The Crosley IcyBall (wikipedia) is a commercial early-twentieth century portable chemical refrigerator that runs without moving parts or electricity. Cooling is caused by the evaporation and re-adsorption of ammonia into a water-based solution, which is a spontaneous process that can be reversed by applying heat, as from a campfire. Authentic IcyBalls are valuable antiques, but Larry Hall has posted a cool write-up of the one he built for himself using gas pipe fittings.
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6 thoughts on “How-To: Build your own IcyBall”
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I think this should be tagged at dangerous, ammonia gas is highly toxic, small amounts are fatal. So I wouldnt try this!
PLZ CAN ANYONE TELL ME ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF THE AMMONIA SOLUTION OR THE RATIO OF WATER TO AMMONIA
Larry, I just saw this in my latest Classic Car magazine in an article about Powel Crosley. I am very interested in making one that might work off the heat of a car exhaust. With a small fan on the cold bulb this might cool a small vehicle. i.e. the interior of my 1935 Ford P/U. Do you think this is feasible?
Thanks,
Roger