Absorption Refrigerator Tilt Tolerance
Absorption RV refrigerators circulate the refrigerant by gravity, not with a pump. When the vehicle is operated while off level and stationary, liquid ammonia collects in sections of the evaporator tube and cooling stops. For the permitted tolerance, take the value in your manufacturer's manual as the basis.
In the absorption cycle the tubes are made with a slope on which the liquid will flow in the correct direction under gravity. When the vehicle stands at an angle this flow is disturbed and liquid collects in certain sections. The result is not only that cooling stops; repeated incorrect operation can permanently damage the cooling unit.
- In compressor refrigerators this mechanism does not exist; their tilt tolerance is noticeably wider.
- While in motion the vehicle is constantly rocking so no liquid build-up occurs; the problem arises from parking at an angle for a long time.
- The numerical tolerance varies by model and the values commonly quoted do not always appear in the same form in primary manuals. Consult the manual of your own appliance.
The cooling unit contains ammonia under pressure and is a sealed circuit; it is not opened and not repaired. If you notice a sharp smell, switch the appliance off and contact service. In an RV with an absorption refrigerator, levelling is a matter of equipment life rather than comfort; the most concrete return of automatic levelling is seen here.
The context in which this term is used: RV automatic levelling guide