Comparative global warming impacts of electric vapor-compression and direct-fired absorption equipment; Final report
Technical Report
·
OSTI ID:142507
- Calm (James M.), Great Falls, VA (United States)
This document compares the global warming impacts of electric vapor-compression and gas-fired absorption-cycle equipment for commercial applications. Absorption chillers do not use ozone-depleting refrigerants, but substitution of alternative refrigerants in vapor-compression equipment also offers radically-reduced or eliminated potential for stratospheric ozone depletion. Net global warming impacts, therefore, provide a better indication of environmental preferability. Examination requires consideration of both direct and indirect effects. The direct component relates to release of refrigerants that are greenhouse gases, and the indirect to carbon dioxide production in powering the equipment. Regional comparisons, reflecting generation differences, show that electric vapor-compression chillers consistently result in lower net warming impacts than direct-fired absorption chillers. The analyses also indicate that improved performance, available at lower cost premiums than those associated with absorption chillers, offers further warming reductions. Integration of thermal storage, for peak-demand reduction and cost savings, offers a clear advantage over alternative use of gas-fired absorption-cycle chillers. The analyses address energy use for both chillers and associated heat rejection by cooling towers. The data, assumptions, calculation methods, and findings for these comparisons are summarized.
- Research Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States); Calm (James M.), Great Falls, VA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 142507
- Report Number(s):
- EPRI-TR--103297
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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