refrigerant to cool significantly and turn into a low-pressure fluid.

Evaporation

The cooled refrigerant enters the evaporator coils inside the refrigerator. Here, it absorbs heat from the refrigerator's interior as it evaporates from liquid to propane gas, cooling the air inside. The propane gas travels back to the compressor, completing the refrigeration cycle.

This continuous process keeps the interior of the refrigerator cool while efficiently managing energy consumption.

Key Components of an R290 Refrigerator

Compressor

This pump compresses the R290 propane refrigerant, increasing its pressure and temperature to facilitate the refrigeration cycle cooling.

Condenser Coils

Located at the back or bottom of the refrigerator, these coils release heat absorbed from inside the refrigerator. The R290 gas refrigerant condenses to a liquid.

Expansion Device

This device reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant and cools it down before it enters the evaporator. The expansion valve or capillary tube also helps control the amount of propane refrigerant that enters the evaporator coils.

Evaporator Coils

Located inside the freezer compartment of the refrigerator, these coils absorb heat from the interior, cooling the air. Metal fins surrounding the evaporator coils aid in the heat transfer process. A fan blows air through the evaporator coil and fins and then the cooled air circulates through the freezer and refrigerator compartments to preserve food.

Refrigerant

Propane serves as the refrigerant, circulating through the system and transferring heat as it changes between liquid to gaseous states.

The chemical properties of R290 propane refrigerant facilitate the heat transfer. Latent heat of vaporization is pulled from the air around the evaporator as liquid propane evaporates to gas propane.

Latent heat of vaporization is the amount of heat absorbed when a fluid changes from a liquid to a gas at a fixed temperature.

Similarly, same latent heat of condensation is released in the condenser by the propane refrigerant when the R290 changes from a gas to a liquid.

Why Choose a Propane Refrigerator?

Eco-Friendly

R290 has a GWP of just 3, compared to traditional HFC refrigerants like R134a, which have a GWP of over 1,400. Its zero ODP ensures it doesn’t harm the ozone layer.

Energy Efficiency

R290 refrigerators are highly energy-efficient. The refrigerant has excellent thermodynamic properties, requiring less energy being applied in the sealed system to achieve the same cooling effect.

Low Operating Costs

The energy efficiency of R290 translates into lower electricity bills, making it a cost-effective option over time.

Compliance with Regulations

Many governments and international organizations are phasing out high-GWP refrigerants. R290 is future-proof, aligning with global environmental standards.

Quiet Operation

Thanks to its thermodynamic properties, R290 systems often operate at lower pressures, resulting in quieter operation.

Safety Considerations

While propane is an excellent refrigerant, it is flammable due to its hydrocarbon nature. Manufacturers take the following precautions to ensure safety:

Small Refrigerant Quantities

The amount of R290 used in refrigerators is minimal, reducing the risk of combustion.

Leak Detection Systems

Many systems incorporate sensors and safety devices to detect leaks promptly.

Sealed Systems

The manufacturer hermetically seals the propane refrigerant system to prevent leaks.

Maintenance Tips for R290 Refrigerators

Regular Cleaning

Follow these tips to keep your refrigerator clean:

  • Keep the condenser coils clean to ensure efficient heat exchange.
  • Clean vent louvers at the front and back of the refrigerator to ensure proper airflow through the cabinet and over the condenser coils.
  • Regularly clean the air vents inside of the refrigerator and freezer compartments so cooling flows freely. Refer to the owner’s manual for your fridge to see where these vents are located.

Schedule Repair Quickly When Problems Arise

When you notice any cooling problems or unusual noises, schedule refrigerator repair service immediately. A service technician will visit your home and quickly fix the problem so your refrigerator will continue to operate safely and efficiently.

Professional Propane Refrigerator Maintenance

Schedule professional refrigerator maintenance service yearly to have your propane fridge serviced by certified technicians familiar with R290 systems.

The technician will clean the condenser coils if needed and thoroughly check the compressor, sealed system and all major components in the refrigerator to make sure the appliances is working safely and efficiently.

Annual professional refrigerator maintenance will also help your propane refrigerator last longer.

Sears Home Services Technician Tom Charland provides additional details about refrigerator maintenance in this helpful video:

Propane refrigerators represent a significant leap forward in refrigeration technology, offering an eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and cost-effective solution for cooling needs. With their low environmental impact and excellent performance, these refrigerators are beginning to enter into American homes.

Understanding how R290 refrigerators work helps you appreciate their benefits and make informed decisions when upgrading or investing in sustainable refrigeration solutions.

Whether you’re motivated by environmental concerns, energy savings, or regulatory compliance, a propane refrigerator is a safe, smart and forward-thinking choice.

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Glossary Terms

A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.

R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.

CFC certification refers to the credentialing process that qualifies HVAC technicians to handle chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other refrigerants in a manner that complies with environmental regulations. It is essential for professionals who install, maintain, or repair HVAC systems and refrigeration equipment.

Common Repair Refrigerator Symptoms

The most common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator won't make ice are a locked compressor, old water filter or a malfunctioning dispenser.

The most common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator water is not cold are a compromised water reservoir, failed door insulation, or a malfunctioning dispenser.

The most common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator water filter is not working are an old water filter, a defective water valve, or a malfunctioning PCB.

The most common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator water dispenser is not working are a locked compressor, old water filter or a malfunctioning dispenser.

The most common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator stopped working are a locked compressor, damaged evaporator or a defective electronic control board.

The most common reasons your Whirlpool refrigerator is not working are a defective electronic control board, bad temperature control thermostat or a locked compressor.