The Absorption Chiller.

An Alternative Energy Technology.

Rapidly escalating electrical rates.

Peak demand charges.

Refrigerant restrictions and compliance.

Environmental responsibility.

For those concerned about all of these issues - and who isn't today - absorption provides a viable alternative to the traditional electric chiller.

Cost Effective and Environmentally Responsible.

Absorption chillers not only deliver efficient, continuous cooling with minimal use of electricity, they also use water as the refrigerant, not the fluorocarbon refrigerants used by mechanical vapor compression chillers. Yet, they can be used in the same wide range of settings - hospitals, schools, libraries, retail facilities, office buildings, industrial processing, and more.

Heat-Driven Cycle.

The basic absorption cycle, while similar to vapor compression in that both employ an evaporator to vaporize refrigerant and a condenser to return the refrigerant to its liquid state, does differ in its method of "compression." Absorption utilizes a thermal or chemical process which takes place in the absorber and generator section of the chiller. In the absorber, a lithium bromide solution absorbs low-pressure refrigerant water vapor produced in the evaporator. Operation in a deep vacuum causes the water to evaporate at low temperature, providing the refrigeration effect necessary to produce chilled water. The now diluted lithium bromide solution is pumped to the generator where heat is added to boil off the refrigerant, supplying vapor to the condenser. Refrigerant liquid returns to the evaporator while reconcentrated solution returns to the absorber to complete the cycle. Depending on configuration, reconcentration can occur in one or more stages.

A Money-Saving Alternative Energy Choice.

Absorption eliminates high electric costs and demand/ratchet charges because it uses economical natural gas, steam, hot water or various forms of waste heat as an energy source.

A life-cycle cost analysis, which considers purchase, installation, maintenance, and operating costs, often shows that absorption chillers are less expensive to own than electric chillers. What's more, because they fall under the "gas cooling" classification, absorption chillers typically qualify for utility rebates and incentives in many areas of the country - either to help reduce peak consumption of electric power, or in an effort to utilize abundant natural gas reserves in summer months.

Quiet, Reliable, and Easy to Maintain.

Relatively few moving parts make absorption chillers inherently reliable and less subject to mechanical failure than vapor compression chillers. You'll save time and money on service and inspection. Low sound and vibration levels allow installation close to occupied spaces, even on upper floors, without compromising occupant comfort.

Carrier Sets the Standard… Again.

Over half a century ago, Carrier Corporation began intensive research and development efforts on the absorption-cooling cycle that led to the first commercially manufactured units for large tonnage applications. Today, Carrier continues to lead the way with a variety of absorption chiller products and ongoing development of existing and new products.

Carrier Direct-Fired Absorption Cools and Heats Efficiently

Economical Natural Gas.

The characteristics of the Carrier 16DF direct-fired chiller/heater are similar to those of the 16JT double-effect, with one major exception. The (direct) firing of natural gas within the combustion chamber acts as the heat source, rather than supplying steam to the generator from an external source. Direct-fired absorption has become the product of choice for many due to the comparatively low cost and plentiful supply of natural gas. As such, the 16DF is the perfect choice to serve the growing direct-fired market with its superior reliability and cost-effective, quiet operation.

Environmentally Preferred.

Clean-burning natural gas in not only typically less expensive than electricity, but it's very efficient as well. When considered along with the CFC-free benefits of absorption, it's the intelligent alternative to meet today's environmental challenges.

A Year-Round Advantage.

Available from 135- to 1000-tons nominal capacity, the 16DF earns its keep year-round. In addition to operating as a conventional water chiller, it can also provide hot water. In many cases, installation of a Carrier 16DF absorption chiller/heater allows you to reduce the size of a boiler, or maybe even eliminate it.
16DF FeaturesBenefits
Automatic Concentration Control System Prevents crystallization by taking corrective action prior to an overconcentration condition developing. Allows operation at reduced cooling water temperatures.
Hermetic, Self-Contained PumpsEliminates need for external cooling and lubrication. Exceptional reliability with recommended inspection interval of 50,000 to 60,000 hours of operation.
Motorless Purge SystemContinuously removes non-condensibles during unit operation. Noncondensibles stored externally.
Palladium CellContinuously removes hydrogen from inside the machine.
Non-Clogging Spray HeadsUniform spray distribution enhances heat transfer and efficiency. Corrosion-proof material.
WaterboxesAllows easy access for tubeside cleaning and maintenance.
Epoxy-Coated WaterboxesProtects tubesheet and waterbox from corrosion damage.
ANSI Flanged Waterbox NozzlesProvides easy connection to system piping.
59F Cooling Water TemperatureAllows operation down to 59F without need for tower bypass.
Heating OperationProvides hot water for space heating or other purposes.
Microprocessor ControlsProvides state-of-the-art chiller control, monitoring, and diagnostics.
Low Noise/Vibration LevelTypical 80 dBA sound level allows installation near occupied spaces.