TECH HELP EDITOR
Q Should I switch from my absorption fridge to a compressor fridge?
The fridge/freezer fitted to my motorhome has stopped working when selected to gas. It works on 230V.
The local motorhome repair shop has checked it out and replaced the jet, to no avail. It told me that the fridge needs replacing as spares are no longer available. There is no direct alternative to the Dometic unit currently fitted so any new unit is going to be a compromise.
Most of the time when out, we use an electric hook-up, but occasionally are off-grid for a few days. Having done a bit of searching, I have found that compressor fridges working on 12V/230V are available and, according to the marketing blurb, are power efficient and can be used for extended periods without draining the leisure battery. Are they a viable alternative to absorption fridges?
Richard Froggatt
A There are so many facets to this debate so I will try and lay a few out so you can get a feel for what suits you best…
Three-way absorbtion type
A concentrated ammonia solution is heated by a boiler and driven off as vapour, The pressurised ammonia gas is then liquefied in a condenser. Supplied with hydrogen, it evaporates and extracts heat from the storage container. The ammonia gas then enters the absorber where it is reabsorbed in a weak solution of ammonia. The saturated solution then flows back to the boiler where the whole process starts again. The ammonia solution is heated by three optional energy sources: 12V DC, 230V AC or gas.
If the fridge works in any of its three modes, then it is probably suitable to repair. If it does not freeze in any mode and they can be seen working, then the most likely reason is a small leak allowing the refrigerant to escape.
As your fridge works on 12V and on 230V mains then you just need to sort out the gas part. If
