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Steam absorption chillers

(68 products available)

About steam absorption chillers

Types of steam absorption chillers

A steam absorption chiller is a complex machine with many types. The following table summarizes the common types:

  • Single-effect chillers: Steam-driven single-effect absorption chillers use a single-stage absorption process to cool. It utilizes an absorber, a generator, a condenser, and an evaporator. The refrigerant formed goes through the whole process loop, producing the cooling effects. This chiller type is popular for industrial and commercial applications where moderate cooling loads exist.
  • Double-effect chillers: As the name suggests, the double-effect steam absorption chiller uses two stages of absorption to produce more cooling effects than single-effect chillers. It consists of an upper and lower cycle closely linked to each other. This two cycles connection allows the refrigerant to recirculate more than once, leading to more significant heat removal and better energy efficiency. Double-effect steam absorption coolers suit large commercial buildings and industries with high cooling demands.
  • Heat-recovery chillers: Steam heat-recovery absorption chillers also employ a double-effect mechanism. Their difference is that they can capture waste heat from steam sources to generate additional cooling. They are suitable for industries that produce a lot of waste heat in their manufacturing processes.

Specifications & maintenance of steam absorption chillers

  • Cooling capacity

    Cup, the cooling capacity is the first specification to be noted. It indicates how much heat the chiller can absorb from the environment. This is typically indicated in tons or kilowatts (kW). One ton equals 3.517 kW of cooling.

  • The temperature range at which the chiller can operate.

    Absorption chillers are designed for specific evaporator temperatures. The lower evaporator temperature will allow more heat to be absorbed, resulting in greater cooling. A standard absorption chiller has an evaporator temperature range of 0 to 10 degrees Celsius.

  • Chiller efficiency

    Absorption chiller efficiency is indicated by the coefficient of performance (COP), which is the ratio of heat removed to the energy used to remove heat. This is the ratio of the cooling energy produced by the chiller to the thermal energy supplied to drive the cooling process.

  • The refrigerant used in the chiller.

    Absorption chillers use water as a refrigerant. Unlike compression chillers, which use artificial refrigerants like R-134A, R-410A, R-22, or R-404A, water is a natural refrigerant occurring in nature. This makes water ideal for large-scale cooling applications like industrial processes, air conditioning, and refrigeration.

  • Classical versus LiBr absorption chillers

    Some absorption chillers are classified as lithium bromide (LiBr) or ammonia (NH3) cooling systems. LiBr is only applicable to water generators. Classical water absorption cooling works by evaporating water from the evaporator. The water vapor then travels into the absorber, where lithium bromide takes the water vapor. NH3 works differently by absorbing refrigerant ammonia into an absorber with a high heat exchanger. The ammonia condensate will then re-inject into the evaporator to start the whole refrigeration process again.

Absorption chillers need regular maintenance to ensure they work well, stay efficient, and last a long time. Following this maintenance schedule can help prevent breakdowns, cut repair costs, and extend the machine's life.

Every day:

  • Check the coolers and chillers to see if there is any damage or leaks.
  • Look at the absorber solution concentration and make sure it is within the specified range of ideal concentration.

Weekly:

  • Check the solution temperature and ensure it is within the recommended operating range.
  • Inspection of operating parameters like refrigerant pressure and vacuum levels. Compare them to the ideal value to see if there is any deviation. Record the data and analyze them later.

Turn off the power supply while doing inspections. It is also very important to take the entire absorption chiller machine into account. A whole machine maintenance concept is important. All parts of a chiller machine are related.

Some chemical substances or changing concentrations of solutions may cause corrosion to occur in the ammonia absorption chiller. Temp and chemistry tech are crucial. It is important to understand the corrosion mechanism for accurate and precise machine component maintenance.

Regular cleaning is also very important. Debris and dirt will pile up and hinder the efficient heat exchange process, which is the fundamental working principle of an absorption chiller. Thus, condenser, evaporator, and cooling coils need to be cleaned regularly.

Usage scenarios of steam absorption chillers

Absorption chillers are useful in a variety of sectors. Here are some typical applications of absorption chillers:

  • HVAC systems

    Large plants, offices, and hotels use steam absorption chillers as a cooling source for their central HVAC systems. Benefiting from their high capacity and efficiency, they ensure the whole building is at a suitable temperature and environment.

