Einstein Refrigerator
The Einstein Refrigerator is a unique type of refrigerator co-invented in 1926 by Albert Einstein and former student Leó Szilárd. It is a single pressure absorption refrigerator. A prototype has shown the viability of the Einstein refrigeration cycle.
On November 11, 1930, patent number US1781541 was awarded to Albert Einstein and Leó Szilárd. The patent covered a thermodynamic refrigeration cycle providing cooling with no moving parts, at a constant pressure, with only heat as an input. The refrigeration cycle used ammonia (pressure equalizing fluid), butane (refrigerant), and water (absorbing fluid).
Einstein undertook this invention as a way of helping along his former student. He used the knowledge he had acquired during his years at the Swiss Patent office to get solid patents for the invention in several countries. The refrigerator was not immediately put into commercial production, but rights to use the patents were sold to companies such as Electrolux of Sweden, and the funds obtained supported Szilárd for several years. Electrolux now manufactures the design under the brand name Dometic.
Advantages
The Einstein Refrigerator has the following advantages:
- Silent operation
- Inexpensive equipment
- No moving parts
- High Reliability
- Portability
References
- Dannen, Gene. The Einstein-Szilard Refrigerator. Scientific American. January 1997. 6 pages.
- Einstein, A., L. Szilard, "Refrigeration" (Appl: 16 Dec. 1927; Priority: Germany, 16 Dec. 1926) Pat. No. 1,781,541 (United States), 11 Nov. 1930.
- Einstein, A., L. Szilard, "Accompanying notes and remarks for Pat. No. 1,781,541". Mandeville Special Collections Library USC. Box 35, Folder 3, 1927. pp. 52.
- Einstein, A., L. Szilard, "Improvements Relating to Refrigerating Apparatus." (Appl: 16 Dec. 1927; Priority: Germany, 16 Dec. 1926). Pat. No. 282,428 (United Kingdom). Complete accept.: 5 Nov. 1928.
