Deploying an absorption chiller as part of industrial cooling is a highly efficient and sustainable way of decarbonising industrial processes. Unlike traditional vapour-compression chillers that rely on electricity, absorption chillers utilise thermal energy, typically waste heat, to produce cooling.
The operation of an absorption chiller involves a thermodynamic process where a refrigerant, usually lithium bromide or ammonia, is absorbed in a solution, typically water. The absorption process generates cooling and the refrigerant is then released through a heat exchanger into a secondary refrigerant to cool the industrial process. This process is highly energy efficient and can save in excess of 70% of energy costs compared to traditional chillers.
Benefits of deploying an absorption chiller as part of industrial cooling include:
Reduced energy consumption: As an absorption chiller uses wasted thermal energy, it reduces the need for electricity and can significantly reduce energy consumption, leading to lower operational costs and carbon emissions.
Utilisation of waste heat: Absorption chillers can utilise waste heat from industrial processes or other sources, making them a highly sustainable and efficient cooling solution. The waste heat being used may also have been emitted into the atmosphere.
Low maintenance costs: Absorption chillers have fewer moving parts than traditional vapour-compression chillers, which results in lower maintenance costs and longer service life.
Improved power grid stability: By reducing the demand for electricity, absorption chillers can improve the stability of the power grid, reducing the risk of power outages.
Reduced carbon footprint: Absorption chillers produce much less greenhouse gas emissions than traditional vapour-compression chillers, which makes them an excellent tool for industrial decarbonisation.
Ability to operate using renewable energy: Absorption chillers can operate using renewable energy sources, such as solar or geothermal, making them a highly sustainable cooling solution.