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Revision as of 22:17, 21 September 2020

FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Device data
Hardware license CERN-OHL-S
Certifications Start OSHWA certification
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Project data
Location Parras, MX.
OKH Manifest Download

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Objective

As part of the Humboldt State University Parras Summer Program, we were given the chance to plan and construct an appropriate technology project of our choosing. As the result of a brainstorm in the beginning of the program, we decided that a solar powered refrigeration system would be well suited for the area. Our overall challenge being that it would not utilize electricity as its energy source.

The possibility of having a refrigeration system "off-grid" is a huge advantage in Northern Mexico (as well as other parts of the world). There are many circumstances where people do not have access to electricity or gas to power a refrigeration system. For this reason people are not able to store food as they would if they had electricity. Another challenge for all of Mexico's residents is that electricity is relatively expensive. There is the possibility that this project will create a system that is actually more affordable than standard refrigeration.

Project Criteria

Here is a table of criteria that, in our minds, define an appropriate technology for the construction of the refrigerator. When we come across a problem or an issue we can look to the table to help us remember what our criteria were in the first place. Not everything is black and white and for this reason sometimes it is easier to look to our model for what the most appropriate answer is for the situation.

Weight (0-10 highest) Value
Buy back time (economically viable) 9
Environmental Impact 9
Safety(for the consumer) 8
Cost(of construction and of final product) 7
Efficiency 7
Simplicity of use 7
Functionality 6
Utilizes local materials 5

Planning

The idea of a solar absorption refrigerator had existed from the beginning of the trip, however, not much was known about the workings of such a system. For this reason, much time was spent researching. From our research we concluded that an ammonia type intermittent system would be the most suitable for most situations.

In this system, a solar collector is used to heat an Ammonia solution which causes the ammonia to boil off and settle in the end of the system. Then, when the solar collector cools down, the ammonia at the end of the system evaporates, collecting heat from within the refrigerator and traveling back though the system to rejoin with the absorbant.

Grant Writing

We submitted a grant request to The International Journal for Service Learning in Engineering (IJSLE) for the sum of $1000 USD. The grant discussed the learning possibilities of this project as well as the impact it would have on the community. The grant was submitted on July 4th, 2008. Our project outline can be viewed via ServiceBook.org.

Collection of Materials

Materials collection ended up being the largest part of this project, with construction taking just over a week to complete. We encountered many obstacles in our searching, but we were able to improvise at many steps.

The refrigerator.
  • Broken Refrigerator

The refrigerator was the first part of the refrigerator that we sought out. We obtained it from Gerardo Delgado Ayala at his small, home run refrigerator repair shop at Calle Guerrero #13. The refrigerator had the compressor and other electronics removed. We hope to make use of it for the housing for our project.

  • Bamboo

By building the collector out of bamboo, we were able to avoid the wait for welding materials. The bamboo was collected at an orchard in Parras that is owned by a contact we made, Luis Cardeñas. Tools were supplied for us to be able to cut, size, and clean the bamboo. The bamboo was carried from the orchard back to the school so no cost was incurred in transport, although it was a long and heavy walk.

Budget

We formulated a budget in conjunction with the writing of the IJSLE grant. Before starting the project we did not have a clear idea of what materials would cost in Parras, so it was difficult to estimate how we would spend our money.

Projected Budget

This budget was designed to be within a 1000 USD range. It provided room for educational materials and a community demonstration.

Part Quanity Estimated Cost (Dollar) Estimated Total Cost (Dollar)
Refrigerant (Ammonia) 5 Lbs $16 $80
Hydrogen Pressurization 1 $16 $16
Tubing (Steel) 50 Feet $3 $150
Reflector Material 20 Square Feet $7 $140
Reflector Housing 1 $60 $60
Used Refrigerator Housing 1 $60 $60
Welding and Soldering work 1 $200 $200
Stop Valves 4 $6 $24
High Pressure Gauges 4 $20 $80
1" Discharge Pipe 2 $5 $10
Pipe Mounts 50 $.50 $25
Housing 1 $60 $60
Interpretive Materials 12 $2 $24
Steel Wool 4 $5 $20
Community Demo Signage 1 $35 $35
Community Demo Food 1 $120 $120
Total $1119

Actual Budget

The cost for supplies ended up being far less than we had originally expected. Our most expensive purchase ended up being the pipe.

Part Date Purchased Cost (Peso)
Broken Refrigerator July 13, 2008 $100
Bamboo July 21, 2008 Free
Cord July 21, 2008 $24
Plywood July 23, 2008 $215
Tin Foil July 28, 2008 $19.80
Glue July 28, 2008 $30
Collector Pipe July 28, 2008 Free
Pipe* July 28, 2008 $551
Monkey Wrench July 28, 2008 $91
Steel Wool July 31, 2008 $9.90
Total $$
  • Pipe Table Expanded

All of the pipe that we purchased was threaded galvanized steel.

Type Quanity Cost
90º Elbow ½” 12 $70
Pipe ½” x 7” 12 $192
Pipe ½” x 6” 2 $88
Pipe ½” x 4” 1 $30
Adapter 1½” to ½” 2 $56
90º Elbow 1½” 1 $30
Coupler ½” 2 $9
Pipe ½” x 60” 1 $30
Teflon Tape ¾” 1 $4
Quick Disconnects 1/2” 2 $42
Total $551

Construction

Collector

In our wait for welding equipment, we decided to begin construction of the solar collector.

The collector was designed with reference from SOLAR COLLECTOR/COOKER PAGE. We decided on a trough style parabolic collector to heat the collector pipe.

Using Winplot and a projector at the school, we were able to trace a template on cardboard for the shape of the parabola. Using this template we shaped metal rods that had been scrapped at the school. We used these parabolic metal rods as ribs for the support of the collector surface. The frame for the collector was constructed of bamboo. We designed the collector to be built with a minimum level of complexity to be sure that we didn't run into problems in construction. We also felt that the design we chose would be sturdy enough to sustain movement and adjustment. The collector surface was constructed of a thin ply plywood and laminated with tinfoil. We laid the plywood into the ribs of the collector and drilled holes to tie the plywood down. The plywood was flexable enough that only a couple of tie points were needed. When the plywood was mounted, we applied elmers glue to sections of the surface and applied the sheets of tin foil.

Condenser

Absorber

Testing

The main issue in our build was scale. The condenser in our system was far too small to produce any significant heat change. We noted fluid movement from the solar collector to the condenser and back again, but temperature change was insignificant. In future testing we would attempt to build a larger system, hoping that it would transfer more heat.

Notes for Future Attempts

  • In Parras it was quite difficult for us to get a hold of a welding system. Start asking around for one immediately, and be thinking of alternate methods. FLESA (the jeans factory) might be a good resource.
  • Ammonia was also difficult to find in Parras. We ended up having to get ours from Saltillo. Again, it would be important to start finding this early.
  • Our request for Ammonia was confused for Ammonium Hydroxide. Be careful on the wording of your request or try to be present for the purchase.

References


External Links

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