The rediscovery of absorption chillers
Absorption chillers are back - and for two very good reasons: they are environmentally sound and, in many cases, economically attractive. One factor fueling this resurgence is the outlook for natural gas, the energy source of most absorption systems. Deregulation has spurred exploration, and forecasts indicate an abundant supply and relatively low prices through 2050. Threats of global warming and depletion of the ozone layer also are forces driving the absorption chiller market. Being a good corporate citizen today means minimizing or eliminating the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), the basis of many refrigerants used in mechanical chillers. Even as chemical and chiller manufacturers alike work to develop substitute refrigerants, the perfect alternative has yet to be found. Absorption units are free of these problems, a benefit that appeals to many people.
- OSTI ID:
- 5010511
- Journal Information:
- Plant Engineering; (United States), Vol. 46:7; ISSN 0032-082X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
ABSORPTION REFRIGERATION CYCLE
AIR POLLUTION ABATEMENT
ECONOMICS
REFRIGERATING MACHINERY
REVIEWS
CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS
ENVIRONMENT
FUELS
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
NATURAL GAS
OZONE LAYER
REFRIGERANTS
CLIMATIC CHANGE
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENERGY SOURCES
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
GAS FUELS
GASES
LAYERS
MACHINERY
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION ABATEMENT
WORKING FLUIDS
320303* - Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization- Industrial & Agricultural Processes- Equipment & Processes