Absorptionskälteanlagen

Absorptionskälte, also known as absorption refrigeration, is a type of heat pump that uses heat to drive a refrigeration cycle. Unlike compression refrigeration, which uses mechanical compression to drive the cycle, absorptionskälte uses the absorption of a refrigerant into a working fluid. This process is typically driven by heat, which can be sourced from various energy inputs such as natural gas, fuel oil, or solar energy.

The working principle of absorptionskälte involves four main components: the generator, absorber, evaporator, and condenser. In the generator, the refrigerant is vaporized by the addition of heat, usually from a combustion process. The vapor then travels to the absorber, where it is absorbed into a working fluid, typically water or lithium bromide. The refrigerant is then desorbed from the working fluid in the evaporator, releasing heat and cooling the surrounding environment. Finally, the refrigerant vapor is condensed back into a liquid in the condenser, where it releases heat, which can be used for various purposes such as space heating or hot water production.

Absorptionskälte has several advantages over compression refrigeration. It can achieve higher coefficients of performance (COP) under certain conditions, particularly when using low-grade heat sources. It also has a simpler and more robust mechanical design, as it does not require compressors or other moving parts. Additionally, absorptionskälte systems can be more environmentally friendly, as they can use waste heat from industrial processes or renewable energy sources.

However, absorptionskälte also has some disadvantages. It typically has a slower response time compared to compression refrigeration, which can make it less suitable for applications that require rapid temperature changes. Additionally, the working fluids used in absorptionskälte can be corrosive, which can limit their use in certain applications. Despite these drawbacks, absorptionskälte remains an important and widely used technology in various industries, including refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump applications.