In this article, we’ll show you how to run a refrigerator on an inverter. You’ll be able to see if it’s possible, and all the things you need to ensure for you to run an inverter on a refrigerator.
Read along!
Can A Refrigerator REALLY Run On An Inverter?
Absolutely! A refrigerator can run on an inverter. You can power ANY refrigerator with an inverter so long the inverter has the APPROPRIATE CAPACITY, and you have your connections accurate.
Here’s how it works:
The major parts of the refrigerator that use the most power are the compressor, compressor fan, and evaporator fan.
So, you just need to make sure your inverter has the capacity to supply the amount of power that these major parts require to function at every instant.
What Is The Startup Power Required For A Household Refrigerator?
The startup power required for a household refrigerator can be calculated using the LRA (locked rotor amperage) written on the compressor. Why should you use this? It determines the surge/startup power of your refrigerator. You’ll see!
If the LRA of your refrigerator is 5A, and it runs with 95V, it follows that your surge power is 475W.
The startup power of a household refrigerator with these ratings is about 500W. Easy right?
Remember we said the compressor and compressor fan were two of the three major parts consuming the most power in your refrigerator?
That’s partly because the compressor and the compressor fan need to draw plenty of (peak) current when the refrigerator starts up. This amperage draw will drop when they reach running state.
Now, let’s do some quick math!
Pro Tip – You can simply find the running power rating of the refrigerator on the sides, and multiply it by a factor of 8 or 10. It’s often high enough to be the startup power required for your household refrigerator.
Thank me later!
Why Does Startup Requirement Matter When Picking the Right Inverter to Use?
Startup requirement matters when picking an inverter because it helps you know if the inverter can supply the refrigerator’s surge/startup power.
Since the inverter can only supply a set amount of power unlike grid power, you need to make sure it can supply just enough power to surge or start up the refrigerator.
Can a 2000W Inverter Run a Refrigerator?
A 2000W inverter can run a refrigerator whose startup or surge power is below 2000W. The startup power is often the peak power needed, and the highest amperage draws the refrigerator will have.
What Else Can We Use To Power a Refrigerator Without AC or DC Power?
You can power your refrigerator without AC or DC power. Propane is one such power source.
Propane: Propane can be used as an energy source for powering a refrigerator. It works based on a very awesome principle known as absorption cooling. Let’s go through it!
The refrigerator has gases like propane, ammonia, and water in different compartments. So, the propane heats up the ammonia to vaporize it into a condensing chamber where it encounters hydrogen gas.
The reaction between ammonia and hydrogen absorbs so much heat from the refrigerator compartment that it cools it.
However, ammonia liquefies again back into its initial compartment by absorbing so much heat and the cycle starts again.
HOW COOL IS THAT?!
So, there you have it! You can run your refrigerator on an inverter with enough power for its startup. You can also use propane to power your refrigerator without AC or DC power.
