Absorption Chillers
Absorption chillers are commercially available in three designs which employ different cycles depending on the heat source supplied to the generator. The simplest and most common type is the single effect chiller which typically uses low-pressure steam as the heat source in the generator and incorporates one stage of lithium bromide solution reconcentration. The double effect type usually employs high-pressure steam in the generator and features two stages of solution reconcentration which increases the efficiency or COP (coefficient of performance). Both of the above types are classified as indirect-fired chillers as combustion of the fuel is not taking place within the chiller itself. The third type is the direct-fired absorption chiller/heater, which utilizes the combustion of natural gas or No. 2 fuel oil inside the generator as the heat source. This type is also a double effect design (two stages of solution reconcentration) and is capable of producing chilled water as well as hot water that can be used for a variety of purposes.