Imukijäähdytys

Imukijäähdytys, also known as absorption chilling, is a process that uses a heat source instead of electricity to create a cooling effect. This method relies on the thermodynamic properties of a refrigerant and an absorbent solution. Typically, the refrigerant is water and the absorbent is a lithium bromide solution, or the refrigerant is ammonia and the absorbent is water.

The process begins with the refrigerant evaporating at low pressure, which absorbs heat from the space to be cooled. This creates the desired chilling effect. The low-pressure refrigerant vapor then enters an absorber where it is absorbed by the absorbent solution. This absorption process generates heat. The enriched absorbent solution is then pumped to a generator, where it is heated by an external heat source. This heat causes the refrigerant to boil off from the absorbent solution at a higher pressure. The refrigerant vapor then condenses into a liquid in a condenser, releasing heat. Finally, the liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, reducing its pressure and temperature, and returning to the evaporator to repeat the cycle.

Imukijäähdytys is particularly useful in locations where waste heat or solar energy is readily available, making it an energy-efficient alternative to conventional compressor-based refrigeration systems. Its applications range from industrial processes to air conditioning in buildings.