Absorption Chiller, How it works - working principle hvac

The Engineering Mindset2 minutes read

Absorption chillers utilize heat to cool water mixed with ammonia or lithium bromide, with the process involving separation through heat application, condensation, and evaporation in various components for efficient operation. The cycle involves boiling, condensing, and evaporating water to remove heat from buildings, with the heat-exchange process facilitated by the absorption of water vapor by lithium bromide in the absorber, creating a vacuum for continuous cooling.

Insights

  • Absorption chillers use a mixture of lithium bromide and water to create cooling without compressors, relying on the separation of components through heat for efficient operation.
  • The process of absorption chillers involves a complex cycle where lithium bromide attracts water moisture, generating a vacuum that allows for the transfer of heat, highlighting the intricate interplay of pressure, temperature, and chemical properties in the cooling system.

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Recent questions

  • How do absorption chillers work?

    Absorption chillers use heat to generate cooling.

  • What are the components of absorption chillers?

    Absorption chillers consist of condenser, generator, evaporator, absorber, and heat exchanger.

  • What is the purpose of the heat exchanger in absorption chillers?

    The heat exchanger cools the separated lithium bromide liquid.

  • How is water vapor attracted to lithium bromide in absorption chillers?

    Water vapor is drawn to the strong lithium bromide solution in the absorber.

  • What is the role of the evaporator in absorption chillers?

    The evaporator transfers heat from the building to the cold condensed water.

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Summary

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Efficient Absorption Chillers Utilize Heat for Cooling

  • Absorption chillers work without compressors, using heat to generate cooling by mixing water with either ammonia or lithium bromide.
  • Water boils at different temperatures under varying pressures, with lower pressures causing lower boiling points.
  • Lithium bromide attracts water moisture, allowing for separation by applying heat, with the heavier lithium bromide sinking and the water vapor rising.
  • Absorption chillers consist of a condenser, generator, evaporator, absorber, and a heat exchanger to enhance efficiency.
  • A mixture of 60% lithium bromide and 40% water is pumped into the generator, where heat separates the two components.
  • The separated lithium bromide liquid is cooled in the heat exchanger before being sprayed into the absorber and then pumped back to the generator.
  • Hot water vapor in the condenser is condensed back into liquid by circulating water from a cooling tower, which then flows to the evaporator.
  • In the evaporator, the chilled water loop transfers heat from the building to the cold condensed water, which evaporates due to low pressure, carrying away unwanted heat.
  • The water vapor in the evaporator is attracted to the strong lithium bromide solution in the absorber, creating a vacuum and repeating the cycle.
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