Can You Use a Car Compressor for Refrigeration?

Many consumers wonder if a car compressor can be adapted for use in a refrigerator. This article explores the feasibility of using a car compressor to power a refrigeration system, discussing the necessary conditions and limitations.

General Considerations

Using a car compressor for refrigeration is possible but is not without challenges. The primary issue lies in the need for specific refrigerants and electrical considerations. This guide addresses these concerns and explains the practicalities involved.

Refrigerants and Compatibility

Car and home refrigerators often use different refrigerants. R134a is a common refrigerant used in both cars and some home refrigerators. In theory, you can use R134a from an auto parts store in a home refrigerator, provided that the compressor can handle this refrigerant. However, using any refrigerant containing stop leak compounds or added oil is discouraged due to potential compatibility issues and performance optimization.

Technical Feasibility and Planning

Adapting a car compressor for a home refrigeration system involves more than just changing the refrigerant. The compressor itself may need adjustments, and the heat exchanger must be appropriately sized. Additionally, the electrical configuration of a car’s compressor is optimized for vehicle use. Directly using this same compressor in a home refrigerator would require significant planning and logistics, including modifications to the energy supply and cooling efficiency.

Modern Developments: DC-Powered Compressors

Some recent refrigerator compressors have been designed with DC power in mind. These compressors are often used in recreational vehicles (RVs) and can run on 12V or 24V, depending on the application. Using these DC-powered compressors in a car would be more practical since they can source power directly from the car’s power station.

However, considerations such as the discharge pressure and the power supply must be carefully managed. CO2 gas can be used as a refrigerant, but the compressor must be capable of maintaining a discharge pressure of up to 1940 PSI, which is a significant challenge and typically not feasible with standard car compressors.

Power and Duration

To run a car compressor in a home setting, an inverter can be used. Inverters allow for the use of DC power from a portable power source to drive a compressor. However, depending on the compressor’s power output, small batteries in a petrol car will drain quickly without the engine running. At idle, the alternator may also produce insufficient power to sustain the operation of the compressor. Therefore, for practical use, a continuous power supply from an external or portable power source is recommended.

Conclusion

While it is possible to use a car compressor for refrigeration, this endeavor involves significant adaptation and planning. The success depends on the specific compressor, the type of refrigerant, and the availability of a reliable power source. Users should carefully consider these factors before attempting such an adaptation.