FAQ Absorption chillers
We have never heard of Absorption chillers? Is it new technology?
Ammonia Absorption chillers were the very first chillers developed in the 1870 's. Lithium Bromide Absorption chillers were developed in1931.
Why aren't they more widely used?
In countries with warmer climates they are! In the U.K. however since the 1940's electricity has been the preferred energy source, and with the development of nuclear power in the 1950's and the promise of virtually "free" electricity, all the technological development of the time went towards developing the electrical Vapor compression refrigeration cycle. However for large cooling loads in excess of (350kW) 100TR Absorption Chillers have always been used.
So what has changed?
- We now know the real cost of nuclear power
- "Free electricity was a false dawn"
- Today we are much more environmentally aware
- Government legislation to phase out CFC, HCFC, refrigerants, no future in HFC replacements
Are Absorption Chillers GREEN TECHNOLOGY?
YES! Absorption Chillers have the lowest T.E.W.I.
So what else has changed?
As a result of the 1970's oil crisis, Japanese and Italian engineers have improved the efficiency of Absorption chillers by 40 per cent, and today they are available in modular sizes from (12kW) upwards.
Will they recover their installation costs?
Yes! Because Absorption chillers use a cheaper fuel than their electrically driven rivals and because they have virtually no moving parts, they will always be cheaper to operate. The greater the annual operating hours, the faster will be the capital payback.