Pedal-Powered (Vacuum) Zeolite Refrigerator

The refrigerator works by creating a vacuum in a system of 2 chambers to drive a thermodynamic reaction (boiling of water) at room temperature. The lowering in vapor pressure of the water, drives the water to boil. In order to do this, the water must capture heat from a system (the inside of the refrigerator). The continued pedaling (which drives the vacuum pump down to 10^-2 atm) will ensure that the water freezes as it continues to boil. After only about 10 min of pedaling, the valve to the vacuum pump can be shut off, and the zeolite container line opened. Zeolite are common absorbers based on aluminum silicates and will swell up to 30% its mass with water. The zeolite then absorbs the vapor produced by the boiling of the water, and, in order for the liquid water to remain in equilibrium with the vapor phase, it must continue to boil (for up to a day). In general, one can achieve constant temperatures of 0-6 Celsius for 1 day with only 10min of pedaling. Now this is a real way to cool for cheap. Even ice cubes can be made, and one cool advantage of this system is that the hotter it is outside, the more cold you can generate!

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• zeolite
• refrigerator
• google
• pedal
• bicycle
• contest
• absorbent
• cornell
• university
• vacuum
• pump
• innovate

[furionese]

how about flip that motor around to the other side and let bike's rear tyre still be attached to its wheel hence tyre rubber makes direct contact with the mechanical gear and still be able to turn it - no need use "belt" between skinned-rear-wheel and device gear? and no need to change wheel when you want to ride that bike on the road.

[narfzorkpinky]

That is the most ovbious way! and my first reaction... however, rotor pumps are very hard to turn just by friction (which is what you are proposing). You must use a belt if you are to create any torque, otherwise the wheel would slide. Additionally, the belt width and profile fit exactly on the rhim of the wheel, so there is no sliding. In conclusion, it would be too hard to generate torque because there is only 1 point of contact, as opposed to the belt, which contacts the wheel at least 75%

[ithoughtthatwasyou]

amazing.will you be putting up any more videos with more detailed info?

[narfzorkpinky]

No more videos.. but you can email me and I can help you and answer your questions =)

[jhwtech]

Clear as Crystal is a natural pond cleanser made of a unique form of Laumontite,

Could I use this as it's very cheap?

If not, where would you recommend buying the Zeolite, and what type is best to use for refrigeration.

Thanks

[narfzorkpinky]

hi jhwtech,

you can buy zeolite from sigma aldrich, they come in pellets. you can also google for zeolite, usually comes in 10+ pound bags. I am not sure about the microstructure of Clear as Crystal. You may want to try it for your specific system... I simply don't know if it would work.

[tangnatalaga]

nice idea, hard work is rewarded with cold beer. hahaha

[svaccha]

hello sir I have been allotted pedal powered refrigeration as my final semester project. I have seen the video which you have uploaded in youtube. I have some doubts regarding this project. Is there any way i can contact you so that i can get my doubts clarified regarding type or grade of Zeolite you ordered from sigma aldrich etc.I hope you would help me out as soon as possible. please.......

[IHNy89]

Hi, I am very impressed with your work.

I want to make ice applying your idea. where can I buy this vacuum pump that I can power with a bicycle? Also would natural zeolite work?

[thejaswiniethiraj]

sir , will u please tell me the efficiency of this refrigerator..its urgent sir..i have chosen dis topic for my project...this monday is the last date for the submission of abstract..so kindly reply soon sir

[adnan270890]

i would like to know whether just the vacuum pump and the outside temperature make the water boil?which grade of zeolite should i use?there are various grades of zeolite available.please help coz i hv to do this for b.e. mech project this yr.n monday is my presentation on this.PLZ ITS URGENT...........

[TheNomisrjds]

@narfzorkpinky how can i email you??

[TheNomisrjds]

can i still contact you?

what is your email address??

[250ansh]

@narfzorkpinky nice presentation but what is the alternative of zeolite ..

[MisterInnovation]

I have a few questions about this system, first, where did you get the pump, what model is it and how much does it cost. I have found several belt powered pumps online that cost 2-6k which is way out of my price range. second, what is the purpose of the zealite? all of the other videos dont show zealite. would a shamwow work? THANK YOU!

[reggiefavre]

Neat! I am actually building a refrigeration system using zeolites today. Instead of a bicycle to input manual power I am using the zeolite in a solar panel to harness heat from the sun to do all the work. Should be interesting to see how well it works.

[imthebowhunter]

Why not connect your vacuum pump to a windmill? Have your "refrigerator" underground where it is already cooler , maybe some salt to the water too.  Have you tried using other chemicals like ammonia instead of water?