  • Process cooling

    The chemical industry, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and other manufacturing industries require constant cooling. Steam absorption chillers are suitable for providing the stable and constant cooling that is necessary for those processes.

  • Industrial Refrigeration

    Steam absorption chillers can be used as a cooling system in industrial refrigeration. It is suitable for cold storage, refrigerated warehouses, and mechanical refrigeration systems.

  • Co-Generation and Tri-Generation Systems

    Co-generation systems simultaneously produce electricity and useful heat. Tri-generation systems produce electricity, heat, and chilled water. Both of the systems can utilize steam absorption chillers to convert excess heat into coolness, thus improving the overall energy utilization efficiency.

  • Heating and Cooling Networks

    Steam sources can come from centralized heating facilities, power plants, or industrial sites. They can be transmitted to different locations through piping systems. Once they arrive at the destination, absorption chillers can convert the steam into cold energy to meet localized cooling demands.

  • Marine Applications

    Steam absorption chillers have the potential to be used in marine applications like ships and offshore platforms. On these occasions, they can be employed to cool the living quarters, equipment, or other spaces on the ships, thereby ensuring the comfort and safety of the personnel and the normal operation of the equipment.

How to choose steam absorption chillers

Steam absorption chillers are usually efficient, quiet, and dependable. The major consideration when selecting a steam chiller is knowing its requirement and matching them with the features of the chiller.

  • Cooling requirement:

    Users should define their cooling requirements in terms of load capacity (in kw), temperature range, and operating conditions. Perform a detailed load calculation to determine the appropriate capacity of the absorption chiller.

  • Available heat source:

    Determine the type and quality of the steam or hot water available at the installation site. Consider factors such as pressure, temperature, and quantity. Ensure compatibility between the chiller and the heat source.

  • Efficiency and performance:

    Users should compare the energy efficiency ratio (EER) and annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of different absorption chiller models. Select a chiller that offers high energy efficiency and performance to minimize operating costs and environmental impact.

  • System integration:

    Consider the absorption chiller's ability to integrate with other systems, such as heating equipment, control systems, and distribution networks. Ensure proper coordination and compatibility to achieve optimal overall system performance.

  • Space and installation requirements:

    Check the dimensions and weight of the absorption chiller to ensure it fits in the available installation space. Consider the installation method and required clearances for proper maintenance and operation.

  • Regulatory compliance:

    Ensure the selected absorption chiller complies with relevant standards and regulations. Consider the chiller's environmental impact and refrigerant type to meet sustainability goals.

Q & A

Q1: What is the steam absorption chiller cycle?

A1: The absorption chiller works in a closed loop. It starts with the refrigerant evaporating in the cooling space. The evaporation process absorbs heat, making the refrigerant low-pressure vapor. The vapor moves to the absorber, where it mixes with the absorbent. The mixture is called a solution. The solution then gets pumped into the generator. In the generator, heat from the steam source raises the temperature of the solution. The heat increases the pressure of the refrigerant, causing it to separate from the absorbent. The refrigerant is now a high-pressure gas. It moves into the condenser, where it releases heat to the outside environment and changes back into a liquid. The liquid refrigerant goes back into the evaporator, and the cycle starts again.

Q2: What is the difference between absorption and compression chillers?

A2: The main difference between absorption and compression chillers is how they move heat. Compression chillers use electricity to power a mechanical compressor that compresses the refrigerant. On the other hand, Absorption chillers depend on heat to drive the cooling process and use an absorber, generator, pump, and lithium-bromide-water cycle to function.

Q3: What kind of steam does a steam chiller use?

A3: In the context of steam absorption chillers, the term "steam" refers to water vapor or humidity resulting from boiling water. It is different from industrial high-pressure steam. A steam absorption chiller can work with low-pressure steam from a central boiler or high-pressure steam from an industrial process.

Q4: What is the efficiency of absorption chillers?

A4: The efficiency of absorption chillers can vary based on factors like the design of the chiller, how well it is maintained, the operating conditions. But their efficiency is generally lower than that of compression cooling systems. The cooling effectiveness of absorption chillers is measured by a coefficient of performance (COP). The COP of absorption chillers typically ranges from 0.6 to 1.4.